UAV Position Time Synchronization for Aerial Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial refueling poses challenges in synchronizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for autonomous refueling operations, as existing methods lack reliable means to coordinate tanker and UAVs to arrive at a common event point in spatial coordinates at a specific time, leading to inefficiencies and potential missed refueling opportunities.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for position/time synchronization of UAVs during aerial refueling, which calculates the current and planned positions of the refueling aircraft, displays synchronization parameters to determine the planned position on a flight path, and adjusts the bank angle to intercept the planned path, enabling real-time accurate positioning and rendezvous with the receiver aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional aerial refueling coordination methods are used, then the refueling operation can be performed, but the synchronization accuracy between tanker and receiver aircraft deteriorates, leading to missed refueling opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the relative position and velocity between tanker and receiver aircraft, calculating real-time synchronization parameters including time-to-closest-approach and range-rate. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of flight paths and refueling timing, ensuring high synchronization accuracy and reliable refueling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical coordination methods with computer-based calculations and graphical display systems. The synchronization parameters are computed algorithmically and presented to pilots through visual interfaces, eliminating the need for manual coordination and improving both accuracy and reliability
2Ease of operation
If manual coordination methods are used, then the operation procedure is simple, but the time consumption increases and refueling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically calculates synchronization parameters, determines optimal intercept points, and provides guidance information without requiring complex manual computations by pilots. The automated calculation and display of time-to-closest-approach and range-rate parameters enables rapid decision-making and reduces refueling time while maintaining operational simplicity
3Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous refueling operations are implemented for UAVs, then the mission capability is enhanced, but the coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization system is designed to work with multiple aircraft types including both manned and unmanned vehicles. The same computational algorithms and graphical display interfaces can coordinate refueling operations for different UAV configurations and tanker aircraft, enhancing mission versatility without proportionally increasing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods for coordinating positioning of vehicles in motion is disclosed. The method graphically presents displayed synchronization parameters on a display screen such that a user determines a planned position of a first vehicle on a planned path in order to arrive at a predetermined position at a correct time. The method further synchronizes the first vehicle with the planned position on the planned path using the displayed synchronization parameters and performs a rendezvous between the first vehicle and a second vehicle.