Adaptive Aerial Refueling Drogue

"To meet current and future operational and tactical refueling requirements, an innovative, single-solution hose/drogue refueling system is needed which spans a speed range from 95 to 280 knots - a dynamic pressure range in excess of 8:1. NEAR hasdeveloped a range of potential solutions which individually or in combination are aimed at achieving this goal through the development of an Adaptive Aerial Refueling Drogue. A feasibility assessment of these concepts, to provide the desired trailattitude and stability across the required dynamic pressure range, requires detailed aerodynamic design and system simulation capabilities. NEAR has unique qualifications in these regards. In the Phase I effort, NEAR will employ its aerodynamic andsimulation capabilities to investigate the feasibility of the proposed concepts, determine/select the most applicable ones, and generate preliminary designs including: size, weight, frequency response, subsystems, integration issues, and development costs.The new single drogue system for refueling both low speed and high speed rotor- and fixed-wing aircraft has significant operational, tactical, and maintenance benefits. Several concepts are proposed which will improve drogue engagement and hook-up andwill provide enabling technology for the future refueling of unmanned vehicles (UAVs). Additional benefits include safer and more reliable hook-ups under adverse conditions, and accelerated hookups for i