| 摘要 |
An apparatus is disclosed for refueling an aircraft primarily fron a ship at sea, the ship being subject to changes in vertical and horizontal position due to pitch, roll, and heave, and combinations thereof. The apparatus comprises a first beam having a first end pivotally attached to the ship and extending upward therefrom. A second beam is pivotally attached at its first end to the second end of the first beam and extends substantially in a horizontal direction therefrom and preferably is supported by an air spring mounted between the first and second beams. A positioning device, preferably in the form of a hydraulic actuating cylinder, is coupled to both the first beam and the ship and is adapted to adjust the angular position of the first beam with respect to the ship in response to a first control signal. A propulsion system, preferably in the form of a duct fan having a variable pitch or variable speed, is mounted on the second beam and is adapted to provide a variable propulsive force to adjust the angular position of the second beam with respect to the first beam in response to a second control signal. A fuel delivery system is provided having an outlet mounted on the second beam at the second end adapted to deliver fuel to the aircraft. A control system is provided which is coupled to and adapted to provide the first and second control signals to the hydraulic cylinder and the ducted fan, respectively, so as to adjust the angular positons of the first and second beams such that the outlet of the fuel delivery system remains at a substantially constant position as the ship changes position.
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