Hands-Off Aerial Refueling.

The article presents information about the autonomous aerial refueling scheme for an unmanned tanker and an unmanned combat aircraft, designed by two U.S. Air Force test pilot school students. Captain Chris Spinelli designed a program for the two aircraft's carrier phase differential Global Positioning Systems. Captain Steve Ross designed a control system for the Learjet. Bank-angle and roll-rate measurements and the relative positions of the C-12 were recorded and linked to the receiver aircraft. The students believe this to be the first demonstration of autonomous aerial refueling maneuvers over a standard racetrack course. The capability is expected to increase unmanned aircraft deployments and decrease dependence on in-theater bases while extending range and on-station time.