Autonomous High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Refueling (AHR)
Abstract
The Autonomous High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Refueling (AHR) program demonstrated high altitude refueling capabilities between unmanned aircraft. The program used two NASA RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft as surrogate platforms to inform the development of next generation HALE aircraft built around aerial refueling, which has proven vital to manned military aviation. Specific challenges included precise control of limited flight performance aircraft under high-altitude conditions, redundant safe separation, and complex unmanned flight operations. The program also promoted the application of autonomy for better effectiveness, efficiency, and safety in challenging environments. The anticipated transition partners are the Air Force and Navy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2014
- Source ID
- 0cdda444dbb60da4e8f42593c2ac3bc6