The French Air Force received the first A330-200 MRTT Phénix (Multi Role Tanker Transport) aircraft. The remaining eight aircraft will be delivered by 2023.
Phénix is ordered for replace to aging KC-135R, C-135FR tankers and A340 and A310 transport aircraft in France inventory. A330-300MRTT has two Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines. The aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 233,000 kilograms can also be used for transport duties. Phénix is capable of carrying 111,200 kilograms of fuel in its tanker missions. Phénix refuel other aircraft with one Airbus Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) on tail and one hose-drogue system under each wing.
France is expected to order three more Phénixs. Paris announced last delivery of aircraft pulled to 2023 from 2025 as a result of the steps taken to accelerate the delivery
