Autonomous Refueling Boom Alignment for Multi-Aircraft Tankers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airborne refueling systems, such as the hose and drogue and boom and receptacle systems, face challenges in efficiently and safely refueling multiple aircraft simultaneously, with limitations in precision and control, particularly in aligning the refueling boom with the receiver aircraft's receptacle during in-flight operations.
Innovation Solution
A refueling device and method that includes a boom member with a spatial control system, allowing for automatic steering and alignment to an engagement enabling position, using spatial dispositions and control commands to ensure precise engagement with the receiver aircraft's fuel receptacle, even when towed by a tanker aircraft via a fuel hose, enabling simultaneous refueling of multiple aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional hose and drogue system or boom and receptacle system is used for airborne refueling, then the refueling process can be performed, but the precision and control in aligning the refueling boom with the receiver aircraft's receptacle is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a spatial control system that continuously monitors the relative position and orientation between the refueling boom and receiver aircraft receptacle using sensors and navigation systems. This feedback information is processed by a control computer that automatically adjusts boom position and orientation commands to achieve precise alignment, resolving the contradiction by providing automated precision control without requiring overly complex manual systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional manual mechanical alignment methods with an automated spatial control system that uses electronic sensors, navigation data, and computer-controlled actuation. This substitution of mechanical manual alignment with electronic automation achieves higher precision while managing system complexity through integrated control architecture
2Productivity
If a single boom tanker aircraft is used, then the system is simpler, but it can only refuel a single receiver aircraft at a time, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the refueling capability into multiple independent boom systems that can be deployed from a single tanker aircraft. Each boom system operates independently to service a different receiver aircraft simultaneously, achieving multi-aircraft refueling capability by segmenting the refueling function across multiple booms while maintaining a unified tanker platform
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the tanker aircraft with multiple boom systems that share common support infrastructure, control systems, and fuel delivery mechanisms. This multi-functional design allows a single tanker to perform multiple refueling operations simultaneously with different receiver aircraft types, increasing productivity while avoiding the need for entirely separate systems for each aircraft
3Reliability
If manual control of the refueling boom is used, then the system is easier to operate, but the precision and safety during in-flight refueling is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated spatial control system that autonomously manages boom positioning, alignment, and engagement with the receiver aircraft receptacle. The system uses sensors, navigation data, and control algorithms to self-correct position and orientation without continuous manual intervention, thereby improving safety while reducing pilot workload through automated self-management of the refueling process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control of the boom with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors, computers, and actuators. This substitution eliminates human error in precision positioning while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive control interfaces and automated decision-making algorithms
4Measurement precision
If the boom is actively controlled to align with the receiver aircraft, then the alignment precision is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop spatial control system that continuously measures the relative position and orientation between the boom and receiver aircraft using sensors and navigation systems. This feedback is processed by a control computer that automatically adjusts boom commands to achieve precise alignment, resolving the contradiction by providing automated precision control through intelligent feedback rather than complex mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts multiple parameters including boom position, orientation angles, extension length, and control surface deflections to achieve precise alignment. The spatial control system optimizes these parameters in real-time based on relative aircraft positions, velocities, and environmental conditions, achieving high precision through coordinated parameter changes rather than complex mechanical structures
Data Source
AI summary
A variety of refueling devices, systems and methods are disclosed for use in in-flight refueling. In one example one such device is towed by a tanker aircraft via a fuel hose at least during in-flight refueling, and has a boom member with a boom axis. The boom member enables fuel to be transferred from the fuel hose to a receiver aircraft along the boom axis during in-flight refueling. The device maintains a desired non-zero angular disposition between the boom axis and a forward direction at least when the refueling device is towed by the tanker aircraft in the forward direction via the fuel hose.