Aerodynamic Design Considerations for In-Flight Refueling of Unmanned Vehicles

Abstract:

Refueling has become a significant part of military strategy for air forces to work at further distances from safe shores. This paper will address the concepts and requirements for applying this technique to unmanned vehicles in a military context for supporting fixed and rotor aircraft. The aerodynamics and aspects of human factors in the process are considered, reviewed and solutions proposed to allow for the first generation of designs to be developed. Furthermore, the practical and operational limitations will be addressed as part of the human factors implications.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 390)
• Pages: 43-47
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.390.43
• Online since: August 2013
• Authors: Ian McAndrew, Katherine Moran
• Keywords: Aerodynamic, Human Factors, Inflight Refueling, Unmanned Vehicles

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