Aerial Refueling Tanker and Receiver Aerodynamic Interaction Modeling and Simulation – Software Application

In aerial refueling operations, a heavy, fuel-laden tanker aircraft often operates at a high lift coefficient which imparts significant velocity perturbations upon the downstream flow field.  As the trailing receiver aircraft maneuvers within this tanker wake, it experiences position-dependent aerodynamic force and moment increments that are not negligible and affect its trim and control states. The Navy has operational dependance on aerial refueling and has significant need to improve the simulation fidelity of this flight regime to develop, test, and certify its equipment, aircraft, and procedures in a laboratory environment.