Air-to-air refueling is important for military aircraft to extend their missions and stay airborne longer. Aircraft like the KC-135 Stratotanker and the KC-10 Extender air-to-air refuelers play vital roles in military service. Enter the Airbus A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport), an advanced air-to-air refueler and tanker capable of conducting refueling without human intervention. This innovation is called automatic air-to-air refueling (A3R).
This air tanker has secured 76 sales as of August 2023. Countries such as Australia, France, NATO, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, the UAE, the UK, Spain, and Canada have ordered this aircraft.
Automatic Air-to-Air Refueling
The Airbus A330 MRTT is the world’s first tanker certified for automatic air-to-air refueling (A3R) during the day. This certification was achieved in partnership with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). The A3R system, certified by the Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA), requires no additional equipment on the receiving aircraft. It aims to reduce the workload of the air refueling operator (ARO), enhance safety, and optimize the air-to-air refueling (AAR) transfer rate under operational conditions.
The certification journey began in 2018 with the first automated boom system contact in collaboration with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Since then, the A330 MRTT has achieved several milestones, thanks to the support of its customers. RSAF, the launch customer, played a key role in these advancements. The A330 MRTT now offers superior refueling capabilities.
Advanced Refueling Systems
The A330 MRTT features several advanced refueling systems. The Airbus Defense and Space Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) enables fast fuel flow rates of up to 3,600 kg/min (1,200 US gal/min). This system can refuel aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35A Lightning II, or another A330 MRTT equipped with a Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI). Independent assessments have rated the ARBS for its excellent handling qualities.
Under-wing pods provide simultaneous hose and drogue refueling at high fuel offload rates (1,300 kg/min – 420 US gal/min), allowing receivers to minimize refueling time and improve operational efficiency. The Cobham 905E under-wing pods, in service and proven in operation, enable the A330 MRTT to refuel any NATO or allied probe-equipped receivers like the Eurofighter, Tornado, Jaguar, or F/A-18 Hornet. The A330 MRTT’s compatibility with receivers worldwide ensures coalition interoperability.
The Fuselage Refueling Unit (FRU) allows the refueling of large probe-equipped aircraft such as the A400M or C295 at high fuel offload rates (1,800 kg/min – 600 US gal/min). The FRU, a removable hose and drogue unit, ensures that NATO fuel types are transferred from wing-pods, while an alternative fuel type is dispensed from the FRU.
Technological Advancements
The A330 MRTT continues to advance technologically. Between May and June, the RSAF A330 MRTT conducted ten flights with Portuguese F-16s, Singapore F-16s, F-15SG fighters, and another Singapore MRTT as the receiver. During these flights, more than 500 contacts were performed, with over 150 contacts being automatic under night conditions. These night tests involved different night illumination conditions and receiver external configurations.
The new camera system, part of the latest A3R system configuration, uses state-of-the-art technology to improve image quality for both automatic and manual refueling operations. This enhancement boosts the A330 MRTT’s vision system quality during day, dusk, and night conditions. The aircraft aims to achieve certification for night A3R operations by 2025.
The Airbus A330 MRTT sets the standard for multi-role tankers with its automatic air-to-air refueling capabilities. This aircraft, with its advanced systems and technological advancements, enhances operational efficiency and safety.
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