Tanker remote vision system:review and key technologies

Abstract

Abstract The Remote Vision System (RVS) employed in tanker aircraft, crucial for furnishing operators with requisite visual acuity and informational support during air-to-air refueling maneuvers, has emerged as an indispensable component in modern tanker configurations, forming the bedrock of autonomous aerial refueling capabilities. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of the deployment, constituent elements, and evolutionary trajectory of visual augmentation systems implemented in KC-46A and A-330MRTT aircraft. Furthermore, it delineates key technological imperatives essential for the advancement of tanker visual systems, encompassing high-definition imaging sensors, multi-sensor data fusion methodologies, 3D virtual precise imaging techniques, and all-weather high-precision target data perception technologies. The elucidation of these critical facets serves as a foundational resource for guiding future research and development endeavors aimed at enhancing the efficacy and reliability of tanker remote vision systems