UAV Inflight Refueling Magnetic Targeting Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for refueling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in flight are not feasible due to size and speed mismatches with conventional manned tanker aircraft, and safety concerns regarding close formation flights with human pilots.
Innovation Solution
A system involving an unmanned tanker UAV with a precision guidance system using a magnetic targeting arrangement, including a receptor coil and seeker, to enable autonomous refueling by emitting a magnetic field for precise probe alignment and docking with the mission UAV.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional manned tanker aircraft are used for refueling UAVs, then refueling capability is provided, but size and speed mismatches make the operation infeasible
Solution Approach 1:
An unmanned tanker aircraft serves as an intermediary vehicle that is specifically designed to match the size and speed characteristics of UAVs, enabling feasible refueling operations without requiring conventional manned tankers to operate at incompatible performance levels
Solution Approach 2:
The tanker aircraft is designed with modified performance parameters (smaller size, lower speed) to match the UAV's flight characteristics, making close formation flight and refueling operations feasible
2Measurement precision
If close formation flight is used for refueling operations, then refueling precision is improved, but safety risks increase due to collision danger
Solution Approach 1:
Both the tanker and receiving UAV are equipped with autonomous navigation and formation flight systems, allowing them to maintain precise close formation and execute refueling operations without human intervention, thereby eliminating the safety risks associated with human pilots in close proximity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual pilot control is replaced with automated flight control systems and robotic operations, enabling precise formation flight and refueling maneuvers without the safety concerns of human crews in close proximity
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized tanker aircraft are constructed to match UAV performance, then refueling feasibility is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying expensive conventional manned tankers, the system uses smaller, less costly unmanned tanker aircraft that can be specifically designed for UAV refueling missions at lower cost
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
Enables safe and cost-effective in-flight refueling of UAVs, allowing extended on-station time without the need for human pilots in close formation flights, by using magnetic induction for precise probe guidance and mechanical latching.
Implementation Method 1
A coil, which is activated by an alternating current from a generator, is disposed around the refueling port or receptacle
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic field is sensed by a seeker disposed at an end of the fuel probe
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for refueling unmanned aerial vehicles. The system is adapted to refuel a first unmanned aerial vehicle from a second unmanned aerial vehicle and includes an arrangement for flying the first and second vehicles to proximity within a predetermined range and for connecting an umbilical from the second vehicle to the first vehicle in flight. In the illustrative embodiment, the arrangement for connecting includes a targeting system for electromagnetically detecting a refueling receptacle on the first vehicle. A seeker is disposed at a first end if said umbilical on the second vehicle. The seeker includes three detector coils adapted to detect a magnetic signal from the first coil around the receptacle on the first vehicle. The coils are mounted such that the detector coils point in different directions. The outputs of the coils are processed to determine the direction and range to the UAV from the tanker UAV.