Airbus highlights the innovation of aerial refueling without human intervention

The disruptive technology for fully autonomous in-flight refueling – called Auto’Mate – is being developed by the Airbus Defense and Space business unit in collaboration with Airbus UpNext, the company’s innovation subsidiary. According to the company, Airbus UpNext is also pursuing cross-projects such as pilot assistance technologies to further enhance flight safety and aircraft operational efficiency, along with new propulsion systems and aircraft design to address sustainability challenges. Last March, a successful demonstration of Auto’Mate using an Airbus test tanker aircraft and four unmanned drones was a major milestone towards autonomous in-flight refueling capability, which will be followed later this year by a even more ambitious flight. By automating in-flight refueling without the need for human intervention, a tanker can take control of a “receiving” aircraft several kilometers away, autonomously guide and control it to the proper position to receive fuel, then by the actual transfer of fuel via the refueling probe, completed by a safe separation maneuver at the end of the operation. The in-flight refueling procedures used today require exacting and precise coordination between the crew of a tanker and the pilot of the “receiving” aircraft. By applying autonomous technologies, the process will benefit from greater safety, reliability, and efficiency. Other advantages are the ability to conduct more efficient operations – including transferring fuel in very low visibility conditions and reducing training costs for flight crews. Just as importantly, the Auto’Mate technology paves the way for aerial resupply of unmanned combat aerial vehicles such as drones, as well as the reuse of technologies on remote carriers and “loyal wing” operations – which are the main unmanned elements of Europe’s future air combat. – https://aeroin.net/airbus-destaca-a-inovacao-do-reabastecimento-aereo-sem-intervencao-humana/