The multinational MRTT fleet (MMF) and the NATO E-3A fleet (AWACS) have set the stage for future air-to-air refueling (AAR) with a test campaign. MRTT stands for Multi-Role Tanker Transport Aircraft.
As the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) announced, the flight tests are the basis for the technical and operational AAR clearances for the certification of the NATO AWACS to carry out aerial refueling missions from an MMF aircraft.
NSPA's MMF System Manager, Jan Der Kinderen, sees the campaign as an important milestone for the alliance and a great success for the collaboration of several organizations. For the first time, both the fuel receiver and the tanker would be owned by NATO. After receiving certification, the MMF with its MRTT aircraft will be able to conduct aerial refueling operations with the AWACS, thereby extending the reach of the “NATO's Eyes in the Sky” missions.
The allied E-3A aircraft is the first heavy receiver to be coupled with NATO's MRTT, writes the NSPA. The campaign will be led by the Dutch Air Force Test Organization, with the active participation of the US Air Force, which will support the AWACS unit with test pilots.
Aerial refueling is a critical capability for NATO forces in operations that require long-range aerial engagements, the NSPA continued. The MRTT's 111 ton base fuel capacity allows the aircraft to perform aerial refueling missions without additional fuel tanks.
Upon successful completion of testing and receipt of certification from respective military aviation authorities, the MMF fleet is expected to be capable of refueling both NATO's E-3A AWACS and USAF's E-3G, thereby increasing NATO's overall operational capability is improved.
Editorial staff / gwh
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