Airbus has developed Auto’Mate, a fully autonomous in-flight refueling technology with potential applications in both defense and civil aviation sectors. The system has demonstrated the potential of Autonomous Assets Air-to-Air Refueling (A4R) operations, paving the way for aerial refueling without human intervention. This innovation enhances the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the refueling process, reducing the need for demanding coordination between aerial tanker crews and receiver aircraft pilots. Additionally, it enables the refueling of non-piloted combat air vehicles, such as drones, and opens the possibility of autonomous tankers and aerial assets operating without a crew on board. Airbus is focusing on key technological foundations, including advanced AI-based relative navigation, cooperative control technologies, and the integration of various cameras, high-precision satellite global positioning, and LiDAR sensors. The company’s experience in the domain, beginning with the A310 MRTT and followed by the new-generation A330 MRTT, positions Airbus as a leader in the multi-role tanker transport sector. The A330 MRTT has been ordered by several countries and has logged thousands of flight hours in support of military deployments and humanitarian operations.
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