• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.70-80
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• 2022

An aerial refueling provides for extension of operational time and range for aircraft and enhances mission effectiveness, hence it application by most military aircrafts. The receiver aircraft should have the aerial refueling clearance that is established by performing technical and operational compatibility assessments to certify it for aerial refueling with a specific tanker model. The compatibility assessment includes aerial refueling handling qualities, functional, fuel, lighting system testing and it is finally verified through flight testing. However, since aerial refueling compatibility assessments have never been performed in Korea, there is no experience to determine the test requirements and the scope and size of the test program for a new development aircraft. This paper therefore introduces the common techniques of aerial refueling and aerial refueling flight test methods to understand the aerial refueling FCS (Flight Control System), OFP (operational flight program) and system validation, and aerial refueling envelope clearance of a fixed wing aircraft for a boom and receptacle refueling system that is being introduced into Korea Air Force.