Multipurpose flying boom
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorAaron J. Kutzmann
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments provide a flying boom that is capable of refueling both receptacle-equipped aircraft and probe-equipped aircraft. In one embodiment, a flying boom includes a refueling tube at an end of the flying boom that is adapted to extend from the end of the flying boom to refuel receptacle-equipped aircraft. The flying boom further includes a retractable hose and drogue assembly at the end of the flying boom that is adapted to extend from the end of the flying boom to refuel probe-equipped aircraft.
Claims19
An apparatus comprising:
- a flying boom having a first end adapted to couple to a refueling tanker and a second end opposite the first end along a length of the flying boom, the flying boom including:
- a first channel disposed within the flying boom from the first end to the second end;
- a refueling tube within the first channel that is adapted to extend from the second end to refuel receptacle-equipped aircraft;
- a second channel disposed within the flying boom from the first end to the second end;
- and
- a retractable hose and drogue assembly within the second channel that is adapted to extend from the first end to the second end to refuel probe-equipped aircraft.
A method of manufacturing a flying boom having a first end adapted to couple to a refueling tanker and a second end opposite the first end along a length of the flying boom, the method comprising:
- fabricating a first channel within the flying boom, the first channel disposed from the first end to the second end;
- positioning within the first channel a refueling tube that extends from the second end to refuel receptacle-equipped aircraft;
- fabricating a second channel within the flying boom, the second channel disposed from the first end to the second end;
- and
- positioning within the second channel a retractable hose and drogue assembly that extends from the first end to the second end to refuel probe-equipped aircraft.
An apparatus comprising:
- a boom having a first end adapted to couple to a refueling tanker and a second end opposite the first end along a length of the boom;
- a movable flight control surface coupled to the boom and proximate to the second end;
- a refueling tube within a first channel of the boom, the first channel disposed from the first end to the second end, the refueling tube adapted to extend from the second end to refuel Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) equipped aircraft;
- a retractable hose and drogue assembly within a second channel of the boom, the second channel disposed from the first end to the second end, the hose and drogue assembly adapted to extend from the second end to refuel probe-equipped aircraft;
- and
- a fuel pump coupled with the refueling tube and the retractable hose and drogue assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.