Development and Validation of an Advanced Simulation Tool for the Evaluation of Aerial Refueling Events

SDI Engineering Inc. (SDI) will develop validated software tools for hose and drogue aerial refueling operations. This will result in a modeling, simulation and analysis capability that can be used to address issues related to aerial refueling operations. SDI has working software that was previously developed for the analysis of the refueling hose, reeling mechanism and probe. SDI’s software will be provided to NAVAIR at the outset of this project, and SDI will assist in a technical review of NAVAIR’s analysis software. Through collaboration with NAVAIR, the capabilities of both sets of software will be extended to handle multiple types of hose, drogue, probe and reeling mechanisms. Additional detailed modeling will be conducted for the engagement mechanism. Validation of the software will be carried out with data provided by NAVAIR, including data obtained through recent flight testing. SDI will use the developed software tools for predictive modeling of F-18 and JSF probe loads, perform additional modeling and validation for the engagement/contact of the probe and drogue, and develop the ability to interface with the Navy’s CASTLE software.