System and apparatus for refueling aircraft from a watercraft
OwnerKonstantinos Margetisinventor
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Abstract
The invention is a watercraft to aircraft refueling system (“WARS”). A WARS is a refueling system based from a watercraft, such as a surface ship or submarine. A WARS would typically include an elevation apparatus to lift a refueling hose above the water. The elevation apparatus can compose a lifting or swiveling mechanism. In some embodiments both a lifting and swiveling mechanism is used. The WARS lifts the refueling hose above the water, allowing an aircraft to engage with the WARS. The refueling hose may also include a telescoping mechanism or a rotor apparatus or a pressurized water nozzle system to elevate the refueling hose and assist in engaging a WARS with an aircraft.
Claims4
A watercraft to aircraft refueling system, comprising:
- a fuel tank;
- a fuel hose reel;
- a fuel hose operably connected to the fuel tank, and able to be extended and retracted through the operation of the fuel hose reel;
- a drogue attached to the end of the fuel hose;
- and
- a water expulsion lift mechanism including a plurality of water nozzles configured to expel water to provide a force to lift the fuel hose and the drogue.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.