In a groundbreaking collaboration, Airbus and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) have achieved a significant milestone in the automatic air-to-air refuelling (A3R) field. The successful test campaign featured the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and the RSAF’s F-15 fighter, paving the way for its anticipated certification in the first half of 2024.
Revolutionizing Air-to-Air Refuelling
The RSAF A330 MRTT embarked on a three-week test campaign in August, accomplishing more than 500 automated wet and dry contacts with the RSAF’s full range of receiver aircraft, including the F-15SG, a customized variant of the US-manufactured F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet.
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, shared his thoughts on this significant achievement, stating, “The A330 MRTT has transformed the future of air-to-air refuelling, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Airbus and the Republic of Singapore Air Force. This milestone now positions the RSAF as the world’s first Air Force with a boom automatic refuelling capability across its entire fleet of receivers. This capability holds the potential to extend to refuelling receivers from other nations.”
Illuminating the Night: Automatic Air-to-Air with F-15s, F-16s, and MRTT
The test campaign included night flights, expanding the boundaries of air-to-air refuelling. These night missions featured not only F-15s but also RSAF’s A330 MRTT and F-16s as receivers for data collection. The objective was to finalize the development and enable night-time capabilities using the automated system.
In July 2022, the A330 MRTT earned the distinction of becoming the world’s first tanker certified for automatic air-to-air refuelling operations in daylight conditions with F-16s and A330 MRTTs as the designated receivers.
Elevating Efficiency: The Automatic Refuelling System
The automatic air-to-air refuelling system plays a pivotal role in streamlining operations, reducing operator workload, enhancing safety, and optimizing air-to-air refuelling transfer rates during operational missions. This breakthrough is a significant stride towards achieving superior air dominance.
A330 MRTT: The Epitome of Flexibility
The Airbus A330 MRTT, combat-proven since 2014, boasts certification for aerial refuelling with both boom and hose-and-drogue systems across a diverse array of aircraft. This includes compatibility with F-15, F-16, F-35, A330 MRTT, AWACS, Eurofighter, and numerous other aircraft.
The Collaborative Future of Air-to-Air Refuelling
The successful collaboration between Airbus and the RSAF in advancing automatic air-to-air refuelling showcases the limitless potential of such joint efforts. This leap in technology marks a significant milestone in aviation history and propels the industry into a future where air-to-air refuelling reaches new heights of efficiency, safety, and operability. The implications of this achievement extend far beyond the RSAF and Airbus, as it has the potential to revolutionize air forces and missions around the world.
In Conclusion: A Testament to Progress and Innovation
The results of these extensive trials underscore the commitment of both Airbus and the RSAF to the cause of safety, efficiency, and technological advancement in aviation. This success story may have its roots in the RSAF, but its ramifications will be felt globally, as the dream of streamlined air-to-air refuelling operations becomes a reality. This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication of the aerospace industry to deliver innovative solutions that advance the boundaries of what is possible in flight.
Photo: AIrbus
For more info, please visit https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-10-successful-a330-mrtt-flight-test-campaign-for-f-15-fighters
