The Military Air Operations Planning Program (AIRPLAN MAOP) Air Refuelling Operations Planning
Author: Group Captain Derek K. Empson RAF (Retired) - former member of A.R.S.A.G
.Air Refueling Operations Planning - Rapid, Accurate, all Tanker & Receiver a/c types
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Copyright D. K. Empson 2001. All Rights reserved. E-mail: airplan@military-airplanner.comAIRPLAN AAR
Air refueling - or air-to-air refuelling (AAR) - is a versatile means to extend the range and endurance of military airplanes. AAR is in everyday use by military aircraft of the United States Air Force, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army and most other leading land-based and carrier-borne airforces of NATO and the rest-of-the-world (RoW). AAR operations involve close contact between Tanker and Receiver a/c. Fuel is transferred between tankers and receivers via hose and drogue or flying boom.
AIRPLAN AAR program uses terminology and accords with operating principles agreed by the AAR operators of NATO and many other RoW nations (most notably those participating in ARSAG). A useful reference is Publication ATP56A (see Web Site: www.arsaginc.com/ATP56A.htm ).Air refuelling mission planning can be complex and time-consuming since both tanker and receiver aircraft missions have to be carefully co-ordinated. AIRPLAN AAR, an affordable, versatile computer program for PCs, Laptops and Servers, greatly simplifies and speeds up AAR planning whether operations are mounted from air bases or ships at sea. Designed for use with all types of fixed-wing and rotary wing a/c AIRPLAN AAR is one of four, desktop, air campaign / mission planning and fleet optimization computer programs comprising the AIRPLAN Suite.
To appreciate the capability and value of
AIRPLAN AAR, it is helpful to have some understanding of the purpose of and relationship between the four programs comprising the AIRPLAN Suite. The suite consists in the following complementary programs: The Military Air Operations Planning Program (AIRPLAN MAOP)
The Mixed & Multi-fleet Analyser (AIRPLAN MFA)
The Missions Database (AIRPLAN MDB)
Air-to-Air Refuelling Planning (AIRPLAN AAR)
The purpose and functions of the first three programs, above, are briefly summarised on the AIRPLAN_Suite page of this web site. You may wish to read this (see Hyperlink, top right on this page) before returning to this page to examine AIRPLAN AAR, in detail. To appreciate the air campaign / mission planning and the fleet optimization power and versatility of the full AIRPLAN Suite, it is recommended that you later examine the AIRPLAN Suite web site, url - www.military-airplanner.com.
Existing AIRPLAN Suite Users
Among present users of the AIRPLAN Suite, the Forward Projection Battle Laboratory of the United States Army, Fort Eustis, uses the AIRPLAN Suite to evaluate strategic Airlift requirements for major Army deployments overseas. The AIRPLAN Suite is also in use within the Department of Defence of Australia.
(Please continue to scroll down this page for a full description of
AIRPLAN AAR,)Purpose of the AIRPLAN AAR program
For any given air campaign or mission scenario,
AIRPLAN AAR, will calculate the minimum number of tankers required and their employment or deployment, and the mass of fuel to be transferred to receivers. It determines when and where transfers must take place, and the total mass of fuel required at the tanker base. Where tankers could be employed or deployed in more than one way, it identifies and evaluates each, thus enabling the planner to choose which is best. It carries out these calculations for all types of AAR operation and will quantify the comparative capabilities of different types of tanker. When used in conjunction with AIRPLAN MAOP or MFA, the planner can also calculate the minimum number of crews required. This may reveal crews to be a constraining factor in which case AIRPLAN AAR, and MAOP or MFA, can be used in combination to determine the best alternative operational option.For any given air campaign or mission scenario,
AIRPLAN AAR Program Arrangement
AIRPLAN AAR is arranged in six sections, four of which cater for the four main types of air-to-air refuelling operation. The fifth and sixth are databases. The contents of the program in outline are as follows: En Route Deployment AAR (e.g. the deployment of receiver aircraft over long distances with the aid of tankers)
Medium range, radius-of-action AAR (e.g. extending the range of strike, reconnaissance, tactical transport or other airplanes, to attack or reconnoitre distant targets or carry out long range air drops)
AAR support to Combat Air Patrols (CAP) and other patrols (e.g. maritime patrol, AWACS, etc.)
Very long range AAR (such as the AAR of RAF aircraft from Ascension Island to the Falkland Islands and return, non-stop, in 1982, and by the USAF in certain long-range, radius-of-action operations).
A Receiver Aircraft Database. The user enters relevant performance data of fixed and rotary-wing AAR-capable receiver aircraft. This can be amended as necessary.
