Controllable Drogue Aerial Fuel Transfer System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air refueling methods require extensive training and skill for pilots to position and connect refueling systems, making it difficult to refuel commercial aircraft during flight, which are harder to maneuver than military aircraft, and often result in fuel inefficiencies and increased landing and takeoff frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where a controllable drogue is deployed from an aircraft's aft position, controlled by the tanker aircraft to form a refueling duct connection, allowing fuel transfer without the receiving aircraft needing to position itself, reducing pilot training requirements and enabling more efficient fuel management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional probe and drogue refueling systems are used, then fuel transfer can be achieved, but extensive pilot training and skill are required to position and connect the systems
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving aircraft deploys its own refueling duct with drogue from an aft position, eliminating the need for the receiving aircraft's pilot to manually position or connect refueling equipment. The system serves itself by automatically presenting the refueling interface to the tanker aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the tanker aircraft presenting the drogue for the receiving aircraft to connect (traditional method), the receiving aircraft deploys the drogue and refueling duct toward the tanker aircraft. This reverses the traditional roles and simplifies the receiving aircraft's operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If receiving aircraft performs precise positioning and connection maneuvers, then refueling connection can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The refueling duct and drogue are automatically deployed from the receiving aircraft's aft position without requiring manual positioning maneuvers. The system self-presents the connection interface to the tanker aircraft, eliminating complex positioning procedures.
3Quantity of substance
If commercial aircraft are refueled using traditional methods, then fuel transfer is possible, but frequent landings and takeoffs are required due to fuel inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The simplified refueling system enables continuous fuel transfer operations without interruption. The receiving aircraft can remain in flight longer periods, reducing the need for landing and takeoff cycles, thereby maintaining continuous productive flight action.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for transferring fuel onto or off of an aircraft. A refueling transfer duct is deployed from an aft station of the aircraft being serviced while the aircraft is flying, wherein the transfer apparatus comprises a hose with a controllable drogue attached to its free end. The refueling duct is positioned through control signals sent by a tanker aircraft to the controllable drogue to form a favorably positioned refueling duct capable of a finite final docking maneuver. The positioned refueling duct is connected to the tanker aircraft positioned behind the aircraft to form a connection. The fuel is transferred through the connection to a fuel tank or fuel storage system located within the aircraft.