Research on relative positioning algorithm for large aircraft aerial refueling

When two aircraft interact in an aerial refueling operation (confluence, pre-docking, docking and separation), it is challenging for pilots alone to control the distance and speed between the two aircrafts. Based on GPS dynamic differential equipment, this paper studies the relative positioning algorithm that measures the relative position between the refueling probe and drogue, forming a unified coordinate system of the moving space platform. This method builds a high-precision, stable and reliable two-machine relative position measurement special system and provides auxiliary guidance and safety warning for the aerial refueling process.