The Air Force Research Lab has been investigating the possibility of using formation flight in coronet missions to save fuel. Under the Surfing Aircraft Vortices for Energy (SAVE) program, it was demonstrated that a pair of C17s can save up to 5-10% of fuel by flying in formation. This report discusses the same concept applied to an F-15C/E (receiver) flying behind a KC-135R (tanker). Specifically, this report contains the methodology to obtain sweet spot contour plots, which indicate where in formation flight maximum fuel savings are attainable. The results show that a 14.15% and a 14.53% reduction in thrust is possible for the F-15C and F-15E, respectively. The results also show that the location is independent of receiver weight and only depends on the tanker weight. The sweet spot moves inboard as the tanker gets lighter. The benefit reduces as both the tanker and receiver get lighter.
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