Steerable drogue for in-flight refuelling
United Kingdom Patent
Stats
Importance
Abstract
A steerable in-flight refuelling drogue 2 comprises a steering mechanism for twisting the canopy support arms 6 to produce an aerodynamic force in flight which can be used to produce movement of the drogue 2 in a required direction. The proximal end of each support arm 6 may be cranked to engage a control ring 22 that is translatable by servo motors 10 to rotate each support arm 6 about its longitudinal axis, thus changing the angle of incidence of the arm 6 to the airflow and producing an aerodynamic force in the direction of movement of the control ring 22, ie perpendicular to the axis of the drogue 2. The canopy 8 may be mounted by a pivot 24 at the distal end of each arm 6 to maintain the shape of the canopy. In use, a controller (14, fig.6) receives information concerning the position of the refueling probe (40) relative to the drogue axis and controls the servo motors 10 which may be driven by a turbine generator 11. A flywheel (12) may store energy to meet peak demand. Alternatively or additionally, the drogue may be stabilized by a pair of accelerometers (42).
First Claim
Family
International Classification(s)
Cited Art Landscape
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Recipient Email Address
Recipient Email Address
Comment
Recipient Email Address