Drogue for in-flight refueling
US6824105B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2003 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D39/06
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The drogue 11 comprises a canopy 50 supported by a plurality of adjustable ribs 42 and further ribs 43. A control unit 36 is provided for moving the adjustable ribs 42 into a first position P1, in which an air stream can inflate the canopy 50 whereby drag on the canopy causes the drogue 11 to draw a fuel hose 74 from a tanker aircraft 63 into an extended position, and into a second position P2 in which the canopy 50 takes on a cylindrical form and drag thereon in the extended position will be reduced. Selected adjustable supports are movable relative to the others by a control mechanism 41 to adjust a selected portion of the canopy 50 whereby the drag on that portion will be increased and the drogue 11 will move to a new position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.