Assisted In-Flight Refuelling Drogue-Probe Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hose-and-drogue in-flight refuelling systems face challenges in successful drogue-probe coupling due to weather conditions, visibility, and pilot skill, with narrow speed windows and high stress levels, making it difficult to calculate refuelling time and manage large fleets efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An assisted in-flight refuelling system utilizing differential satellite positioning modules for precise distance calculations and drogue control, enabling automatic alignment and coupling of the drogue and probe with centimetre-level precision, reducing pilot workload and stress through GPS/RTK technology and autopilot systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual drogue-probe coupling is used, then pilot skill and stress are involved, but coupling success depends on weather conditions, visibility, and pilot performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical coupling process with an automated system that uses satellite positioning (GPS/RTK) to calculate distances and control the drogue and probe alignment, eliminating the need for pilot skill and reducing stress while improving coupling reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically performing the coupling operation through computer-controlled positioning and alignment of drogue and probe, without requiring human intervention during the critical coupling phase
2Productivity
If conventional refuelling systems are used, then refuelling time cannot be calculated, but fleet management requires precise time estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the positions of tanker and take-off aircraft via satellite positioning, calculates real-time distances, and provides feedback to control the coupling process, enabling precise prediction and calculation of refuelling time for efficient fleet management
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of refuelling time based on predicted positions and coupling parameters, allowing fleet management to plan and schedule refuelling operations efficiently before the actual refuelling occurs
3Measurement precision
If differential satellite positioning is used, then coupling precision reaches centimetre level, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a multi-functional satellite positioning system that serves multiple purposes: determining positions of both aircraft, calculating distances, controlling drogue and probe alignment, and predicting refuelling time, thereby achieving high precision without proportionally increasing complexity
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
The system significantly enhances coupling precision and reduces pilot stress, allowing for efficient and timely refuelling regardless of weather conditions, enabling pre-programmed refuelling of multiple aircraft while minimizing the risk of failure.
Implementation Method 1
An assisted in-flight refuelling system utilizing differential satellite positioning modules for precise distance calculations and drogue control, enabling automatic alignment and coupling of the drogue and probe with centimetre-level precision
Data Source
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AI summary
An assisted in-flight refuelling system (1) having a tanker aircraft (2) equipped with a drogue (4); a fuel take-on aircraft (5) equipped with a probe (6); and a drogue-probe coupling assist system (7) designed to determine a first distance (B-C) between the drogue (4) and the take-on aircraft (5) /probe (6), a second distance (A-B) between the tanker aircraft (2) and the drogue (4), and a third distance (A-C) between the tanker aircraft (2) and the take-on aircraft (5). The drogue-probe coupling assist system (7) is also designed to determine information relative to the necessary movement of the drogue (4) and/or the necessary movement of the take-on aircraft (5) to couple the drogue to the probe, as a function of the first (B-C), second (A-B), and third (A-C) distance.