Steerable Drogue Assembly Aerodynamic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steerable drogue assemblies for aerial refuelling are prone to damage and buffeting, making the refuelling process difficult and stressful, especially when fuel reserves are low, due to their vulnerability to airflow and the complexity of previous control systems.
Innovation Solution
A steerable drogue assembly with aerodynamic control features such as wing members and flaps, actuated by mechanical or electromechanical systems, which interact with airflow to exert control forces and steer the drogue assembly in desired directions, reducing the risk of damage and improving control precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If radial thrusters are provided in the drogue assembly to control its position, then the drogue can be steered, but the device becomes complex and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical thruster systems with a simpler aerodynamic control system using fins that can be rotated to control drogue position. The fins utilize airflow forces rather than mechanical propulsion, significantly reducing system complexity and weight while maintaining steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control function is extracted from the main drogue body and implemented through separate, movable fins. This allows the fins to be positioned independently to control drogue orientation without requiring a complex integrated control system.
2Ease of operation
If steering fins are integrated into the drogue chute canopy to enable steering, then the drogue can be controlled, but the canopy becomes vulnerable to impact damage and buffeting
Solution Approach 1:
The control surface is segmented from the main canopy structure. The fins are separate components that can be rotated independently, allowing them to be protected or repositioned without compromising the integrity of the main canopy. This segmentation isolates the vulnerable control elements from direct impact zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The fins are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of their position. When not in use or during high-stress conditions, the fins can be repositioned to minimize exposure to impact damage and buffeting forces, enhancing overall system reliability.
3Device complexity
If the drogue assembly is freely trailed without control features, then the structure remains simple, but the drogue is easily buffeted by airflow making refuelling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with aerodynamic fins that use airflow to control drogue position. This approach maintains relative structural simplicity while dramatically improving operational ease by enabling active steering to counteract buffeting effects.
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 solution enhances the robustness and reliability of the drogue assembly, reducing pilot workload and refuelling time by providing precise control over the drogue's position, thereby facilitating efficient air-to-air refuelling.
Implementation Method 1
an activated aerodynamic control feature interacts with airflow passing the drogue so as to exert a control force on the drogue
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of aerial refuelling, usually by transfer of fuel from a tanker aircraft to a receiver aircraft. In particular the invention relates to a probe and drogue assembly arrangement in which the drogue assembly is steerable to facilitate engagement with the probe of the receiver aircraft. The invention provides a steerable drogue assembly for towing behind an aircraft, the drogue assembly comprising a reception coupling for receiving a probe of a receiver aircraft, one or more aerodynamic control features and one or more actuators provided in the drogue assembly and adapted to selectively activate said one or more control features, so that an activated control feature interacts with airflow passing the drogue so as to exert a control force on the drogue.