The Airbus A330 MRTT multi-role tanker aircraft became the first tanker to conduct automatic refuelling in the air (A3R) at night. The Singapore Air Force's A330 MRTT aircraft flew ten missions with Portugal and Singapore F-16 fighters, F-15SG fighters, and other Singapore MRTTs as receiving aircraft, using the latest A3R system configuration. The program made over 500 contacts, with over 150 occurring automatically at night.
Several contacts were made under various illumination circumstances and with varied external receiver configurations as part of a series of night tests. This new camera system integrates cutting-edge technology that enables A3R to operate at night and increases the visual quality that mid-air refuelling operators rely on in manual operations.
This additional capability enhances the A330 MRTT's optical sensing system in daylight, evening, and nighttime circumstances.
