Canada’s First CC-330 Husky Aircraft Takes to Skies

The first A330 MRTT multi-role aircraft, designated CC-330 Husky by Canada, took to the skies for the first time at the company’s facility in Getafe, Spain.

This was reported on social media by Airbus Defence.

The company noted that production is on schedule, and delivery of the aircraft to the customer is planned for next year.

The program to develop the A330 MRTT family of aircraft was based on the civilian wide-body Airbus A330-200. The company developed this military variant to replace outdated, previous-generation refueling aircraft such as the KC-135 and DC-10.

The base version of the Airbus refueling aircraft made its maiden flight in June 2007. The primary operators of these aircraft are the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Saudi Arabia, and NATO’s multinational fleet of refueling aircraft.

Canada has decided to join the club of A330 MRTT operators as part of the STTC (Strategic Tanker Transport Capability) program to replace its fleet of CC-150 Polaris aircraft. In June 2023, the Canadian government signed a contract to purchase nine aircraft, four of which will be built from scratch, and five will be converted from used civilian aircraft.

The CC-330 Husky is a dual-purpose aircraft capable of simultaneously transporting fuel and cargo or personnel. The aircraft’s design allows for the use of fuel tanks in the wings and fuselage without installing additional tanks in the cargo compartment, leaving plenty of free space.

The aircraft’s maximum fuel capacity is 111 metric tons, which is the highest among all modern refueling aircraft available on the market.

To ensure versatility, the aircraft is equipped with underwing refueling units using the “hose-and-dome” system for CF-18-type aircraft, as well as an ARBS (Aerial Refueling Boom System) tail boom.

The CC-330 Husky can operate as a full-fledged military transport aircraft, capable of carrying up to 300 passengers in its standard configuration.

The aircraft can also carry up to 45 metric tons of cargo on pallets or in containers in its lower and main cargo holds.

For humanitarian and special missions, the aircraft can be quickly reconfigured for medical evacuation. In this configuration, it can accommodate up to 130 wounded personnel, including intensive care units and workstations for medical personnel.