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AssetID: 31958511

Headline: US Army To Use Robots To Refuel Frontline Helicopters

Caption: PICTURE SHOWS: The Autonomous & Robotic Remote Refueling Point (AR3P) being demonstrated ... The U.S. Army are preparing to deploy robots to fuel frontline helicopters. A system called Autonomous & Robotic Remote Refueling Point (AR3P) is being tested that would replace the need for soldiers to man remote, and often dangerous, refuelling stations. AR3P points would be set-up a distance from hostile locations to enable helicopters to refuel efficiently, and with minimised risk, before returning to the battlefield. The concept has undergone an initial capabilities demonstration at the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center. A U.S. Army statement explains: "The project's goal is to enable Army Aviation manned rotary-wing aircraft to address current and emerging range and endurance requirements, as well as refueling challenges created by the non-contiguous battlefield. By using self-aligning robotics, articulated arms and sensors, the system would support a Quick Hook-Up, ultimately reducing the aircraft's time on the ground. The robotic, unmanned system would also increase safety by removing Soldiers from the fueling station -- a location that could put them at risk of enemy targeting." "It makes sense for us to fill this need," said AR3P Project Lead, Will Nikonchuk. "We address target acquisition and engagement all of the time as the aviation and missile research and development community. That is what AR3P does." Nikonchuk reported at the demonstration that the project is currently addressing Technical Risk areas in Phase 2 and hopes to establish a framework for future funding. Phase 3 includes aircraft modification and flight testing of a Mosquito Test aircraft, while the final, Phase 4 will feature a flight test of an Apache AH-64 at the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

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