Lateral aerodynamic interference between tanker and receiver in air-to-air refueling

Wind-tunnel data have been obtained from a tapered tanker wing and receiver aircraft model at varying vertical separation. The data are presented in derivative form and compared with theory using a flat vortex sheet model of the tanker wing wake to determine the induced angle-of-attack variation on the receiver wing, fin, and tailplane due to the tanker wing. Aerodynamic loads on the receiver are obtained by the vortex lattice method, with an allowance made for the vertical displacement of the tanker wake in the estimation of the fin side force. In the experiments, the lateral aerodynamic interference between tanker and receiver was determined by banking the tanker wing and displacing it sideways, and by yawing the receiver aircraft model. Data were obtained from open and closed test sections in order to assess the significant boundary interference effect and corrections estimated from the image vortex system of the tanker and receiver wings in the test section. In general, the theory compares favorably with the experimental data. The most significant terms are the rolling moments due to sideways and bank displacements. Significant side forces are produced due to sidewash on the fin from the tanker and receiver wings and, when displaced in yaw, the receiver experienced a loss in directional stability.