Abstract: A multiple stage telescoping cylinder assembly, which provides full stage selection capability without the need for external hoses or reels, comprises a base; an inner cylinder attached at its rearward end to the base and first and second stage cylinders of successively greater diameter mounted on the inner cylinder in telescoping relationship for extension during their forward strokes and retraction during their rearward strokes, the first and second stage cylinders each having an extend facing surface relatively adjacent its forward end for fluid pressure to contact to effect extension thereof and a retract facing surface relatively adjacent its rearward end for fluid pressure to contact to effect retraction thereof; and plural fluid passages for directing fluid under pressure from the rearward end of the inner cylinder forwardly through the interior of the inner cylinder and then into contact with respective ones of the facing surfaces for selective extension and retraction of the first and second stage cy

Abstract: A refueling system is characterized by the delivery of fuel through a multi-stage telescoping cylinder assembly which uses the fuel as the pressure media for extending and retracting the cylinder assembly. Provision also is made for rotating or pivoting the cylinder assembly about two orthogonal axes which, when combined with telescopic extension and retraction of the cylinder assembly, enables a normally closed nozzle connected to the forward end of the innermost piston cylinder to be positionally directed to the fuel inlet portion of the combat vehicle to be refueled. Another attribute of the system is that when properly seated in the fuel inlet port, the nozzle automatically opens.