Affordable, Reconfigurable Aerial Refueling Part-Task Trainer

This project will develop innovative part-task trainer (PTT) concepts for a new generation PTT that is affordable due to application and integration of COTS simulation components utilizing recent hardware and software technology advances. Navy aerial refueling (AR) receiver aircraft are equipped with a probe that plugs a fuel receptacle encircled by a basket attached to a tanker aircraft hose. The common aerial refueling task for all combinations of receiver aircraft and tankers is"plugging the basket and safely receiving fuel". This task is performed on calm clear days, but also during a large variety of environmental and time-of-day conditions and during risky malfunctions and emergency conditions. A simulator allows practice until proficiency is achieved without waiting for a real world bad weather or emergency condition. A dedicated PTT for AR training creates an opportunity to assemble the best simulation technology available while achieving"affordability"by not making performance or cost compromises for other training tasks. AVT Simulation has experience in development and fielding of affordable reconfigurable PTT. They are based on AVT's Modular Simulation Architecture. AVT has several years of experience with simulation of the aerial refueling process through participation in USAF and Air National Guard aerial refueling simulator upgrades.