摘要 |
Apparatuses, systems, and methods described herein provide for a refueling boom having vertical control surfaces extending primarily downward below the horizontal control surfaces out of the auxiliary power unit (APU) exhaust and airframe-induced turbulent flow fields, while reducing the torque moments applied to the boom beam and increasing control authority. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a refueling boom includes a boom beam, at least one horizontal control surface, and a pair of vertical control surfaces. The vertical control surfaces are positioned on opposing ends of the horizontal control surfaces and each include an upper portion and a longer lower portion projecting downward below the horizontal control surface. Aspects further improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the boom beam, reducing the drag associated with the refueling boom. |