A Novel Vision‐Based PRPL Multistage Image Processing Algorithm for Autonomous Aerial Refueling

Wu, Ling; Sun, Yongrong; Zhao, Kedong; Fu, Xiyu

doi:10.1155/2021/2778857

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Once the UA and the tanker are in closer proximity, as defined by the astern position (10 to 15 ft. aft of the drogue), it is necessary to transition to CV to provide guidance information to the GNC for the placement of the probe tip into the drogue coupler. Given the limitations associated with DGPS, demonstrations to date [ 37 , 38 , 89 ], and academic research on the A3R portion of a mission, a pivot to a CV solution is most appropriate for the final engagement [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. As the aircraft moves to an astern position ( Figure 4 ) using an INS/GNSS/DGPS-derived position solution, the camera system installed on the UA can begin to detect objects within the domain.…”

Section: Review Of Sensor Requirements For A3rmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…While no UA currently exists in the Department of Defense (DoD) that has been authorized to conduct the A3R portion of a mission, the task has been accomplished on both crewed aircraft and UA as a demonstration. Extensive research has been conducted on the algorithms required to complete the task from as a receiver, specifically the computer vision (CV) portion of A3R [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. As ranges increase for UAs to travel to complete the mission, the demand for a UA capable of A3R will continue to increase as well.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Review of Sensor Technology to Support Automated Air-to-Air Refueling of a Probe Configured Uncrewed Aircraft

Parry

Hubbard

2023

Sensors

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As technologies advance and applications for uncrewed aircraft increase, the capability to conduct automated air-to-air refueling becomes increasingly important. This paper provides a review of required sensors to enable automated air-to-air refueling for an uncrewed aircraft, as well as a review of published research on the topic. Automated air-to-air refueling of uncrewed aircraft eliminates the need for ground infrastructure for intermediate refueling, as well as the need for on-site personnel. Automated air-to-air refueling potentially supports civilian applications such as weather monitoring, surveillance for wildfires, search and rescue, and emergency response, especially when airfields are not available due to natural disasters. For military applications, to enable the Air Wing of the Future to strike at the ranges required for the mission, both crewed and uncrewed aircraft must be capable of air-to-air refueling. To cover the sensors required to complete automated air-to-air refueling, a brief history of air-to-air refueling is presented, followed by a concept of employment for uncrewed aircraft refueling, and finally, a review of the sensors required to complete the different phases of automated air-to-air refueling. To complete uncrewed aircraft refueling, the uncrewed receiver aircraft must have the sensors required to establish communication, determine relative position, decrease separation to astern position, transition to computer vision, position keep during refueling, and separate from the tanker aircraft upon completion of refueling. This paper provides a review of the twelve sensors that would enable the uncrewed aircraft to complete the seven tasks required for automated air-to-air refueling.

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