The RAAF and Airbus have demonstrated automatic air-to-air refueling (A3R) with a KC-130A in a world first for the technology.
In a flight off the southern Spanish coast, Airbus’ A310 company development tanker performed seven automatic contacts with a RAAF KC-30A tanker over a two-hour test period.
The system requires no additional equipment on the receiver and is intended to reduce refuelling boom operator workload, improve safety, and optimise the rate of air-to-air refuelling in operational conditions to maximise aerial superiority. Airbus has begun work towards introducing the system on the current production A330 multi role tanker transport.
During the receiver's initial approach, the tanker’s Air Refuelling Operator (ARO) performs usual boom control procedures. Innovative passive techniques such as image processing are then used to determine the receiver’s refuelling receptacle position. When the automated system is activated, a fully automated flight control system flies and maintains the boom aligned with the receiver’s receptacle.
“It was extremely impressive to see how accurately the A3R system tracks the receiver," David Piatti, the Airbus Test ARO (boomer) on the A310, said. "It can be very useful to be able to refuel another tanker or transport, for example to extend its deployment range or to avoid taking fuel back to base, but it is also a challenging operation and this system has the potential to reduce workload and the risk involved.”
The trial was conducted in conjunction with Test Pilots and Flight Test Engineers from the RAAF’s Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU).
Squadron Leader Lawry Benier said the RAAF were assisting Airbus Defence & Space on the development of A3R and other technologies to increase the utility of the KC-30A within a battlespace.
“It’s very encouraging to come to Spain and see the progress that’s been made with A3R, and be able to witness it firsthand refuelling our KC-30A,” Squadron Leader Benier said.
“Refuelling large receivers is a role RAAF has conducted extensively on operations and exercises, allowing us to extend the reach and responsiveness of our air mobility fleet, as well as keep surveillance aircraft in the air for longer.”
Last year, Airbus announced that it had demonstrated A3R contacts between its A310 test-bed and a Portuguese Air Force F-16 fighter.
The tests were carried out off the Portuguese coast, involving six contacts between tanker and fighter flying at 25,000 feet and at a speed of 270 knots.