Overview
Throughout the Air Safety Management Training (ASMT) Course you will be introduced to new safety assessment techniques and concepts. The objective of the syndicate exercises is to reinforce your learning and improve your confidence in using the techniques. The syndicate exercises will develop your appreciation of safety techniques and the development of a Hazard and Safety Assessments.
You will be divided into syndicates of mixed experience and roles and working together to generate a presentation to an Operating Duty Holder (ODH), played by ASMT Staff. The syndicate presentation will be the final assessment exercise for the week.
The exercise will be based on the introduction of a new Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) capability for the RAF. A civilian platform is being militarised and we will focus on the design of the underwing refuelling pod, its integration with the platform, and the safety assessments required in this process.
What is AAR?
AAR is the process of transferring aviation fuel from one aircraft (the tanker) to another aircraft (the receiver). It is predominately a military operation, but there are a handful of civil tanker operators.
The military consider AAR as a force multiplier because it enhances the capability of tactical aircraft by extending range and improving endurance. It can permit tactical aircraft to take-off with a greater payload or use a shorter take-off run through fuel management. It also enables more rapid deployment of tactical aircraft over long distances and reduces fuel consumption by removing the need for refuelling stops en-route.
The UK MOD use the probe and drogue system where the tanker trails a refuelling hose with a stabilising drogue. The receiving aircraft is fitted with a probe (normally retractable) which is plugged into the drogue to permit fuel to flow between the tanker and receiver. This is a gross over simplification of the process and further detail will be provided on Day 1 of the course.
Figure 1. Elements of an AAR system
Scenario
The UK MOD is introducing a new AAR capability by modifying a civil certified twin engine wide body transport platform to conduct AAR. The modification introduces underwing refuelling pods on out-board hard points and the control systems necessary to manage the refuelling process. A similar platform is depicted at Figure 2, illustrating the configuration that is required.
Figure 2. Voyager KCMk1 AAR Platform refuelling a Tornado aircraft.
You are a member of the Platform DT and the project is in the concept phase of designing a ‘Wing Pod’ which will be used for AAR operations to be added to the tanker platform. Our exercises will focus on the refuelling pod, its design, and the potential implications for the safety of the platform. The exercises will include zonal and functional hazard analysis, fault tree and event tree analysis, risk assessment and the construction of an equipment safety assessment.
Figure 3 is a schematic of an early design of the Underwing Pod based on previous designs already in service with other platforms. Nonetheless, the DT has a responsibility to ensure that the design is as safe as reasonably practicable and does not place the platform, receiving aircraft or third parties, at unreasonable risk. The structured workshops will guide you through this process and allow you to develop the evidence that you require to present to the ODH your assessment of one aspect of the pod where safety improvements could be introduced.
Figure 3. Refuelling Pod Preliminary Design Schematic
What is your role?
Your syndicate will work through exercises mentioned above to help you identify potential issues with the pod design, solutions to these issues and how your solutions mitigate or control hazards associated with the introduction of an AAR capability. The exercises will be supported and guided by your tutors.
The workshops will culminate in your presentation to the Operating Duty Holder, you will discuss one hazard, potential solutions and make recommendations for their consideration. Your presentation will be roughly 10 minutes long, the method of delivery is up to individual teams. ASMT tutors will provide immediate feedback.
We hope you will enjoy the process and experience and that it will help reinforce the lessons presented during the week.
There are a number of AAR videos to be found on YouTube which may help your understanding of the AAR process. Remember to look for probe and drogue systems, not the flying boom favoured by US Forces. We suggest you start with: