Wake Interaction Determination for Simulation (WInDSim)

Automated Aerial Refueling (AAR) is a critical capability in the Navys effort to effectively deploy Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) such as the X-47B. To enable this capability, modeling and simulation tools that have the ability to be reconfigured to meet UAS design and development needs are required. Bihrle Applied Research Inc proposes the development of the Wake Interaction Determination for Simulation (WInDSim). The WInDSim concept leverages technology from previous SBIR efforts and COTS software, developed by BAR and its consultant, to create a comprehensive tool to model the effects of air wake disturbances on an air vehicle. The WInDSim will be an externally hosted simulation enhancement tool that uses state-of-the-art unsteady CFD-based wake models and advance aerodynamic prediction algorithms to compute wake-induced aerodynamic increments. The proposed Phase I effort examines the feasibility of the WInDSim concept by investigating several wake induced aerodynamic prediction methods and comparing results with measured data collected during previous research. In addition, a demonstration of the WInDSim concept will be performed. With the feasibility of the tool demonstrated, a Phase I optional effort defines software specifications and detailed designs.