AUTOMATED AIR-TO-AIR REFUELING

The A3R objectives falls within scope of Topic 6 of the ReACT MAA. The A3R requirement
integrally involves autonomous control technologies and manned-unmanned teaming and
thus falls withing scope of the ReACT MAA. The call is planned to be issued in accordance
with the ReACT MAA terms and conditions. Current automation solutions require an aerial
refueling operator to monitor the system. Boom automation developments have primarily
focused on a short-range relative navigation system that provides tracking information into
the tanker’s boom control unit. The intent for CRONUS boom automation is to develop
advanced boom automation technologies that would enable a future boom equipped tanker
to be uncrewed. Work areas could include defining models and logic to determine when
refueling should proceed and when it should be stopped, extending system reliability so that
operator monitoring is not required, analysis techniques to support system certification, and
contingency event identification and resolution. A3R will accelerate platform agnostic
capabilities and reduce risk for future tanking concepts by demonstrating full boom
automation capabilities in a GPS denied environment. A3R acquisition approach aims to
eliminate vendor lock scenarios by requiring open architecture and interface standards.