Maneuverability of Large Receiver of Different Size and Weight in Aerial Refueling

Abstract

This work evaluates the ability of a large receiver aircraft with two different sizes and three different mass configurations to maneuver and maintain contact position behind a KC-135 tanker in the presence of prevailing wind and atmospheric turbulence. A linear quadratic regulator controller is designed for trajectory tracking of the receiver aircraft relative to the tanker. The flight tracks followed in simulation by each aircraft are taken from 2004 testing of a Learjet behind a KC-135 that was part of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Automated Aerial Refueling program and includes significant winds at altitude. The simulation also includes the aerodynamic coupling between the aircraft through the trailing and bound vortices of each aircraft as well as their volumes (bow wave effect for the tanker).