Methods and apparatus for resisting torsional loads in aerial refueling booms

摘要

A refueling boom for an aerial tanker includes an outer member (106) operatively connected to the tanker, an inner member (108) operatively and telescopically configured with the outer member, and one or more torque rollers (110). The torque roller is disposed on the outer member such that the torque roller engages with the inner member when the inner member is telescoping and reacts to torsional loads subject on the inner member when the boom is deployed in an aerial refueling operation. The inner member may include a plurality of longitudinally disposed torsion surfaces or races for respectively engaging with the torque rollers.