Workshops

• Workshop A: Module-Carrying Configurable Air Transports (CAT)
• Workshop B: Autonomous Air Refuelling

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Posr Conference Workshops: 27th January

09.00 - 12:30 Workshop A: Module-Carrying Configurable Air Transports (CAT)

This workshop will explore the performance and operational characteristics of future tankers and heavy rotorcraft designed to externally carry C-130 fuselage-sized interchangeable modules to provide a true multi-mission platform capability. These modules could be configured for simple palletized cargo and wheeled vehicle transport, in-flight missions such as mobile hospitals, military or civilian remote base use, or as specialised platforms such as airborne sensor platforms. As an integrated set of module-carrying mobility assets, the CAT rotorcraft and tankers would be able to quickly and efficiently move modules from one location to another-within theatre or inter-continentally, without requiring cargo to be offloaded and reloaded from one aircraft to another. With the forward deployment of specialised modules, CAT aircraft would provide the theatre commander with a broad range of airborne mission capabilities, normally undertaken by permanently modified aircraft, readily and quickly adaptable to the changing mission needs.

Key topics addressed:

• Adaptation of the blended wing body aircraft design to a strategic tanker capable of carrying up to three modules
• Design of a traditional-configured theatre tanker capable of carrying a single module
• Mission performance comparisons of the CAT tankers to traditional tankers and airlifters
• Module design characteristics
• Specialised module use for humanitarian relief and remote base operations

Mike Snead
P.E.
Aerospace consultant

Mike Snead was a civilian employee with the United States Air Force for over thirty years. He worked on a broad range of aircraft and reusable space access programs. As the Air Force Research Laboratory lead for agile combat support, he focused on innovative approaches to enhanced air mobility, tanker aircraft operations, and remote base operations.

13.30 - 17:00 Workshop B: Autonomous Air Refuelling

Autonomous in-flight refuelling is a critical enabler for affordable, persistent, unmanned strike systems. Successful unmanned refuelling operations require a control system to govern the receiver approach, fuel system prep, stand-off, proximity engagement and hook-up. There are also aborts, emergency separations and fuel system shutdown commands that will have to occur.

This workshop will cover the work Texas A&M University has developed to further the capability provided through Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs)

Key topics addressed:

• Overall system architecture
• High fidelity simulation of the planned flight
• Preparation of the ground vehicle and support equipment for the flight experiment.
• Integration of components into the receiver flight vehicle
• Assess autopilot modes and modifications through definition of autonomous aerial refuelling operation modes
• The effects of atmospheric and refueller-induced turbulence on the refuelling operation
• Assessment of the rendezvous capability and accuracy of refueller and receiver

John Valasek
Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director, Vehicle Systems & Control Laboratory Aerospace Engineering Department
Texas A&M University

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