Aviation

Airbus shows F-15 jets automatic refueling from A330 tanker

Airbus, in collaboration with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), recently achieved a significant milestone by conducting successful automatic air-to-air refueling (A3R) tests using their A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and F-15 fighter aircraft. This accomplishment is a crucial step towards the system’s certification, expected in the first half of 2024.

This groundbreaking achievement marked a significant leap forward in aerial refueling technology. The key players in this momentous feat were the RSAF’s Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and the formidable F-15 fighter jet.

The RSAF A330 MRTT demonstrated its prowess by performing over 500 automatic wet and dry contacts with the air force’s entire fleet of receiver aircraft in a span of three weeks in August. This extensive testing included the F-15SG aircraft, a customized version of the US-built F-15E Strike Eagle, which is primarily an air-to-ground fighter jet.

The capabilities of the A330 MRTT extend beyond the F-15, encompassing a variety of aircraft such as the F-16, F-35, AWACS, and Eurofighter. This versatility makes it a valuable asset for a wide range of aerial refueling operations.

One of the most notable advantages of the automatic refueling system is its ability to reduce the workload on air-refueling operators while simultaneously enhancing safety. Moreover, it optimizes the efficiency of fuel transfer between aircraft, ensuring that they stay in the air longer, thereby maximizing air superiority.

The successful collaboration between Airbus and the RSAF in perfecting automatic air-to-air refueling is a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation in aviation, setting the stage for more efficient and safer operations in the future.

Aviation

Airbus Enhances A350 Cabin with 10-Abreast Seating

Airbus has announced a new partnership with Jiatai Aircraft Equipment, a Chinese aircraft seating manufacturer, to supply upgraded economy-class seats for the A350 widebody series.

This collaboration, unveiled at the 2024 Airshow China, focuses on developing a newly designed economy seat tailored for the A350‘s New Production Standard (NPS) cabin.

One of the key features of the NPS cabin is the ability to accommodate 17-inch wide economy seats, compared to the previous 16.5-inch wide seats that airlines were limited to in the A350’s earlier configurations.

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This change is made possible by the expanded space in the NPS cabin, which is 35 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the previous version. This extra space is achieved by slightly moving the cockpit wall forward and shifting the rear pressure bulkhead back by one frame.

The wider cabin allows airlines to add up to 30 extra economy seats without compromising comfort. For airlines opting for a 3-4-3 seating layout, the 17-inch wide seats are an excellent choice for a more comfortable passenger experience. However, some airlines, such as Iberia, may choose to retain a 9-abreast layout with wider seats for added comfort.

The NPS cabin also offers enhanced flexibility for airline operators. One major advantage is the ability to easily switch between a 9-abreast and 10-abreast seating configuration without requiring significant downtime for aircraft reconfiguration. Airlines can use the same seat rails, tracks, and IFE interfaces, making the transition smoother and quicker.

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In addition, the design of the floor attachments and air-conditioning systems has been optimized for 10-abreast seating, meaning airlines can upgrade their cabins without needing to make substantial modifications to the aircraft’s structure.

Though it’s still unclear when Jiatai’s economy-class seats will be officially added to the A350’s Buyer Furnished Equipment (BFE) catalogue, the collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing the A350’s cabin offerings.

With this partnership, Airbus is providing more seating options for airlines, ensuring that they can meet diverse customer needs while improving overall operational efficiency.