DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REFUELING AIR VEHICLES

摘要

A variety of refueling devices, systems and methods are disclosed for use in in-flight refueling. In one example one such device is towed by a tanker aircraft via a fuel hose at least during in-flight refueling, and has a boom member with a boom axis. The boom member enables fuel to be transferred from the fuel hose to a receiver aircraft along the boom axis during in-flight refueling. The device maintains a desired non-zero angular disposition between the boom axis and a forward direction at least when the refueling device is towed by the tanker aircraft in the forward direction via the fuel hose.

主权项

1. A refueling device for use in in-flight refueling operation, comprising:
(a) a body configured for being towed by a tanker aircraft via a fuel hose at least during in-flight refueling operation, and comprising a boom member having a boom axis and configured to enable fuel to be transferred from said fuel hose to a receiver aircraft along said axis during said in-flight refueling operation; (b) spatial control system configured for selectively ensuring maintaining a desired non-zero angular disposition between said boom axis and a forward direction at least when said refueling device is towed by the tanker aircraft in said forward direction via said fuel hose.