Dual mode frangible refueling nozzle

An in-flight refueling probe for an aircraft to be refueled by a fuel dispensing aircraft having a receptacle for connecting to the refueling probe, the refueling probe comprising:

• a first tubular member secured to the aircraft;
• a second tubular member releasably connected to the first tubular member by a plurality of fasteners extending through openings in the first and second tubular members, the fasteners rupturing in response to a predetermined force being applied to the fasteners to allow the second tubular member to detach from the first tubular member;
• a nozzle secured to the second tubular member for coupling to the receptacle of the fuel dispensing aircraft and being in fluid communication with the first tubular member;
• and
• a tethering member having a first end connected to the first tubular member and a second end connected to one of the second tubular member and the nozzle, the tethering member remaining intact to connect the detached second tubular member to the first tubular member when the nozzle is improperly coupled to the receptacle, the tethering member rupturing to disconnect the detached second tubular member from the first tubular member when the nozzle is properly coupled to the receptacle.

An in-flight refueling probe for a fuel dispensing aircraft for refueling an aircraft having a receptacle for connecting to the refueling probe, the refueling probe comprising:

• a first tubular member secured to the fuel dispensing aircraft;
• a second tubular member having a releasable connection with the first tubular member such that the second tubular member detaches from the first tubular member in response to a predetermined force applied to the connection;
• a nozzle secured to the second tubular member for coupling to the receptacle of the aircraft and being in fluid communication with the first tubular member;
• and
• a tethering member having a first end connected to the first tubular member and a second end connected to one of the second tubular member and the nozzle, the tethering member remaining intact to connect the detached second tubular member to the first tubular member when a first tensile force is applied to the tethering member, the tethering member rupturing to disconnect the detached second tubular member from the first tubular member when a second tensile force greater than the first tensile force is applied to the tethering member.