Developed by Airbus Defence and Space in collaboration with Airbus UpNext, the company's innovation-focused subsidiary, Auto'Mate represents a leap in autonomous in-flight refuelling. This disruptive technology aims to automate the entire refuelling process, eliminating the need for human intervention, which is a substantial advancement in the field of aviation technology.
A testament to the capabilities of Auto'Mate was demonstrated last March and more recently in November 2023. In these demonstrations, an Airbus testbed tanker aircraft, along with unmanned drones including the Airbus DT-25, performed simulated refuelling operations. This involved advanced AI-based navigation and cooperative control technologies, a significant milestone for the autonomous in-flight refuelling domain.
The traditional method of in-flight refuelling requires close coordination between the tanker crew and the receiving aircraft's pilot. Auto'Mate technology, by automating this process, promises to enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency.
The system can autonomously guide and control the receiver aircraft into position for refuelling, even in challenging conditions like low visibility, and then execute the fuel transfer and safe separation manoeuvre. This not only makes the process more effective but also reduces the training costs for flight crews.
Moreover, Auto'Mate opens avenues for refuelling unmanned combat air vehicles and drones, critical for Europe's Future Combat Air System (FCAS). This technology can also be applied to remote carriers and "loyal wingman" operations, underscoring its versatility.
Airbus is focusing on three key technological aspects to develop this autonomous in-flight refuelling capability:
+ Navigation: The system leverages various technologies such as cameras, satellite positioning, and LiDAR sensors, combined with AI and sensor fusion algorithms, to achieve unparalleled position accuracy.
+ Communications: The technology includes covert, secure, and multi-node communication systems capable of guiding several receiver aircraft simultaneously.
+ Control: Autonomous control systems are employed to manage critical flight parameters, ensuring coordinated, safe, and efficient operations with built-in collision avoidance functionalities.
Building on its extensive experience in aerial refuelling, notably with the A310 MRTT since 2004 and the subsequent A330 MRTT, Airbus is well-positioned to lead this new frontier in aviation technology. The Auto'Mate technology not only represents a significant advancement in aerial refuelling but also demonstrates Airbus' commitment to pioneering innovative solutions in the aerospace industry.
With these developments, Airbus continues to shape the future of aviation, emphasizing efficiency, safety, and the growing role of autonomous technology in both military and civil aviation sectors.
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