Airbus and Singapore have achieved full certification of the Automatic Air-to-Air Refuelling (A3R) capability on the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).
“The certification of A3R with Singapore is a significant achievement and a clear demonstration of what long-term partnership can deliver. Singapore has consistently led the adoption and co-development of next-generation aerospace technologies, and Airbus is proud to support the RSAF and DSTA in fielding a capability that will shape the future of air-to-air refuelling," Chief Executive Officer at Airbus Defence and Space, Mike Schoellhorn, said.
The Certification was granted by the Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) following an extensive qualification and flight-test campaign conducted in close collaboration with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Singapore Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA).
“Achieving full certification of A3R is a significant achievement as Singapore’s A330 MRTTs can now perform automatic refuelling both in daytime and at night. DSTA worked very closely with the RSAF and Airbus to advance innovation, enhance safety and reduce crew workload. This attainment showcases effective technology integration and sets a new benchmark on automatic aerial refuelling globally," Defence Science and Technology Agency, Chief Executive, Ng Chad-son, stated.
This has represented a milestone in the continued development of the A330 MRTT platform. According to Airbus, with this certification, the RSAF has become the first air force globally to introduce A3R on its fleet of A330 MRTTs, operated by 112 Squadron.
This has represented a milestone in the continued development of the A330 MRTT platform. According to Airbus, with this certification, the RSAF has become the first air force globally to introduce A3R on its fleet of A330 MRTTs, operated by 112 Squadron.
“The RSAF is pleased to have partnered with DSTA and Airbus in pioneering the world's first A3R capability. This development will enhance the RSAF's aerial refuelling operations, contributing to greater operational effectiveness. It also reflects the RSAF's commitment to working with industry partners to innovate and remain at the leading edge of technology," Chief of Air Force at Republic of Singapore Air Force Major-General Kelvin Fan, highlighted.
The joint effort between Airbus, RSAF and DSTA began in 2020 to validate and accelerate entry into service of the A3R system. The certification program has encompassed day and night missions, expanded flight envelopes, and multiple receiver aircraft types
.
The flight trials took place both in Spain and Singapore, with the RSAF providing the A330 MRTTs, as well as F16s and F15s, as receivers to support the testing and validations.
Developed by Airbus as part of its SMART MRTT vision, the A3R system has employed advanced automation and computer vision technologies to automatically detect, track, and engage receiver aircraft, without the need for manual input.
Developed by Airbus as part of its SMART MRTT vision, the A3R system has employed advanced automation and computer vision technologies to automatically detect, track, and engage receiver aircraft, without the need for manual input.