Integrated Parameters Sensitivity Analysis of Refueling Device and Unmanned Tanker

The integrated design of the refueling device and the unmanned tanker is one key factor in the autonomous aerial refueling technology, which affecting the overall refueling performance. Starting from the design parameters of tankers and aerial refueling devices, the design parameters with high correlation were selected as the sensitivity analysis objects. The parameter sensitivity analysis of the selected design parameters was carried out by using the multi-parameter sensitivity analysis method, and the influence of parameters on the performance of the unmanned tanker platform was discussed. The results show that the empty weight coefficient and maximum external fuel supply have significant effects on platform performance and refueling capacity, and the comprehensive sensitivity is higher. The cruising speed and weight of the refueling device have a greater influence on the overall performance and have high sensitivity; Refueling hoses/boom length parameters have the lowest sensitivity. The conclusion can provide a direction for the future design of the refueling device, and also provide a reference for the integrated trade-off design of the refueling device and the tanker.