Approach Monitoring System

In the course of flight refuelling manoeuvres, the most critical moments are final approach and engagement of probe and drogue. The suppliers of refuelling hardware have defined a range of safe speed differences between receiver and tanker aircraft but there is no reliable and objective way for the receiver pilot to know this speed in real time. Up to now the whole safety system has been dependent on the subjective speed impression of the pilot and on intensive training. This task is very difficult because the manoeuvre happens under variable illumination conditions and the speed has to be estimated visually along the centre line aircraft axis, which is more difficult than a lateral view.

Furthermore, there is no standard system to support the briefings with objective speed figures. The consequences of approaches with wrong speed range from failed connection to events like hose backlash, whip hit on the aircraft and material damage. As part of its long association with the Airbus Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) programme, FTI Group has developed and built a sensor system that significantly improves hose-and-drogue refuelling. The Approach Monitoring System (AMS) measures closing speed and 2-dimensional coordinates, accurately and in real-time.

Dr. Jean Blondeau, Director of Research & Development