Originally Posted by
andrewtac
There is talks about this being done on other aircraft. They referenced the F18 demo and also X47. It wouldn't be that hard to implement with an optical tracker in a fly-by-wire aircraft. Reduce the number of ripped of probes or baskets, no more sour tankers, reduction in training.
I hear ya, I don't know the cost/benefit is worth spending a ton of money implementing a software/hardware(if needed) change to existing airframes for the amount of in-flight refueling mishaps that do occur.
As USMC said, I don't know that any auto refueling system is going to mitigate the 'moving target' aspect, much like we can't and don't use ACLS at the boat when the deck is pitching +/-10-15', it just doesn't work well. Neat concept though...would be nice to launch off the front end, couple up to the tanker before pressing on with the mission. Then again, how fun is that at night?
