Towed Refueling Boom Geometry for Multi-Aircraft Stability Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-flight refueling systems, particularly boom-type systems, face challenges in efficiently and safely refueling multiple receiver aircraft simultaneously, as they are typically designed to refuel only one aircraft at a time and lack advanced stability and control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of a refueling device with a boom member having a non-parallel angular disposition between its forward and aft boom axes, combined with a spatial control system for stability and control, allows for the selective steering and positioning of the refueling device to enable simultaneous refueling of multiple aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single boom system is used for refueling, then the system structure is simple, but the productivity is limited to refueling only one aircraft at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The refueling system is divided into multiple independent boom assemblies (first boom, second boom, etc.), each capable of refueling a separate receiver aircraft simultaneously. This segmentation allows the tanker aircraft to refuel multiple aircraft in parallel, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Each boom assembly is designed with universal functionality to perform the same refueling operation on different receiver aircraft. The booms share common structural elements, control systems, and fuel delivery mechanisms, allowing the system to handle multiple aircraft types and refueling scenarios without requiring entirely separate systems for each function
2Stability of the object's composition
If the boom axis is parallel to the forward direction, then the control system is simple, but the stability during refueling operations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The boom axis is deliberately positioned at a non-parallel angular disposition relative to the forward direction of the refueling device. This asymmetric configuration provides inherent aerodynamic stability and improves the angular disposition during refueling operations, allowing the boom to maintain proper orientation without requiring complex active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The non-parallel angular disposition of the boom axis provides self-stabilizing characteristics during refueling operations. The geometric configuration itself contributes to maintaining stability and proper angular disposition, reducing the need for external control inputs and active stabilization systems
3Productivity
If advanced spatial control systems are added to improve stability and enable multi-aircraft refueling, then the refueling capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent control assemblies, each dedicated to controlling a specific boom assembly. This modular approach allows each control system to manage a single boom independently, simplifying the control logic while enabling coordinated operation of multiple booms for simultaneous multi-aircraft refueling
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple boom assemblies and their associated control systems are merged into an integrated refueling system mounted on the tanker aircraft. The booms share common mounting structures, fuel supply systems, and coordination mechanisms, allowing the system to achieve multi-aircraft refueling capability while avoiding the complexity of completely separate independent systems
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of a refueling device for use in in-flight refueling operation are provided. In at least one example the refueling device includes a body, a boom member and a spatial control system. The body is configured for being towed by a tanker aircraft in a forward direction via a fuel hose at least during in-flight refueling operation, the body having a body longitudinal axis and a neutral point. The boom member is carried by the body. The boom member has a fuel delivery nozzle, the fuel delivery nozzle being configured for selectively engaging with a fuel receptacle in a receiver aircraft to enable fuel to be transferred from the fuel hose to the receiver aircraft during such in-flight refueling operation. The spatial control system is configured for selectively providing stability and control to the refueling device. At least during refueling operation the fuel delivery nozzle is longitudinally forward of the neutral point.