Aerial Refueling Coupler Indication System for Pilot Workload Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial refueling systems require pilots to monitor multiple visual cues, including hose markings and tanker lighting, which can be challenging in low-light conditions and lead to increased workload and potential errors due to glare and unfavorable sun angles.
Innovation Solution
A centralized indication system at the refueling coupler, featuring a transceiver, sensors, and light sources, communicates refueling information wirelessly from the tanker aircraft, providing visual indications to the receiver aircraft pilot, allowing them to focus on a single point for critical refueling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pilot monitors multiple visual cues (hose markings and tanker lighting), then the refueling operation can be performed with current systems, but the pilot workload increases and the risk of errors increases due to difficulty in observing markings under low-light conditions and glare
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple information sources (hose markings and tanker lighting) into a single integrated display system located at the drogue. The light sources are positioned at the refueling coupler itself, merging the previously separate visual cues into one unified indication system that the pilot can monitor from a single location, thereby reducing workload while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary display system at the drogue that acts as a mediator between the tanker's lighting system and the hose markings. This intermediary system receives information from the tanker and presents it in a consolidated visual format at the refueling coupler, eliminating the need for the pilot to switch between multiple visual sources
2Loss of information
If hose markings are used to indicate fuel transfer zone boundaries, then the refueling range can be visually indicated, but the markings become difficult to observe under low-light conditions and may be confused with lighting glare
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical hose markings with an active optical display system. Instead of relying on physical markings that reflect ambient light, the system uses light sources at the drogue to actively emit visual signals, ensuring visibility independent of ambient lighting conditions and eliminating confusion with glare
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different colors of light sources to indicate different refueling states and zones. By using color-coded visual indications, the system provides clear, unambiguous information that is easily distinguishable under various lighting conditions, replacing the monochromatic hose markings
3Loss of information
If the pilot continuously shifts focus between hose markings and tanker lighting system, then all refueling information can be obtained, but the operational complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple information sources into a single display location at the drogue. All refueling information that previously required the pilot to switch between the tanker lighting system and hose markings is now presented together at one location, eliminating the time required to shift focus while maintaining complete information availability
Solution Approach 2:
The display system at the drogue serves multiple functions simultaneously: it indicates the fuel transfer zone boundaries, shows the status of the drogue engagement, and displays the tanker's refueling status. This multi-functional display eliminates the need for separate indication systems, reducing the time required to obtain all necessary information
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 system enhances pilot situational awareness by clearly displaying essential refueling information at the coupler, reducing workload and improving safety during low-light and adverse weather conditions by providing clear, focused visual cues.
Implementation Method 1
a first transceiver located at the refueling coupler and configured to receive refueling information from a second transceiver located at the tanker aircraft
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light sources located at the refueling coupler, and a processor in communication with the first transceiver to receive the refueling information, and in communication with the plurality of light sources to operate the plurality of light sources based on the refueling information
Data Source
AI summary
An example indication system for use with a refueling system including a hose for supplying fuel from a tanker aircraft to a receiver aircraft and a refueling coupler coupled to an end of the hose is described. The indication system includes a first transceiver located at the refueling coupler and configured to receive refueling information from a second transceiver located at the tanker aircraft, a plurality of light sources located at the refueling coupler, and a processor in communication with the first transceiver to receive the refueling information, and in communication with the plurality of light sources to operate the plurality of light sources based on the refueling information.