For the second time since April, Air Force researchers at Tyndall AFB, Fla., have successfully demonstrated a robotic system for refueling aircraft on the ground. This automated aircraft ground refueling, or AAGR, prototype holds the promise of replacing the manual method that airmen must now perform on the flightline, including when an aircraft’s engines are running. AAGR is remotely controlled and equipped with cameras, proximity sensors, and a guidance package to maneuver close to an aircraft, couple with it, and then pass fuel to it via a refueling nozzle. While an F-35 mock-up is being used for the testing, AAGR technology is applicable to many aircraft types. The second test took place in July. Like the original trial in April, it was a dry run, with no actual fuel transfer. Researchers want to continue maturing AAGR for eventual field testing. (Tyndall release)
A provision in the fiscal 2025 defense policy bill will require the Defense Department to include the military occupational specialty of service members who die by suicide in its annual report on suicide deaths, though it remains to be seen how much data the department will actually disclose.