Removable Drogue Deployment System for Non-Tanker Aircraft Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tanker aircraft are costly and impractical for missions other than aerial refueling due to their design focus on fuel storage and transfer, making them inefficient for passenger or cargo transport.
Innovation Solution
A drogue deployment system that can be temporarily installed in conventional passenger or cargo aircraft to convert them into aerial refueling tankers, allowing for part-time refueling capabilities without the need for dedicated tanker aircraft, comprising a drum unit, drogue deployment unit, and control unit that can be easily attached and removed based on mission requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated tanker aircraft are used for aerial refueling operations, then refueling capability and reliability are improved, but cost and operational versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the aircraft to dynamically switch between its primary transport configuration and a temporary tanker configuration by installing or removing the drogue deployment system based on mission requirements, making the refueling capability dynamic rather than fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The same aircraft type can perform multiple functions - serving as a passenger or cargo transport in its primary role, and as an aerial refueling tanker when the drogue deployment system is installed, eliminating the need for dedicated single-function aircraft
2Quantity of substance
If dedicated tanker aircraft are configured with large fuel storage tanks, then fuel capacity and refueling duration are improved, but aircraft cost and operational efficiency for other missions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel storage requirement is segmented - instead of permanently configuring large fuel tanks in the airframe, the system uses the aircraft's existing fuel infrastructure combined with a removable drogue deployment unit that provides the refueling function only when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The refueling functionality is extracted as a separate, removable drogue deployment system that can be installed or removed based on mission needs, rather than being permanently integrated into the aircraft structure
3Reliability
If conventional aircraft are converted to tanker aircraft, then aerial refueling capability is improved, but complexity of conversion and removal of refueling systems worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion system is divided into modular components - the drum unit, drogue deployment unit, and control unit can be independently installed and removed, simplifying the conversion process compared to permanent structural modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The refueling system is extracted as a removable assembly that interfaces with the aircraft's existing fuel system through simple connections, allowing for easy installation and removal without permanent modifications to the airframe
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods provide for a drogue deployment system (130) that may be removably attached to a non-tanker aircraft to modify the aircraft for providing aerial refueling operations. Aspects of the disclosure provide a drum unit (132) that may be secured in a cargo area of the non-tanker aircraft and connected to the fuel system (124) of the aircraft. A drogue deployment unit (134) may be removably attached to an external surface of the aircraft fuselage (112) and includes a drogue extension tube (422) that may be selectively deployed outward from the fuselage (112) to provide separation between a refueling drogue (302) and the aircraft. The drogue (302) and corresponding refueling hose (304) may be deployed from a drogue container (424) attached to the drogue extension tube (422) and extended rearward for providing fuel to a receiving aircraft.