Abstract: A method for in-flight refueling of a receiver aircraft from a tanker aircraft including: measuring continuously a tension at an end of a hose extending from the tanker aircraft towards the receiver aircraft, and using the measured tension to control a torque applied to a drum device deploying the hose from the tanker aircraft such that the tension at the end of the hose conforms to target tensions during each phase of the refueling operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hose&drogue in-flight refueling system that avoids overpressure risks in the refueling operation and optimizes the performance of the fuel supply during its operational life and throughout all the flow rates. The hose&drogue in-flight refueling system comprises a pressure sensing unit capable of measuring continuously the fuel pressure at the end of the hose and a control unit in the tanker aircraft which is operatively communicated through a communication link with the pressure sensing unit and with the fuel pump and is adapted to use the measures of the fuel pressure at the end of the hose to control that the fuel supplied at the beginning of the hose has the pressure needed to achieve a target pressure at the end of the hose.

Abstract: A method for in-flight refueling of a receiver aircraft from a tanker aircraft including: measuring continuously a tension at an end of a hose extending from the tanker aircraft towards the receiver aircraft, and using the measured tension to control a torque applied to a drum device deploying the hose from the tanker aircraft such that the tension at the end of the hose conforms to target tensions during each phase of the refueling operation.

Abstract: A communications system between a receiving aircraft and a tanker aircraft. The system includes a retractable tube with a nozzle which connects to a receiving aircraft receptacle, wherein the system comprises a primary device for sending/receiving data on the nozzle and a secondary device for sending/receiving data on the receptacle. The tanker and receiving aircraft transmit data by means of the devices only when the devices are both active and positioned opposite each other. In this way an indication is enabled to at least one of the two aircraft that the nozzle is correctly connected in the receptacle.

Abstract: Boom refuelling system (1) operating between a tanker aircraft (2) and a receiver aircraft (3), comprising a rigid mast (4) and a telescopic tube (5), the system (1) also comprising a first articulation element (10) at its root and a second articulation element (20) at its tip, the boom system (1) further comprising a third articulation element (30) with at least one rotational degree of freedom, located between the first and the second articulation, for allowing the rotation of a part (61, 72) of the boom with respect to the other part (62,71), said articulation element being actuated by at least one actuation means.