Systems and methods for automatically and semiautomatically controlling aircraft refueling
US7469863B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 24, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 18, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D39/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Aerial refueling systems and associated methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes an operator input device configured to receive operator inputs and direct a first input signal corresponding to a target position for an aerial refueling device. A sensor can be positioned to detect a location of at least one of the aerial refueling device and a receiver aircraft, and can be configured to direct a second input signal. A controller can be operatively coupled to the operator input device and the sensor to receive the first and second input signals and direct a command signal to adjust the position of the aerial refueling device in response to both the first and second input signals, unless either or both of the input signals are absent or below a threshold value. Accordingly, the system can respond to both automatically generated sensor data and data input by an operator. A fully automated version of the system can be installed on an unmanned aircraft having additional capabilities, for example, electronic surveillance and/or jamming capabilities.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.