ILA 2012 : Airbus Investigating A330 MRTT Boom Detachment

Airbus Military is investigating what caused the inflight refuelling boom from an A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft to separate from the aircraft during a flight over Spain on 10 September.

The boom detached from the second aircraft destined for the United Arab Emirates Air Force during a test flight from the company's Getafe facility.

Detailing the incident in the company's press conference at the ILA Airshow in Berlin, Domingo Ureña-Raso, CEO of Airbus Military, told journalists: The aircraft was under flight test before delivery to our customer… and was able to land without issue.'

The A330 MRTT fleet has not been grounded, but Airbus Military is advising customers using the boom on the aircraft not to use it until the investigation has been carried out. Operations with the aircraft and the hose-drogue refuelling systems can continue as normal. It is understood the issue will currently only effect the Royal Australian Air Force.

Authorities have recovered the boom which was found in an unpopulated area near the Portuguese border. The incident is the second such incident afflicting the A330 MRTT's boom system. 

The first, which took place in January 2011, occurred as an Australian tanker refuelled a Portuguese Air Force F-16 over water. The boom was never recovered, but investigations showed that the boom was trying to return to a safe position when it failed.

Engineers have since installed a warning system for the boom operator. During that incident both aircraft landed safely. 

The company has high hopes for the MRTT and believes there is a market for as many as 350 MRTT aircraft over the next 30 years. The company is currently building tankers for the UAE Air Force and the Saudi Arabian Air Force. Airbus Military has also submitted documentation to meet the requirements of the Indian Air Force who are looking for a replacement for their Il-78 'Midas' aircraft.