A Tanker Aircraft Database. The user enters relevant performance data of tanker aircraft. This too can be amended as required.
In each of first four bulleted sections above, there is an ‘Input Data’ page and one or more ‘Results’ pages. Having entered data into the Input page appropriate to the type of operation, the user selects the Results page where full results are instantly displayed and can be printed out. Where necessary, relevant data can next be entered into either the AIRPLAN MAOP or MFA program to complete the planning process.
In the 5th and 6th bulleted sections (above) the AAR planner enters and stores receiver and tanker performance data in the relevant database and can amend them at any time.
Description of the AIRPLAN AAR Program
Title Page
The program is written in Microsoft Excel-97. Below is the title page. It contains a button for the user to select the Main Menu. There is a reminder to ‘Save’ the file before Closing (if appropriate). It displays the name and appointment of the person to whom the program is licensed (not shown in the example, below). It also states the Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights of the owner of all AIRPLAN programs. Legal action will be taken by the owner should any unlicensed copying or use of this or other AIRPLAN programs be detected.
Main Menu
The Main Menu page shows the arrangement of the
AIRPLAN AAR, program and enables the user to access each of the four sections (see menu boxes across the page). There are two, coloured buttons at the bottom of the page to select the Receiver and Tanker databases, and a third, to return to the Title page (‘Close Program’). It should be noted that the Receiver Database button is coloured Red and the Tanker Database Green.
Colour Coding
Colour-coding for
Receiver and Tanker aircraft is repeated throughout the program, wherever possible, to distinguish between the two roles: Red text for Receiver information and Green for Tankers. This is especially helpful when an airplane type is common to both the Receiver and Tanker roles. It also provides a useful reminder when entering data into Input tables, especially when amending entries in the Tanker and Receiver databases.Cells with a White background are generally the only cells into which data can and should be entered by the user. Cells with a Yellow background contain output (results) data already calculated by AIRPLAN AAR.
Blue text or cell backgrounds refer to data common to both Tankers and Receivers.
Tanker Database
The above Tanker Database has the facility to store data for 18 Tanker types, selected and entered by the user. The user is required to enter only such data as are necessary for AIRPLAN AAR, to carry out the calculations. The program automatically accesses the database to obtain inputs for all calculations. The user can add to, delete or amend data in the table at any time. Before planning a new operation the user should check that data already in the database are relevant to the particular scenario to be planned and evaluated (e.g. True Air Speed at cruise, fuel burn, reserves.). Note that table headings and tanker aircraft types are colour-coded ‘
Green’.IMPORTANT NOTE. Data shown in the above example of the Tanker Database are notional and illustrative, only. They are not necessarily correct and serve only to demonstrate the content and function of the AIRPLAN AAR program.
Receiver Aircraft Database
The Receiver Aircraft Database has the facility to store data on 18 different types of receiver aircraft. The table contains only those data required to enable AIRPLAN AAR to complete the necessary calculations. The program user selects the aircraft types and enters the data and can delete or amend them at any time. Headings and receiver aircraft types are colour-coded
‘Red’.IMPORTANT NOTE. Data shown in the above example of the Receiver Aircraft Database are notional and illustrative, only. They are not necessarily accurate and serve only to demonstrate the content and function of the AIRPLAN AAR program.
En Route Deployment AAR Input Data
In this type of operation, receiver aircraft have to transit from one base to another over a distance beyond their prudent un-refuelled range. There are three different ways in which AAR support may be deployed and employed on this type of operation. AIRPLAN AAR automatically calculates the number of tankers and fuel required for each of these options. The planner can then decide which is the most appropriate or economical to employ. The planner first selects or enters the required input data for receiver and tanker aircraft and enters mission data in the White background cells. Note that where the background colour of a cell is Yellow the AIRPLAN AAR program has automatically calculated the contents, to reduce data calculation and entry time. This applies, for example to the ‘Calculated Minimum No. of AAR transfers essential’ and the ‘Calculated Final Leg Distance’ cells. With regard to the first of these two, you will notice that although (in the illustrated instance) the program has calculated that only 1 full fuel transfer is essential, the planner has decided to enter 2 in the ‘No. of Tanker Bases en route’ cell. This is probably to see whether any advantage could be gained in having more than one intermediate tanker base.
