Evaluation of a Real-Time Simulation Environment for Helicopter Air-to-Air Refueling Investigations

Abstract

The ability to perform air-to-air refueling (AAR) can dramatically extend the utility of helicopters, through effectively providing unlimited range. For helicopters, AAR is typically performed utilizing the probe-and-drogue aerial refueling method. This is a complex maneuver, where normally both the helicopter and tanker aircraft are operating at the limits of their flight envelopes. In addition, the wake flow from the tanker aircraft can cause a significant disturbance on the refueling helicopter. This paper presents the initial evaluation of an AAR scenario constructed within DLR’s flight simulator, the Air Vehicle Simulator (AVES), based on current procedures and pilot interviews. A mission task was defined to assess the scenario in AVES and results are subsequently discussed. For pilots unfamiliar to formation flight or HAAR the results show the difficulty of the flying task itself at the given cueing. Measures for improvement in future investigations are suggested.