Page 59 - Leverage and Learn

Leverage Allied Investments and Combat Learning Experience in Modernizing the U.S. Military

In an article published on March 18, 2017, the new partnership agreement was highlighted.

The Aussies have also signed an agreement with Airbus Defence and Space to partner in shaping what one might
call Tanker 2.0, or the smart tanker.

The tanker is a mature military product operated globally and now Australia is laying the foundation for the next
transition, to shape new innovations through automation and linkages to shape the smart tanker.

According to a press release by Airbus Defence and Space:

Melbourne, 2 March 2016: The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Airbus today signed a research
agreement to further develop the RAAF KC-30A’s capabilities.

The agreement strengthens the industrial partnership between Airbus and Australia’s defence force, and will help
to define the evolution of the KC-30A fleet as it reaches operational maturity and expand its capabilities.

This will result in the KC-30A’s core transport and refuelling capabilities supporting the RAAF’s transformation
into a fully integrated force, capable of tackling complex contemporary defence and security challenges.

The agreement’s first milestone is the joint development of the automatic air-to-air refuelling (A3R) concept, which
represents a major step forward in in-flight refuelling.

Automating boom refuelling contacts reduces potential risk by minimising operator workload, and increases
operational efficiency by cutting the time for each contact. The system requires no additional equipment in the
receiver aircraft.

Initial approach and tracking of the receiver is performed manually from the A330 MRTT’s console. Once the
image processing system acquires the receiver and the receptacle position, the operator can use the system aid
allowing the boom to automatically follow the receptacle. Final extension of the boom’s telescopic beam is
manually performed by its operator to make and maintain contact.

Fernando Alonso, Head of Military Aircraft at Airbus Defence and Space said: “The KC-30A offers tremendous
combat potential at the heart of the integrated Air Force of the Future, including using the platform as a
Communication Node, to maximise air power delivery.”
Air Marshal Leo Davies, Chief of Air Force, RAAF, highlighted the value of ongoing defence and industry
collaboration.

“We are delighted to contribute to the research and development of A3R with Airbus to automate the process for
boom refuelling without the need for control by our on-board air refuelling operator”, said Air Marshal Davies.

The Royal Australian Air Force and Airbus have successfully performed proximity trials, with physical contacts
planned for the near future.

The interview started with Group Captain Williams providing an update since our last meeting at Amberley in
August 2016.

“We have been performing very well with our KC-30As globally.

"In the Middle East, using only one tanker on rotation, we just passed our 75th million pound level in delivery
of fuel to the combat force in that operational area.

“What does it mean?

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