Technology Maturation for the Automated Aerial
Refueling (AAR) Project
Carol VentrescaSynGenics Corporation
Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
Jacob Hinchman, AFRL, AAR Program Manager
Daniel Schreiter, AFRL, AAR Deputy Program Manager
Ba Nguyen, AFRL, AAR Chief Engineer
Jordan Adams, AFRL, AAR Systems Engineering Lead
Robert McCarty, SynGenics Corporation
Co-Authors
2Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
• Early Systems Engineering (SE) in
Acquisition
• Technology Maturation (Tech Mat) in Early SE
• AAR Program Background
• Tech Mat Planning for AAR
Outline
3Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
Outline
• Early Systems Engineering (SE) in
Acquisition
• Technology Maturation (Tech Mat) in Early SE
• AAR Program Background
• Tech Mat Planning for AAR
4Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
How Do AF and DoD Define Systems Engineering?
5Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
When Does AF Say SE Should First Be Applied?
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Science & Technology (S&T) Role in Early SE
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Does Early SE Pay Off?
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Outline
• Early Systems Engineering (SE) in
Acquisition
• Technology Maturation (Tech Mat) in Early SE
• AAR Program Background
• Tech Mat Planning for AAR
9Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
SE Provides a Technical Foundation for Acquisition
Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
Outline
• Early Systems Engineering (SE) in
Acquisition
• Technology Maturation (Tech Mat) in Early SE
• AAR Program Background
• Tech Mat Planning for AAR
11Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
AAR Phase IINational AAR Team
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Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – Extends Range – Shortens Response for Time-Critical Targets– Maintains In-Theater Presence Using Fewer Assets– Allows Deployment with Manned Fighters and Attack
Without the Need of Forward Staging Areas
Significance to Air Force
• Manned Aircraft– Provides Adverse Weather Operations– Improves Fueling Efficiency– Improves Pilot Workload
AAR Assists UCAVs in Reaching Its Full Potential,and Greatly Enhances Manned Refueling
“How does it (J-UCAS) air refuel? … which is persistence and endurance, things men can’t do in airplanes ” -Gen. John Jumper, USAF, February 2005
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Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution:
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UCAS Mission/AR Overview
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Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution: Approved
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Key Technology Challenges
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AAR Spiral Approach toTechnology Development
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Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
Precision GPS Closed-Loop Station Keeping Flt Test Aug 06
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Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution: Approved for public release;
distribution is unlimited
AAR UAS Surrogate
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AAR Station-Keeping Flight TestExample Contact Position Performance
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Phase II AAR Test Plan
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Outline
• Early Systems Engineering (SE) in
Acquisition
• Technology Maturation (Tech Mat) in Early SE
• AAR Program Background
• Tech Mat Planning for AAR
21Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
• Reduce key risks to transition• Technical maturity, documentation, and impressions
• Mature AAR technology into a robust design, with supporting analysis and specifications
• Safety, LO-compatibility, system health monitoring, FMECA, specifications
• Develop prototype system based on design demonstrating feasibility of design
• Robust testing of prototype to determine adequacy of design and failure modes
Key Technical Objectivesfor AAR Phase II
22Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
Automated Aerial Refueling (AAR)Phase II Way Forward
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• Technology Participants• Technology Demonstration Plan
• Requirements Documentation• Program Objective• Approach• Technology Development Required• Applicable Systems• Product/Payoff/Exit Criteria• Programs/Activities Related to AAR Success• Programs/Missions Supported by AAR• Technology Milestones List• Technology Deliverables• Risk Analysis• Technology Protection Plan
Critical Elements of AAR II Technology Maturation Planning
24Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
• Acquisition Strategy• Target Acquisition Programs• Stakeholders• Capability Document• Availability Dates for Technologies• Functional Strategies
• Flight Qualification• Airworthiness Certification• Environmental Qualification• Logistics Support
• Technology/Acquisition Bridge
Critical Elements of AAR II Technology Maturation Planning
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• Process Flow• Change Requests• Requirements Change Control Board• Tools• Products
• Baseline• Traceability• Verification Methods
Elements of Management Plan to Mature Requirements for AAR
26Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
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Case Number: 88ABW-2009-4217, Distribution: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited