US Navy, Boeing first-ever refuelling from unmanned tanker
Air-to-Air Refuelling
‘Of all air power force-multipliers, Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) is amongst the most significant’.
Recent Publication Updates
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26.06.21 New 3.3.4.2.2 NATO SRD uploaded
26.06.21 New 3.3.4.2.3 NATO SRD uploaded
26.06.21 New 3.3.4.2.4 NATO SRD uploaded
13.04.21 New USA SRD uploaded
13.04.21 New CAN SRD uploaded
17.03.21 New USA SRD uploaded
24.02.21 New DEU SRD uploaded
24.02.21 New CHE SRD uploaded
24.02.21 New FRA SRD uploaded
26.01.21 New USA SRD uploaded
26.01.21 New GBR SRD uploaded
04.01.21 New USA SRD uploaded
15.12.20 New AUS SRD uploaded
03.11.20 New TUR SRD uploaded
09.10.20 New SGP SRD uploaded
30.09.20 New DEU SRD uploaded
Air-to-Air Refueling Clearance and Compatibility Database (AAR Matrix)
The source documents for this matrix are the National SRDs posted on this website. Planners and aircrew must use them as the primary and most up-to-date reference when determining compatibility/clearance. This matrix is only an aid. Please click here to open the database in full screen width.
Colour Scheme
Green – Both countries report the same clearance category. Check SRDs of both countries.
Orange- One or both countries do not report the same clearance category. Check SRDs of both countries.
Column Headers
TNKR – Tanker Aircraft Type
RCVR – Receiver Aircraft Type
TSRD – Tanker’s National SRD
RSRD – Receiver’s National SRD
Means of Refuelling Authorized
BOOM=Boom
BDA=Boom Drogue Adapter
POD=Includes Wing Pod and Buddy Drogue
CL=Centre Line Drogue
HDU=Hose Drum Unit
Type of Clearance
CAT1 = CAT 1 Clearance
CAT2 = CAT 2 Clearance
CAT3 = CAT 3 Clearance
CAT? = Clearance Conflict
Air-to-Air Refueling Related Documents
National and Organizational Standards Related Documents (SRD)
National and Organizational SRDs are the primary source document and most up-to-date data. Planners & crew must reference SRDs of both receiver/tanker assets to determine compatibility/clearance. SRDs contain operational information and National/Organizational contacts.
- National SRD Template (1.2 MB)
- National_SRD_AUS_OCT_2019.pdf (2.4 MB)
- National_SRD-BEL_Oct_19.pdf (150.8 KB)
- National_SRD-CAN_June_2018.pdf (1.3 MB)
- National_SRD-CHE_Jul_2019 (465.0 KB)
- National_SRD-COL_Apr_2012.pdf (1.2 MB)
- National_SRD-CZE_Feb_2013.pdf (514.7 KB)
- National_SRD-DEU_Apr_2020.pdf (1.2 MB)
- National_SRD-DNK_FEB_2019 (151.1 KB)
- National_SRD-ESP_Feb_2014.pdf (470.1 KB)
- National_SRD-FIN_Jul_2020 (32.5 KB)
- National_SRD-FRA_July_2020.pdf (4.2 MB)
- National_SRD-GBR_May_2020.pdf (2.0 MB)
- National_SRD-GRC_Jan_2013.pdf (354.9 KB)
- National_SRD-HUN_Sep_2017.pdf (132.2 KB)
- National_SRD-ISR_Oct_2017 ()
- National_SRD-ITA_Mar_2020.pdf (1.9 MB)
- National_SRD-JPN_Apr_2017.pdf (1.7 MB)
- National_SRD-NLD_JUN_2020.pdf (2.3 MB)
- National_SRD-NOR_Dec_2018 (1.2 MB)
- National_SRD-PRT_May_2019 (376.9 KB)
- National_SRD-SGP_July_2019.pdf (1.2 MB)
- National_SRD-SWE_22_May_2017.pdf (1.1 MB)
- National_SRD-TUR_July_2013.pdf (1.4 MB)
- National_SRD-USA_Mar_2021.pdf (35.1 MB)
- Organizational_SRD_Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC)_Aug_2018 (223.9 KB)
- Organizational_SRD-EATC_Aug_2014.pdf (204.1 KB)
- Organizational_SRD-MCCE_Jan_2013.pdf (129.0 KB)
- Organizational_SRD-Omega_Air_23_May_2018.pdf (2.3 MB)
NATO Standards Related Documents (SRD)
Clearances, Training, Capabilities. Submit edit requests at any time to JAPCC. They will be incorporated and put out under silence on the NATO Standardisation Organisation (NSO) AAR Working Group Forum. Promulgation (publishing) happens four weeks after they enter silence.
- ATP 3.3.4.2.1 Ed B Ver 1 – Guide to Obtaining AAR Clearances & Compatibility Cert (855.8 KB)
- ATP 3.3.4.2.2 Ed A Ver 1 – Recommended AAR Aircrew Cert & Currency (363.1 KB)
- ATP 3.3.4.2.3 Ed A Ver 1 – Tanker Capabilities (291.1 KB)
- ATP 3.3.4.2.4 Ed A Ver 1 – Tnkr/Rcvr Clearance-Technical Compatibility Matrix (283.7 KB)
Additional NATO AAR STANAGs & ATPs
AAR Equipment: Boom-Receptacle System and Interface Requirements
- STANAG 7191, ATP-3.3.4.5 Ed A Ver 1
- Custodian: USA, Mr. Harry Slusher
AAR Equipment: Probe-Drogue Interface Characteristics
- STANAG 3447, ATP-3.3.4.6 Ed A Ver 1
- Custodian: USA, Mr. Farhad Choudhury
AAR Signal Lights in Hose and Drogue Systems
- STANAG 7215, ATP 3.3.4.7 Ed A Ver 1
- Custodian: GBR, Sqn Ldr Gordon Parry
Hose Colour and Markings in Hose and Drogue Systems
- STANAG STUDY 7218
- Completed April 2016, AARWG awaiting first draft of recommended STANAG
- Custodian: GBR, Sqn Ldr Gordon Parry
DRAFT Automated AAR CONOPS for proposed STANAG
AAR Cert Specs Document (Final Version, Awaiting Ratification)
AAR Related Products
FOOD FOR THOUGHT PAPER ON AIR-TO-AIR REFUELLING INTEROPERABILITY
“a tanker is not a tanker without a clearance”
- Food For Thought Paper
- Created by JAPCC, NATO IS-DI, EDA
