Simulator Testing of Semi-Automated Control Concepts for the Receiver Aircraft during Air-to-Air Refuelling with Probe-and-Drogue Systems

Abstract

Air-to-air refuelling with probe-and-drogue systems is a highly demanding process for pilots of fighter jets. The close formation flight with the tanker, the necessity of precise control inputs to achieve a successful contact, high temporal pressure and environmental factors contribute to a high workload situation. In the frame of project F(AI)²R (Future Air-to-Air Refuelling) DLR is designing concepts for assistance systems and automation to support fighter pilots during this scenario. In this paper the planned simulator tests of semi-automated control concepts are described. All proposed concepts only take partial control away from the pilot in order to ultimately leave him or her in control of the operation. The concepts under test are firstly a tracking controller that uses direct lift in order to navigate the receiver's probe into the refuelling basket, secondly an improved thrust control that utilises the airbrake to accelerate the thrust response and thirdly a combination of airbrake and throttle control implemented into an airspeed controller. These concepts are planned to be tested with test pilots of WTD 61 in an air-to-air refuelling simulation with respect to successful contacts, limitations of the controllers, possible alterations of techniques for contact establishment and pilot acceptance. Basis for the concepts is a generic fighter aircraft (GFA) with flight dynamics based on an F-16 model. As tanker, a four-engined turboprop with wing pods is used in the simulation.