The current standard for aerial refueling simulator qualification is the AMC document “Aerial Refueling Airplane Simulator Qualification, Rev. C” (ARASQ), dated 1 September 2009, initially modeled after the now outdated FAA advisory circular AC 120-40B, which has since been supplanted by 14 CFR Part 60 (2016). Since the last revision 13 years ago, there have been significant changes to aircraft, simulation technology, training methodologies, and manufacturer data rights.

Modeling and simulation of aerial refueling is complex and requires objective criteria to validate the solution at a sufficient level to significantly reduce aircraft flying requirements through the qualification of simulators. There are significant nuances for technical qualification requirements between receiver and tanker (levels C and D) and boom operator (levels 1 and 2) simulators. The current ARASQ standard is insufficient for modern aircraft capabilities (KC‑46, KC-Y/Z), modern simulation and qualification methodologies, and next generation cost‑effective lightweight lower-level training devices using technically mature commercialized technologies. Without next generation ARASQ, lightweight on-demand lower-level training devices cannot be leveraged for aerial refueling qualification or currency training as their simulation cannot be certified to prove no negative training.

This paper addresses next generation ARASQ innovative scientific research and analytical efforts to change the future of training the warfighter including:

Receiver, tanker, and boom qualification tests and tolerances for next generation technologies, such as alternative visual systems from collimated displays
Boom operator qualification validation tests and tolerances to better account for computer-controlled aircraft (CCA), such as fly-by-wire systems
A pathway to utilize and qualify next generation commercial technology
(e.g., virtual and mixed reality, controls, motion/haptics)
A pathway to expand qualification levels for lower-level training devices
Prerequisite trainer requirements and capability for distributed training (DMO) participation and interoperability
A clear qualification pathway using alternative data sources (e.g., computational fluid dynamics) in lieu of instrumented aircraft pair data

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Dr. James Cook