NATO Multinational Fleet MRTT (MMF) completed the first phase of refueling flight tests (REVO) between the A330 MRTT, JAS-39 Gripen fighters and E-3 Sentry radar planes.
The test campaign was led by the Dutch Air Force Test Organization, alongside the Swedish Air Force and NATO itself, which supplied the Gripens and the E-3 AWACS, respectively. The US Air Force also supported the campaign by providing test pilots for the E-3.
Os tests with the Swedish Gripen were completed in October, after a series of flights over the Baltic Sea with an A330 MRTT and JAS-39C/D jets. Final approval for Saab-built fighters is expected in 2023.
In a test campaign, the @ A330_MMU 🇧🇪🇨🇿🇩🇪🇱🇺🇳🇱🇳🇴 is conducting Air-to air refueling missions with #NATO Partners @Forsvarsmakten 🇸🇪 Gripens
The A330 is also testing the critical capability of Air-to-air refueling with the @NATOAWACS, extending its mission reach#strongertogether pic.twitter.com/1J3AmXPL66
— NATO Air Command (@NATO_AIRCOM) November 22, 2022
According to Allied Air Command, the flight tests will provide the technical and operational clearances to certify NATO AWACS to perform aerial refueling missions with an MMF aircraft.
“This is an important milestone for the Alliance and a major collaborative effort between many organizations. For the first time, both the receiver and tanker are NATO-owned assets.”, said Jan Der Kinderen, manager of the MMF system, coordinated by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).
“Once we obtain certification, the MRTT will be able to carry out aerial refueling operations with the AWACS, expanding the scope of the “NATO's Eyes in the Sky” missions.
The first phase of the tests involves dry connections and fuel transfers from the A330 MRTT to the E-3 Sentry, seeking to obtain all the necessary certificates. With the conclusion of the trials, the NATO radar planes will be the first heavy aircraft certified for REVO operations with MMF assets.
REVO is a critical capability for NATO forces in operations that require long-range missions. The MRTT's 111-tonne base fuel capacity allows the aircraft to excel in in-flight refueling missions, eliminating the need for tanker planes. additional.
Upon successful completion of testing and once certification has been received from the respective Military Airworthiness Authorities, the MMF fleet will be capable of refueling both NATO E-3A and USAF E-3G AWACS, thereby increasing overall operational capability. of the alliance.
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