Autonomous High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Refueling (AHR)
Abstract
The Autonomous High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Refueling (AHR) program will demonstrate high altitude refueling between unmanned aircraft in an operational environment. The program uses 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 so vital to manned military aviation. Specific challenges include precise control of limited flight performance aircraft under high-altitude conditions, redundant safe separation, and complex unmanned flight operations. The program will also promote the application of autonomy for better effectiveness, efficiency, and safety in challenging environments. The anticipated transition partner is the Air Force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2013
- Source ID
- 7d6682f5b940ccb8283b0d7a263c5c8d