Autonomous Aerial Refueling

October 1, 2015

Northrop Grumman Corp.
Falls Church, VA
703-280-2900
www.northropgrumman.com

Earlier this year, Northrop Grumman Corporation and the U.S. Navy successfully demonstrated fully autonomous aerial refueling (AAR) with the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) aircraft, marking the first time in history that an unmanned aircraft has refueled in-flight.

In 2013, the X-47B became the first unmanned aircraft to autonomously launch from and recover aboard an aircraft carrier. Autonomous launch, recovery, and refueling have the potential for reducing operational costs in the future.

“AAR testing with the X-47B helps solidify the concept that future unmanned aircraft can perform standard missions like aerial refueling and operate seamlessly with manned aircraft as part of the Carrier Air Wing,” said Capt. Beau Duarte, the Navy’s Unmanned Carrier Aviation program manager.

During the probe and drogue (or “Navy-style”) AAR demonstration, the X-47B performed a close formation flight rendezvous with an Omega K-707 tanker. Upon clearance from the tanker crew, the X-47B maneuvered into position behind the K- 707 and successfully engaged the drogue. On completion of the refueling, the X-47B autonomously disengaged the drogue and maneuvered away from the tanker before returning to base.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of this first round of probe and drogue flights with the X-47B,” said Pablo Gonzalez, UCAS-D program manager, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. “The AAR system and X-47B both performed as expected. While we would certainly benefit from additional probe and drogue flight testing, we have reached a tipping point at which AAR is now feasible.”

Northrop Grumman began developing AAR technology for both Navy and Air Force application nearly a decade ago, implementing a “hybrid" approach that integrates both GPS and infrared imaging to enhance navigational precision and hedge against GPS disruption. Initial UCAS-D flight testing began in 2012 using a manned Learjet as a surrogate for the X-47B. The successful proof-of-concept flights demonstrated the overall feasibility of the X-47B AAR system and helped to refine its navigation, command and control, and infrared sensor processing components.

Northrop Grumman is the Navy's UCAS-D prime contractor. The UCASD industry team includes Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney, GKN Aerospace, Eaton, General Electric, UTC Aerospace Systems, Dell, Honeywell, Moog, Wind River, Parker Aerospace, Sargent Aerospace & Defense, and Rockwell Collins.

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