Abstract: An airfoil used in a ruddevator assembly for controlling movement of an aircraft refueling boom, where there are two airfoils (i.e. ruddevators) mounted to the boom, each at a dihedral angle of about 42.degree.. Each airfoil has an outboard section, which is an advanced technology cambered airfoil for high lift at transonic speeds, with a raked wing tip. The inboard portion of the airfoil has a forwardly extending strake-like member having a sharp leading edge which in planform comprises three sections. There is a curved forward edge section and two rearwardly extending edge sections, which in operation are positioned at high sweep angles. The side edge portions of the strake-like member create vortices which travel over the inboard portion of the airfoil to augment lift over a wide range of surface deflection of the airfoil (i.e., angle of attack).

Abstract: A ruddevator assembly for controlling movement of an aircraft refueling boom, comprising two ruddevators mounted to the boom, each at a dihedral angle of about 42.degree.. Each ruddevator has an outboard section, which is an advanced technology cambered airfoil for high lift at transonic speeds, with a raked wing tip. The inboard portion of the airfoil has a forwardly extending strake-like member having a sharp leading edge which in planform comprises three sections. There is a curved forward edge section and two rearwardly extending edge sections, which in operation are positioned at high sweep angles. The side edge portions of the strake-like member create vortices which travel over the inboard portion of the ruddevator to augment lift over a wide range of surface deflection of the ruddevator (i.e., angle of attack).

Abstract: An aerodynamic spoiler mounted on the upper forward surface of the fuselage of an aircraft which is equipped to be refueled by another aircraft while in flight. The spoiler counteracts aerodynamic disturbances produced by the refueling boom and the resultant instabilities in pitch in the aircraft receiving fuel. Four species of the spoiler are disclosed and the device may be made retractable to eliminate drag when not in use.