Robots could refuel JSFs on the flight line

[unhappycamper]

Air Force researchers are developing a robot for automated aircraft ground refueling. In this photo, Air Force Research Laboratory's automated aircraft ground refueling system mock-up simulates performing a refueling test.


Robots could refuel JSFs on the flight line
Staff report
Posted : Monday Jan 12, 2009 15:44:06 EST

First, it was contactors doing airmen’s jobs.

Now, it’s robots.

The Air Force is trying to develop a robot that can refuel parked F-35 Lightning II fighters and hopes to start demonstration testing in 2010.

Researchers at Air Force Materiel Command’s Airbase Technologies Division on Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., were asked by Air Education and Training Command, the Air Force Petroleum Agency and the Naval Air Systems Command to develop an automated system to refuel parked Joint Strike Fighters.

According to Walt Waltz, the Robotics Group lead, aircraft ground refueling equipment has improved but the method of refueling has not changed much. “It is still a manual process that involves personnel handling the fuel supply hose, attaching and then detaching it,” Waltz said in an Air Force news release.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/01/airforce_fuel_robot_011209w/%2e



uhc comment: uhc suggests you field the F-35 before spending any more money on them.