In-flight refueling lightning protection system
US7597288B2 · kind B2 · utility
4Cited by
15References
6Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D45/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A lightning protection system, method and aircraft are provided for reducing the flammability of jet fuel spilled during an in-flight refueling operation between a supplying aircraft and a receiving aircraft. An inert gas is injected adjacent to a refueling interface in order to displace oxygen in the fuel-air mixture and thereby reduce the ability of the fuel vapor to ignite upon occurrence of an ignition source such as lightning. The refueling system may comprise a boom or a hose and drogue type device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.