Method and device for in-flight refuelling operations using a boom
US8328139B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D39/04
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and device for in-flight including movable aerodynamic surfaces boom refueling operations using an articulated boom and a cable is disclosed. The method includes: (a) from a completely stowed-away and retracted position of the boom, the cable is initially released, thereby starting to lower the boom, such that the said cable is kept tensioned during the whole of step (a) by the force supplied by the movable aerodynamic surfaces and/or the force of gravity acting on the boom; (b) after reaching the maximum deployed position of the boom, or the bottom end of the flight envelope of the boom, release of the cable is stopped; (c) while keeping the length of released cable fixed, the boom is brought into a suitable position for commencing the maneuvers for refueling of the receiver aircraft; (d) the manoeuvre for connecting the boom to the receptacle of the receiver aircraft is started by control of the movable aerodynamic surfaces; and (e) once the connection has been established, the transfer of fuel to the receiver aircraft is started.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.