Affordable, Reconfigurable Aerial Refueling Part-Task Trainer

We propose to research and develop refueling training for aircraft (including fixed wing, helicopter and tilt rotor) using the probe and drogue refueling system. We will train the pilots of the receiver aircraft; the refueling aircraft will be automatically simulated. We will compare three visual technologies: Two-dimensional large field-of-view projection; Three-dimensional large field-of-view projection; and Three-dimensional head-mounted displays. One of these technologies will be selected for development. The training will take place only in the air, that is training sessions will start with initial conditions of both refueling and receiver aircraft already flying at approximately the same altitude. The trainer will accommodate the simulation of challenging environments including night, high turbulence and crowded airspace conditions. Flight controls and displays of the receiver aircraft will be limited to those necessary to perform pre-refuel positioning, approach, contact, refueling and termination of refueling mission. Within the flight envelope determined by these maneuvers, the control response of the receiver in the developed trainer must be correct and precise. The research shall focus on providing an integrated set of visual and kinesthetic cues that affect aerial refueling performance. In Phase I we will show the technical feasibility of this type of trainer.