In the top right corner of the table, the user is invited to enter 1 or 2 in the cell positioned there. If the range of the already designated receiver would not permit fuel transfers to be carried out only at AARVs in the vicinity of the intermediate tanker bases, a warning message will automatically appear below the cell ‘Rendezvous AAR as well, Enter 2’. If this happens, the user should enter 1 in the top right cell. If the warning message does not appear, the planner may as well enter 2 to see whether the RV AAR method is more economical or preferable to either of the other options. Finally, you will see in two places on this page, ‘Click for Help!’ By placing the mouse pointer over the tick marks, guidance is given on completing the table. This occurs on some of the other tables in AIRPLAN AAR where it is felt some additional help might at times be useful. In general, however, the correct way to complete the Input tables is self-evident.
En Route AAR Deployment Results Page 1
All the results data shown on the first Results page are displayed as soon as all input data have been entered. In the example, results for three different methods of employing tanker support to the deploying receiver aircraft are shown. At the top of the left-hand column are displayed the type of tanker employed, the type and number of receivers being supported, and the mass of fuel they will consume. The first of the three techniques automatically examined by the AAR program is shown next in this column. This is where tankers take-off from the departure base and accompany receiver aircraft all the way to the destination. The number of tankers required and the fuel they can transfer using this technique, are shown. In the example case, 11 tankers are the minimum required. In the next left-hand section, it is assumed that a number of tankers will accompany receivers as far as it is economical to do so whereupon tankers will land at a suitably located, pre-planned intermediate base. At that point, the receivers will be met by relief tankers, and so on. The number of tankers required if this technique is used is 3 in the example case (compared with 11 if tankers accompany receivers all the way).
The program has also automatically calculated that two tankers should accompany the eight receivers as far as the first en route tanker base where the tankers would then land. At this point along the route, a single tanker based at the intermediate airfield should rendezvous with the receivers and accompany them to the destination. AIRPLAN AAR has calculated that it would not be necessary to base any tankers at the second intermediate base provisionally indicated by the planner on the Input Data page. On the right-hand side of the page, if the receiver aircraft range permits (NB. AIRPLAN AAR automatically calculates whether the aircraft’s range is adequate, and indicates if it is not), the program calculates how many tankers will be required if tankers are based only at intermediate tanker bases along the route. Tankers then take off from the intermediate base(s), rendezvous (RV) with receivers, refuel them and land back at the base from which they had taken off. The number of such staging bases, their distances along the route and the distance from the intermediate tanker base to the RV, will have been entered by the planner on the data Input page. In this example, the program calculates that two tankers should be based at the first of the two intermediate tanker bases and one at the second base. The mass of fuel to be transferred has also been calculated. In summary, the program has calculated that whereas employment and deployment Method 1) would require 11 tankers to accompany the 8 receivers, Methods 2) and 3) would require only three tankers, but operating from different bases as indicated.
En Route Deployment Results Page 2
Results page 2 (not illustrated, here) is a deeper analysis of the number of tankers required for each alternative tanker employment option. It also includes such data as the percentage and quantities of fuel transferred by each tanker at each RV, their predicted fuel states on landing, etc. This enables the merits of different tankers and employment options to be examined more deeply. It also includes calculation of the expected fuel-state of receiver aircraft on landing at the destination.
Medium Range Radius-of-Action Missions to Targets
In this type of AAR mission, tankers are used typically to extend the radius-of-action of combat or tactical transport aircraft. To assist the program user, a diagram at the foot of the screen illustrates a typical scenario. Tankers may or may not be co-located at the same air base as the receiver aircraft. Assuming they are not co-located (as in the example below) receiver aircraft will RV with tankers at a designated air-to-air rendezvous area (AARA) conveniently located geographically and within range of receiver aircraft from their base. The AAR program will inform the planner if AARA1 is located out of range. The program calculates the minimum number of tankers required, outbound. It also calculates whether it would be practicable for the tankers that refuelled aircraft at AARA1 to be able to loiter and then refuel the receivers on return to AARA2 inbound, or whether fresh tankers would be necessary.
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Medium Range Radius-of-Action Missions – Results Page
The calculated Results for medium range, radius-of-action (RoA) missions are shown above. Line 1 indicates the number of tankers required at the outbound refuelling bracket. The second line shows the calculated number of tankers required to refuel receiver aircraft on the return leg to base. It also indicates whether it would be feasible for tankers that refuel aircraft on the outbound leg, to loiter and refuel the same aircraft inbound, or whether fresh tankers would have to be deployed for the recovery (as shown in the example). The remainder of the table provides data on fuel usage, reserves and mission times for tanker (
Green) and receiver aircraft (Red).
