Airbus A310 MRT

The Airbus A310 MRT (Multi‑Role Transport) is a twin‑engine, medium‑range transport aircraft derived from the commercial A310 and built by Airbus SE. Development began in 1980 as a military adaptation of the civilian model, with the first flight on 19 September 1982 and entry into service with the French Air Force in 1984. The A310 MRT combines a shortened 44‑meter fuselage, reinforced floor, and a large rear cargo ramp, allowing it to carry up to 180 troops, vehicles, or 30 tonnes of cargo while maintaining a range of roughly 6,300 km when fully loaded. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW4152 or General Electric CF6‑80A2 turbofans, the aircraft benefits from a high‑wing‑fuselage configuration, advanced fly‑by‑wire avionics, and a versatile cabin that can be quickly re‑configured for cargo, medevac, or aerial refuelling missions. Its robust design and relatively low operating cost made it popular among NATO and humanitarian operators, where it supported rapid deployment, peace‑keeping, and disaster‑relief flights. Though production ceased in 1998, the A310 MRT paved the way for later dedicated transport types such as the A330 MRTT, cementing Airbus’s reputation for flexible, multi‑role platforms in both civilian and military aviation.