Airbus and Singapore have decided to collaborate on the development of the A330 SMART Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). The SMART MRTT program will develop, certify and implement automatic air-to-air refueling (A3R) capability and advanced maintenance solutions for the A330 MRTT.
With this collaboration Singapore becomes a key partner for new automated air refueling features. Under the agreement, an RSAF A330 MRTT will take part in the ongoing development, flight test campaign and final certification program. The flight test campaign, which has already started, aims for certification in 2021.
While the development of SMART MRTT capabilities further reinforces Airbus' technological advantage and position as a leader in the tanker market, the advanced maintenance solution is designed to improve the availability of the A330 MRTT and the overall success rate of the mission.
"With this agreement, the Singapore Air Force becomes the driver of the evolution of the A330 MRTT, helping us to bring new capabilities for the operations of the new generation tankers"said Alberto Gutiérrez, Airbus Head of Military Aircraft.
Towards a completely autonomous operation
The A3R system requires no additional equipment on the receiving aircraft and is designed to reduce the workload of the Air Refueling Operator (ARO), improve safety and optimize the fuel transfer rate during air-to-air refueling (AAR) in operating conditions, for greater air superiority.
Once the A3R system is activated by the ARO, the Boom Flight Control System becomes fully automated and proceeds to transfer the fuel to contact with the receiver. During this process, the ARO simply monitors the operation. In the event of an anomaly due to deviations in the stability of the receiving aircraft or malfunctions on the tanker, the A3R system is able to safely disconnect and / or store the arm from the receiver.
From the receiver's point of view, pilots approaching the tanker receive visual signals from the Pilot Director Lights (PDL). This function allows more efficient operations, with more fluid passages and minimizes times during docking.
The development of the A3R paves the way for a fully autonomous air refueling operation.
Two years after the first automatic contact in the world
In July 2018 Airbus demonstrated that the A3R was feasible as a product after the creation of the world's first automatic connection with a Boom system. In a joint operation with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Airbus' A310 tanker made seven automated connections with a RAAF KAF-30A MRTT, also produced by Airbus.
Improved maintenance
The advanced maintenance equipment will allow ground crews to detect and resolve problems that may be causing a failure directly from the aircraft cockpit. This new update allows a faster resolution of ground intervention activities, optimizing the use of spare parts.
