US 6,786,455 B1 · Method for engaging a probe and drogue for aerial refueling

Abstract

The invention is a method for engaging the drogue of a hose and drogue refueling system with the probe of a receiver aircraft for aerial refueling from a tanker aircraft. The tanker aircraft and receiver aircraft approximately match speed and direction, with the probe of the receiver aircraft maintained at approximately a first predetermined distance behind the tanker aircraft. The hose and drogue are extended rearward from the tanker aircraft so that the drogue is positioned at a second predetermined distance (shorter than the first predetermined distance) behind the tanker aircraft. The drogue and probe are orthogonally aligned with each other, and the hose is extended back beyond the second predetermined distance so that the drogue moves away from the tanker aircraft to and into engagement with the probe. The force of the air stream on the drogue is sufficient to provide for secure engagement of the drogue with the probe.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A method for engaging a probe of a receiver aircraft with a drogue attached to a hose connected to a tanker aircraft for aerial refueling of the receiver aircraft from the tanker aircraft, said method comprising the following steps:

(a) positioning the probe of the receiver aircraft at a first predetermined distance behind the tanker aircraft, with the tanker aircraft and receiver aircraft traveling at about the same speed and in about the same direction as each other;
(b) maintaining the probe of the receiver aircraft at approximately the first predetermined distance behind the tanker aircraft, with the tanker aircraft and receiver aircraft traveling at about the same speed and in about the same direction as each other until the drogue engages with the probe;
(c) deploying the hose and drogue from the tanker aircraft;
(d) orthogonally aligning the drogue and the probe with each other;
and
(e) extending the hose and drogue further behind the tanker aircraft until the drogue engages with the probe.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for engaging a probe and drogue for aerial refueling

Life of this patent

Method for engaging a probe and drogue for aerial refueling

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12