Aerospace

Airbus completes automatic aerial refueling flight test for F-15

Prior to its certification in the first half of 2024, Airbus and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) collaborated to successfully complete the automatic air-to-air refueling (A3R) flight test campaign with the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and F-15 fighter.

A RSAF A330 MRTT performed more than 500 automatic wet and dry contacts with the air force’s entire fleet of receiver aircraft over the course of three weeks in August, including the F-15SG aircraft, a customized variation of the US-built F-15E Strike Eagle air-to-ground fighter jet.

The world’s first automatic refuelling Airbus A330 MRTT has been certified.(Opens in a new browser tab)

In order to finish the development and allow night capabilities with the automated system, further night flights were conducted throughout the test campaign, using not only F-15s but also the RSAF’s A330 MRTT and F-16s as receivers for data collecting.

The A330 MRTT became the first tanker in the world to be licensed for autonomous air-to-air refueling operations in daylight with F-16s and A330 MRTTs acting as receivers in July 2022.

In order to maximize air superiority, the autonomous refueling system minimizes the burden of air-refueling operators, enhances safety, and optimises the rate at which fuel is transferred from one aircraft to another.

10 fastest fighter jets in the world.(Opens in a new browser tab)

The Airbus A330 MRTT, which has been combat tested since 2014, is approved for aerial refueling using boom and hose-and-drogue systems for a variety of aircraft, including the F-15, F-16, F-35, A330 MRTT, AWACS, Eurofighter, and many others.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.