Airbus concludes MRTT auto-refuelling development

Airbus Defence and Space (DS) has concluded development of its automatic air-to-air refuelling (A3R) system for the A330-200 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft.

A graphic representation of Airbus’s new automatic air-to-air refuelling (A3R) system passing fuel to an F-16 receiver aircraft. (Airbus)

The company announced on 20 May that development of the system had reached its conclusion following a flight test campaign that was in large part conducted in partnership with Singapore.

“This campaign came about after Airbus and Singapore agreed in February 2020 to collaborate on the A330 Smart MRTT programme, to develop, certify, and implement A3R capability, as well as enhanced maintenance solutions for the A330 MRTT,” Airbus said. “The trial was conducted in collaboration with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency, taking place in Singapore in early 2021. It marked the inaugural participation of an A3R-equipped RSAF A330 MRTT acting as tanker and several receivers from the RSAF, including another A330 MRTT and fighter aircraft like the F-16 and F-15SG.”

The flight trials campaign saw 88 fully automated ‘dry’ (no fuel passed) and ‘wet’ (fuel passed) contacts, as well as the transfer of nearly 30 tonnes of fuel to A330 MRTT and RSAF Lockheed Martin F-16D/F-16D+ Fighting Falcon receivers. All tests required for A3R Data Gathering with the Boeing F-15SG Eagle, including operational flights to demonstrate the A3R performances in a mission representative scenario were also completed.