The Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft got a head start in operating with the F-35B Joint Strike Fighters (JSFs) when it successfully conducted aerial refueling operations with the 5th-gen fighter aircraft at Exercise Pitch Black.
The F-35 JSFs have been identified as the most suitable platform to replace the RSAF's F-16s by 2030; the RSAF will take delivery of four F-35Bs in 2026 for evaluation and training.
Put training into practice
When the RSAF takes delivery of four F-35Bs in 2026, these aircraft will be the first RSAF's aircraft that uses the probe-and-drogue refuelling system.
For the boom refuelling method, the Air Refuelling Operator (ARO) on board the A330 MRTT directs the boom into the receptacle of the receiving aircraft.
The probe-and-drogue refuelling method requires the aircraft to manoeuvre to make contact with the A330 MRTT's drogue.
During the fuel transfer, both aircraft have to maintain optimal speeds. The A330 MRTT pilot and AROs are in constant communication with the recieving aircraft – it is a process that requires intense concentration on all sides.
A330 MRTT pilot Major (MAJ) Michelle Teo said training with the USMC's F-35Bs was a good learning experience. "It gave us the opportunity to learn about air-to-air refueling with them because we are also acquiring the F-35Bs in the future," said the 32-year-old.
All RSAF AROs are trained to be proficient in both refuelling methods.
Real operations
As current RSAF fighter aircraft use the boom refuelling system, training for the probe-and-drogue method is conducted on simulators.
ARO 2nd Sergeant (2SG) Lim Li Jun, who is participating in Ex Pitch Black for the first time, was glad to be able to put her training on simulators into actual practice.
The main difference between simulator training and real operations were the weather conditions and communication with the aircraft, she said.
"Through this exercise, I learnt to be more adaptable, to (react to) changes," said the 27-year-old.
Learning opportunity
Besides the USMC's F-35Bs, the RSAF's A330 MRTT also conducted aerial refuelling operations with various aircraft from participating nations, as well as its own F-15SGs and F-16D+s.
"Given that it was the first time that we have refueled many of these foreign receivers, it was a great learning opportunity overall for us," said MAJ Teo.
With other MRTT operators also participating in the exercise, it was an opportunity for the RSAF to learn and share best practices from one another, added MAJ Teo.
The exercise, which started on 19 August, involves over 90 aircraft from 17 nations. It will conclude on 9 September.
