Aerial Towing System (ATS)

Aerial Towing System (ATS)

The ATS provides a means to transport large numbers of fighters to any location in the world rapidly and efficiently. It is based upon the proven technology of using a larger aircraft to tow smaller aircraft, the means with which gliders are currently deployed and have been for years.

The cornerstone of the ATS is the KC-33A Tanker. This platform would incorporate three transport lines, one from each wing and a third from the tail of the fuselage. The transport lines would each include three cables, one to support the weight being towed, the second being a fuel supply hose, and the third a data line to transfer flight controls of towed fighters to the KC-33A. At the end of each transport line would be a clamp for latching on to the tow strut of ATS-equipped fighters.

ATS-equipped fighters would have a tow-strut that extends from the top of the fuselage behind the cockpit. This strut would include a fuel probe similar to those used with drogue refueling systems today as well as a data port for transferring flight controls. When not in use, the strut would fold down into the top of the fuselage and would not cause any decrease in capabilities.

In action, the ATS-equipped fighter would approach the transport line extended from a KC-33A in-flight. The fuel probe on the fighter would engage the fuel supply line with proper engagement triggering the clamp to latch on to the tow strut. With latching complete, flight controls of the towed fighter would be transferred to the KC-33A and the fighter pilot could kick back and rest for the duration of the flight.

Since the KC-33A would be in full control of the fighter, it can adjust power levels and flight controls to adjust for changes in flight conditions such as turbulence to changes in wind direction. Weather can change quite rapidly in the flight time between the continental U.S. and the Middle East, for example, and the ATS accounts for these changes.

The ATS could support virtually any type of fighter aircraft. As long as the fighter is ATS-equipped, it wouldn’t matter if it were an air-to-air fighter, an interceptor, a ground attack platform, or a light bomber. Another key benefit to this system is safety. If something goes wrong with the KC-33A, it can release the fighters under virtually any flight condition necessary. The KC-33A could also continue to function as a traditional tanker when not performing ATS duties.