Originally Posted by
BDGERJMN
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?
There would be limits, and you can't program luck. A tracker would likely be able to notice, process, and correct much faster than we could ever do it. Another option would be to change the control laws in close to be able to make uncoupled pure lateral and vertical corrections and make the throttle an acceleration command. There are things that can be done to make it easier. While ILS will likely never make it on legacy aircraft, it is likely that no one asked about it early days. There are many more things to that could have been different on newer aircraft if it was asked for while still in development.
I also don't think we are far from an airplane capability on the boat. Not sure while ACLS can't be used, I'll see what I can find out.