Abstract: A system for the hookup of either a manned or unmanned air vehicle with a refueling air vehicle. A probe extending from an air vehicle being refueled is joined to a drogue at the end of a boom on a refueling air vehicle. In bringing the probe into the drogue an optical sensor on one of the vehicles is employed in conjunction with optical beacons on the other vehicle with the sensor measuring the relative motion between the probe and the drogue and generating a control signal for controlling motion of the probe relative to the drogue. The positioning of the probe relative to the drogue is accurately controlled during the fueling operation by a rigid actuator mechanism formed by a rod sidably fitted within a sleeve, the rod being driven by a tensioned reel in response to control signals.

Abstract: A system for releasing an article such as a munition or store from an aircraft employs a sway brace or cradle built into the structure of a bomb rack from lateral or pitching motion before it is released. A claw mechanism is driven out of the sway braces into the article to hold the article in place on the sway braces. The claws retain the article in the sway braces until the article is no longer influenced by the sway braces.

Abstract: A system for the hookup of either a manned or unmanned vehicle with a second vehicle which may be refueling. These vehicles may be both airborne, one airborne and the other on the ground or both on the ground. A probe extending from a first vehicle which may be refueled is joined to a paradrogue or “flycatcher” at the end of a boom on a second vehicle which may be a refueling vehicle. In bringing the probe into the paradrogue an optical sensor on one of the vehicles is employed in conjunction with optical beacons on the other vehicle with the sensor measuring the relative motion between the probe and the paradrogue and generating a control signal for controlling motion of the probe relative to the paradrogue. The positioning of the probe relative to the paradrogue is accurately controlled during the fueling operation by a reeled cable mechanism utilizing a reel which is driven to wind one end of the cable there around to retain the cable in a tensioned state.

Abstract: A motor with a variable speed controller is used to operate a hose reel for connecting a fuel source or decontaminant on a tanker plane to a fuel tank or other receptor on an unmanned vehicle. The hose reel is controlled to feed the fuel or other liquid through the hose and a drogue to a receiving probe on the unmanned vehicle and is also controlled to maintain the drogue in proper position. This end result is achieved by means of a controlling transponder on the unmanned vehicle which receives radio control signals from a communicating transponder on the tanker. A microcomputer processes the received control signals which are then fed to the motor controller. The motor controller not only controls the positioning of the drogue but also controls the motor so that excess hose is reeled in by the hose reel. The controller in addition controls the thrust power. A lidar tracker with a miniature video camera maintains a line of sight between the drogue and the receiver probe and tracks the drogue-probe.

Abstract: A paradrogue is formed from a canopy supported on a plurality of spaced apart struts running completely around the canopy. The remote ends of the struts have clip members which are attached to the bottom of the canopy. Separate nylon cords are used to interconnect adjoining struts by means of brackets which are fitted through loops at the end of the cords. The base end of the canopy is attached to a base support member by means of hooks formed on the bottom ends of the struts which engage a ring on the base support member.

Abstract: A refueling tank has a telescopic refueling probe formed by a plurality of telescoping tubes which are actuable for extension and retraction from an existing pylon mounted jettisonable external fuel tank on the wing of an aircraft. The telescopic drive action is achieved by a drive mechanism including a motor and a jack screw mechanism which operates to extend and retract the telescoping tubes slidably mounted, one on the other. The probe when fully retracted is completely enclosed within the associated fuel tank assembly resulting in no additional drag or lift on the aircraft and keeping the probe concealed.