This study focuses on the development of aerial refueling methods and procedures for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The author states the need for UAVs, lists assumptions, and gives a brief background on them. His discussion of the three current Air Force UAV systems (Predator, DarkStar, and Global Hawk) is followed by some proposed methods and procedures for rendezvous and aerial refueling of these UAV platforms. The author rounds out his discussion by comparing and analyzing both the current UAV systems and the methods of air refueling. After proposing the UAV system best suited for air refueling, the most effective type of rendezvous for this UAV system, and the best method for con-trolling the UAV during the air refueling, the author concludes with a brief review of the implications for the Air Force and airpower enthusiasts....

1 Introduction . . . . 1 Notes . . . . . 6 2 The Need for Air Refueling Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Current Air Force Systems . . . . 7 Notes . . . . . 17 3 The Air Refueling Rendezvous and Controlling the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles during the Air Refueling . . . . . 19 Notes . . . . . 27 4 Comparison and Analysis of Current Air Force Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems, Rendezvous, and Methods of Control of the UAV during Aerial Refueling . . . . 29 Notes . . . . . 36 5 Conclusions and Implications . . . . . 39...