Advanced Aerial Refueling Store

Abstract

The Advanced Aerial Refueling Store (AARS) is a collection of modifications to individual Aerial Refueling Store (ARS) components that will improve performance and readiness. The ARS updates will package new technologies into the existing store that will support both manned and unmanned (automated) aerial refueling from platforms such as the F/A-18 and MQ-25. These technologies include drogue stabilization, drogue positioning sensors, advanced health and diagnostic capability and real time receiver situational awareness for the unmanned mission operator. These updates will increase safety of flight, facilitate unmanned tanking operations to both manned and unmanned receivers and improve overall ARS reliability. The Digital Controller Upgrade (DCU) with Optical Reference System (ORS) is a hardware and software update to existing components which will provide increased flight safety through monitoring/diagnostic capabilities and enhanced situational awareness to reduce mission aborts. Drogue Stabilization incorporates hardware and software updates to improve the Aerial Refueling Stores ability to hold the drogue in position for refueling actions, and also improve the ability for the receiving platform to maneuver into position for refueling which decreases the risk of refueling mishaps, reduces mission aborts which improves operational efficiency and safety. Hydraulic System Improvements will update hardware to increase hydraulic efficiency by eliminating high failure rate components, improving fuel offload and reducing power demands on the Ram Air Turbine (RAT).

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2023
• Source ID: 3409_0604659N_4_1319_PB_2023

Tags

Readers

• Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• Autonomy
• Autonomy - UAVs