ST. LOUIS, Dec. 04, 2007 -- The Automated Aerial Refueling system, or AAR, developed by a government-industry team led by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and Boeing Phantom Works, precisely maneuvers a Calspan Learjet, equipped to fly as a UAV, into one of seven refueling positions behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135R tanker during a recent flight test. The AAR program is developing and demonstrating systems that will enable UAVs to safely approach and maneuver around tanker aircraft so they can successfully perform boom and receptacle refueling operations. The systems -- including a flight control computer and control laws developed by Boeing -- are demonstrated using the Learjet, which is equipped to fly autonomously as a UAV.
Boeing Engineering, Operations & Technology
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