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.