AIR-TO-AIR REFUELING QUALIFICATION TESTING

摘要

Air-to-air refueling (AAR) qualification testing verifies the capability and compatibility of the receiver aircraft with the tanker aircraft for air-to-air refueling operations. This paper focuses on qualification testing of new or modified receiver aircraft with qualified tanker aircraft. Successful completion of AAR testing provides sufficient flight test data, demonstration, and analysis for air-to-air refueling clearance by the appropriate certifying authority.This paper presents the ground test methodology and flight test requirements and techniques. The United States Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) has decades of experience in air refueling qualification testing. The value of developmental testing for air refueling qualification cannot be overstated. This paper presents lessons learned from recent AAR qualification testing of boom/receptacle receivers. In addition, it discusses the challenges of AAR qualification testing with developing technology. These challenges include software based air refueling systems, camera/infrared air refueling operator stations, and automated air refueling of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).