Aerial Refueling Boom Control Using Relative Navigation and Machine Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial refueling methods lack precision and integrity for automated boom placement, leading to potential damage and mission failure due to human fatigue, reduced visibility, and inadequate positioning systems.
Innovation Solution
A system combining high integrity relative positioning methods with machine vision systems, using a tanker positioning system, camera suite, and data link to generate safety boundaries and manipulate the refueling boom for accurate coupling with the receiver receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual boom operation by a boomer is used, then flexibility and adaptability in handling various refueling scenarios are improved, but human fatigue, reduced visibility, and perception inaccuracies lead to decreased reliability and increased risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the boom to be manipulated automatically without human intervention. The boom manipulating system uses computer control to position and couple the boom with the receptacle, making the system self-sufficient in performing the refueling operation while maintaining adaptability through automated decision-making algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical human operator system with an automated control system. The boomer's manual joystick control is substituted with an automated boom manipulating system that uses computer vision, positioning data, and control algorithms to manipulate the boom, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining operational flexibility
2Manufacturing precision
If current positioning systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy is insufficient for precise boom placement into the receptacle
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple positioning subsystems including GPS/GNSS receivers, inertial measurement units, and relative navigation systems into an integrated positioning architecture. This combination provides both the accuracy needed for precise boom placement and the redundancy required for high-integrity operations, while the integration manages overall system complexity
3Measurement precision
If machine vision systems are used alone, then positioning accuracy is improved, but integrity cannot be ensured for positive relative positioning between aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where the camera suite continuously captures images of the receptacle, the processing system analyzes these images to determine relative position, and this information feeds back to adjust the boom positioning. This closed-loop feedback ensures both accuracy through continuous monitoring and integrity through verification of position data
4Productivity
If automated boom manipulation system is implemented, then productivity and mission success are improved, but system complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated boom manipulating system is designed to handle multiple refueling scenarios and aircraft types through a universal control architecture. The system can adapt to different receptacle positions and configurations, making the complex system versatile enough to justify its complexity through improved productivity across various operational contexts
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for Automated Aerial Refueling (AAR) may combine unrelated capabilities to provide a high integrity solution to boom manipulation and insertion to couple with a receiver receptacle. Precise positioning systems on each aircraft coupled via data link provide a high integrity relative positioning solution generating a requisite integrity for positioning yet insufficient for boom insertion. High definition cameras onboard the tanker provide multi-wavelength remote vision digital images used to identify the boom fitting as well as the receptacle. Combined with boom position information from the tanker, the system determines pixel position inputs from stereo digital images to precisely identify the boom and receptacle and manipulate the boom to insert the boom fitting into the receptacle. Constant camera generated feedback and updated relative positioning alerts the system and disconnects the boom should the receiver aircraft stray outside the proper position.