AAR of CAP and other Patrol Missions – Input Data Page
The user enters data for each Combat Air Patrol (CAP) or other type of patrol. At the foot of the page is a diagram illustrating a typical patrol scenario (not the particular scenario)
AAR for CAP and Other Patrols – Results Page
The table above shows the calculated results for CAP patrols. In the example, CAPs are being supported simultaneously at three different radii. One tanker is required at each AARA supporting each CAP. The AAR program has calculated the average length of time for which each tanker will have enough fuel to transfer to fighters on CAP, and therefore the interval at which tankers will have to be relieved. These data can then be entered into the AIRPLAN MAOP program to determine the overall size and composition (aircraft and crews) of the tanker fleet required to support and sustain the operation over the selected period (in this case 7 days). Other output data include fuel masses, sorties and flight hours, etc. In such operations, where patrol cover is to be maintained continuously over periods of several days or even weeks, it is vital to calculate, accurately, the numbers of aircraft and crews and the quantity of fuel required. It is also important to include an estimation of likely flying rates immediately following completion of the operation so that AIRPLAN can include this in calculations to determine the total number of crews required over a full 28-day period. This is where AIRPLAN MAOP or MFA, as well as AIRPLAN AAR, are invaluable to planners.
Very Long Range AAR – Input Data Page
The screen shot above shows the Input Data page for 'Very Long-Range, Radius-of-Action' AAR missions. A diagram near the bottom of the screen shows a typical scenario for such an operation. Tanker aircraft refuel receivers both outbound and inbound. "Very long-range" is assumed typically to be a radius of action of 2,000 to 4,000 nautical miles.
The ‘Bracket’ points (B1, B2, B3 and B4) are locations at which a particular tanker or tankers, directly supporting a receiver or receivers, is/are relieved by another or other tankers. In very-long range operations, tankers may well have to refuel other tankers to enable them to reach one of the refuelling brackets with sufficient fuel to transfer adequate fuel to the receivers they are supporting, without themselves running short of fuel (e.g. between B1 and B2). AIRPLAN AAR automatically calculates and includes in the overall total, the numbers of tankers to achieve such a tanker relay and recovery operation, safely.
At B2 (or whatever is the last outbound Bracket number), the direct support tanker fills up the receiver(s) and they proceed to the target (or drop zone) and then return to be refuelled by a fresh tanker or tankers at B3 (or whatever is the first inbound Bracket number).
AIRPLAN AAR allows a planner to stipulate the lowest percentage fuel tank contents level to which a receiver aircraft will be allowed to fall before being refuelled.
The program can also calculate the timing of the whole operation to enable receiver aircraft to meet a stipulated time on target at the farthest point. It also automatically warns the planner should any input data result in an unachievable mission.
Very Long Range Radius-of-Action AAR – Results Page
The Results page for VLR AAR operations is shown above. Without AIRPLAN AAR, planning such an operation can be very time-consuming. The AIRPLAN AAR program enables one person to complete the initial planning process within a few minutes. The Results page includes all necessary output data on the number of refuelling brackets, the number of tankers per bracket, the distance and flight times between brackets, and the number of hook-ups required. It also calculates the number of tankers required per wave, the mass of fuel transferred to receivers, the tanker and receiver reserves on return to base, and other useful data. In addition, it calculates the dates and times of departure and arrival of receivers and tankers based on the receiver’s required date and time of arrival on target.
Help
Many pages throughout the AIRPLAN AAR program have Help facilities. These can be accessed by users to remind them how to enter or interpret data correctly.
Conclusion
AIRPLAN AAR provides a comprehensive desktop and laptop PC (or Server) program enabling users to evaluate tanker capabilities, and complete the first stage of planning of any kind of air-to-air refuelling operation, within a few minutes. Immediately available output data include: the minimum number of tankers required, their optimum utilisation and disposition, the mass of fuel required at tanker bases, the mass of fuel transferred by tankers, and for some scenarios the location of AAR Areas, mission timing and other useful planning data.
Maximum
benefit can be gained by using AIRPLAN AAR in conjunction with the three other
programs of the AIRPLAN suite, MAOP, MFA and MDB, for which an abbreviated description
is contained on the Airplan_Suite
page of this site.
Enquiries about AIRPLAN AAR and the other programs in the AIRPLAN Suite, should be addressed to Derek Empson at airplan@military-airplanner.com
A comprehensive description of the AIRPLAN Suite (not including AIRPLAN AAR which is described here) can be seen at web site: www.military-airplanner.com/. You are strongly recommended to visit this site. Derek Empson will be pleased to discuss the program and provide any further information you require (email address, above).
E-MAIL: airplan@military-airplanner.com
Derek K. Empson - Proprietor and Writer of AIRPLAN Programs