60 GHz Aircraft Coupling for Safe Air-to-Air Refueling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current air-to-air refuelling methods lack effective communication systems for navigation and control, particularly for unmanned aircraft, due to the risk of fuel ignition with traditional radio frequency communications, and do not facilitate efficient data transfer between aircraft.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus using electromagnetic signals within the 57 GHz to 66 GHz frequency range, specifically 60 GHz, for communication between aircraft, employing narrow beam width antennas and switching between ranging and data link modes to enable precise positioning and data transfer during refuelling, reducing the risk of fuel ignition and enhancing covert communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional radio frequency communication is used during air-to-air refuelling, then communication between aircraft is enabled, but the risk of fuel ignition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of electromagnetic signals from traditional radio frequency ranges to the 57-66 GHz band. This parameter change reduces the risk of fuel ignition while maintaining communication capability, as higher frequency signals have lower energy levels that are less likely to ignite fuel vapors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the typically harmful effect of oxygen absorption at 60 GHz into a beneficial feature. The strong oxygen absorption in this frequency range, which normally attenuates signals, actually provides covert communication by limiting signal propagation and reducing detectability, while simultaneously lowering ignition risk.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If communication frequency is increased to reduce fuel ignition risk, then oxygen absorption increases causing signal attenuation, but covert communication is enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful oxygen absorption effect into a beneficial covert communication feature. The strong absorption at 60 GHz limits signal range and detectability, providing operational security while the system compensates for attenuation through targeted signal transmission only when aircraft are in proper formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic communication signals transmitted only during specific formation flying phases. This periodic transmission minimizes overall signal exposure and energy loss, activating communication only when needed for navigation corrections or formation maintenance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If narrow beam width antennas are used to enhance communication covertness, then signal directionality increases, but communication range may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies narrow beam width antennas that concentrate communication energy in specific directional sectors corresponding to expected receiver aircraft positions. This local quality approach provides covertness in critical directions while maintaining adequate range for formation flying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts antenna beam direction and width based on real-time formation position and navigation requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the narrow beams to track receiver aircraft while maintaining covertness, extending effective communication range through coordinated beam steering.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If electromagnetic signals in the 57 GHz to 66 GHz range are used for communication, then fuel ignition risk decreases and covert communication is enhanced, but signal absorption by oxygen increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful oxygen absorption effect into a beneficial covert communication feature. The strong absorption at 60 GHz limits signal propagation distance and detectability, providing operational security while the system compensates through precise timing and positioning of transmissions during formation flying.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for accurate and autonomous air-to-air refuelling of unmanned aircraft, reduces the risk of fuel ignition, and enables high-bandwidth data transfer during refuelling operations, improving navigation and control precision while maintaining covert communication.
Implementation Method 1
sending, from a transmitter located on the first aircraft, an electromagnetic signal (e.g. a radio frequency or optical signal)
Implementation Method 2
receiving, by a receiver located on the second aircraft, the signal
Implementation Method 3
communication frequencies in the range 57 GHz to 66 GHz, e.g. around 60 GHz, provide decreased risk of fuel ignition, for example, due to increased oxygen absorption of those communication signals
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for physically coupling together a first aircraft and a second aircraft, for example for the purpose of performing air-to-air refueling. The first aircraft is an aircraft in flight. The second aircraft is an aircraft in flight. The method comprises: sending, from a transmitter located on the first aircraft, an electromagnetic signal; receiving, by a receiver located on the second aircraft, the signal; and controlling, by one or more processors, using the signal received by the second aircraft, at least one of the first and second aircraft such that the first and second aircraft are in a predetermined configuration in which the first and second aircraft are physically coupled together, for example attached together.