Future Air Force requirements for the use of unmanned aircraft will require Automated Aerial Refueling (AAR). Current AAR research requires a precision model to simulate the refueling process of a KC-135 tanker and a UAV. There are existing high fidelity models of the tanker aircraft, refueling boom and proposed receiver aircraft. However, none of the models are coupled. Since boom orientation and motion is known to change the trim of the tanker aircraft, which in turn influences all other aspects of the refueling process, a new model is needed. The new model was created by integrating an existing KC-135 tanker and refueling boom model. The tanker boom equations of motion were coupled using joint coordinates and the velocity transformation. Assessment of the new model investigated boom and tanker motion in comparison with other established models. Ultimately, behavior of the new model was validated by a comparison of simulation results to flight test data.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Simulation of the Dynamically Coupled KC-135 Tanker and Refueling Boom


    Contributors:
    J. J. Smith (author)

    Publication date :

    2007


    Size :

    126 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





    SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CALCULATING REFUELING TANKER BOOM 3D POSITION FOR AERIAL REFUELING

    HUNG FAN HIN / KHOSLA DEEPAK / CHAMBERLAIN SHAWN et al. | European Patent Office | 2025

    Free access

    SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CALCULATING REFUELING TANKER BOOM TIP 3D POSITION FOR AERIAL REFUELING

    SMITH HADEN / KHOSLA DEEPAK / NGUYEN LEON et al. | European Patent Office | 2024

    Free access

    Simulation of the Dynamically Coupled KC-135 Tanker and Flying Boom AIAA Paper

    Smith, J. / Kunz, D. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2007


    Contact detecting system and method for air refueling tanker equipped with air refueling boom system

    MARCOS MONTES JOSE LUIS / LAGARES CARRASCO FRANCISCO JOSE / ANGIBAUD GUILLAUME | European Patent Office | 2019

    Free access