AERIAL REFUELING NAVIGABLE DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

A device, system, and method for facilitating aerial refueling. The device is a navigable flying unit for more precise positioning to establish a fuel-transmitting connection with a fuel inlet of a fuel-receiving plane (including a fuel inlet located on the wing of a commercial aircraft). The device comprises controllable aerodynamic surfaces for mid-air maneuvering while attached to a fuel-transmitting medium being trailed by a fuel-giving plane. The navigable unit may also comprise a means for, if necessary, moving along a surface of the fuel-receiving plane for more precise positioning, and a means for attaching to the surface of the fuel-receiving plane and/or a fuel port thereof, as well as a means for coupling with the fuel inlet in order to establish a fuel-transmitting connection. The in-air maneuvering of the device and fuel-transmitting medium may be facilitated in one embodiment, by the fuel-transmitting medium comprising aerodynamic surfaces configured for reducing drag.

主权项

1. A navigable device for carrying a fuel transmitting medium from a fuel-giving plane to a fuel inlet of a fuel-receiving plane, the fuel inlet surrounded by a plane surface, the device comprising:
controllable aerodynamic surfaces for navigating the device to a midair position in close proximity to the fuel inlet; a means for releasably attaching to the plane surface close to the fuel inlet; and a means for coupling to the fuel inlet for establishing a fuel transmitting connection; wherein, by controlling the aerodynamic surfaces, the navigable device is maneuverable to the fuel-receiving plane and releasably attachable to the plane surface surrounding the fuel inlet; and wherein, once the navigable device is attached to the plane surface, it couples with the fuel inlet so that fuel transfers through the fuel transmitting medium from the fuel-giving plane and to the fuel receiving plane.