Optical Reference System Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) Development Program

The ability to refuel piloted aircraft in flight is considered a strategic military advantage and has been a critical element of success in nearly every US and NATO military engagement of the jet age. One key asset used to facilitate aerial refueling is PMA-201’s Aerial Refueling Store (ARS), which allows fighters update to replace the current aging fleet of pods. The new ARS 31-301-48310-8 (-8 ARS) will integrate several new technologies to provide several advancements to the current ARS, including the ability to produce the data needed to support engagement mishap investigations. These mishap investigations aid in the research to prevent reoccurrences and reduce future accidents. Under this effort, Coherent Technical Services, Inc. (CTSi) will develop an ARS based Optical Reference / instrumentation system capable of recording critical engagement parameters including relative position data, closure rates, and video for real time Automated Aerial Fueling with both manned and unmanned aircraft and post flight analysis. The development of the ARS Optical Reference / Instrumentation System will be performed in three phases. The first phase is to develop the Hardware, Software and Firmware requirements and design the hardware. The second phase will include the development of test fixtures, hardware procurement, and development of the software and firmware for the ORS LRU. The third phase will include system integration, hardware and software qualification, and the development of the Depot test equipment.