Airbus A400M and A330 MRTT Aircraft Aid French Military's Rapid Troop Transfer Demonstrations

Airbus-built A400M and A330 MRTT aircraft provided airlift and aerial refueling support in a recent demonstration of rapid transfer of French military forces over long distances.

Two A400M airlifters and two A330 Multi Role Tanker Transports from the French Air and Space Force’s inventory were involved in the June-July mission. The A330 MRTTs supported French front-line combat aircraft with seven en-route air-to-air refueling, while the A400Ms carried approximately 30 tons of equipment and cargo, the company said in a statement July 15.

The demo involved Airbus Services teams based in France at the airbases of Orléans (home to the A400Ms) and Istres (for A330 MRTTs).

The mission proved the ability of France to traverse 17000km to provide support its armed forces deployed in Polynesia.

The A330 MRTTs were introduced for filling in the role of refueling two combat aircraft simultaneously while airborne. The aircraft is equipped to carry up to 110 metric tons of fuel. The French A330 MRTTs equipped with “Morphée” patient resuscitation module in its cabin which provides medical evacuation capacity. This facility was first utilized in 2020 during the transfer of COVID-19 patients.

A400M are tactical airlifter with strategic capabilities, Along with the transport role, the A400M can perform aerial refueling and medical evacuation when fitted with appropriate equipment.