METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OBTAINING DIGITAL IMAGES DURING RETRACTABLE TUBE OPERATIONS FOR REFUELLING IN THE AIR

摘要

The invention relates to a method for obtaining digital images in aerial refueling boom operations between a tanker aircraft and a receiver aircraft comprising the following steps: capturing black and white digital images of the receiver aircraft illuminated with IR light and, at the same time, colour digital images of spots of laser light projected from the tanker aircraft into the receiver aircraft; mixing said black and white and colour digital images for obtaining single images with black and white and colour information; and sending the mixed images to a control station in the tanker aircraft. The invention also relates to a device for obtaining digital images in aerial refueling boom operations between a tanker aircraft and a receiver aircraft for installation in the tanker aircraft.