Abstract: A method for controlling maneuver of a refueling device, that includes: a refueling device is attached by a hose to a component of an aircraft. That component maintains a reference force on the hose. The desired position and current position of the refueling device are obtained. A determination is made, based on the current and desired positions of the refueling device, whether to extend or retract the hose. Depending on the determination, a command is sent for adjusting force generating arrangements that are attached to the refueling device. This causes the component to detect a changed force and to maintain the reference force on the hose. The distance between the fueling device and the aircraft is thereby changed.

Abstract: Examples of a refueling device for use in in-flight refueling operation are provided. In at least one example the refueling device includes a body, a boom member and a spatial control system. The body is configured for being towed by a tanker aircraft in a forward direction via a fuel hose at least during in-flight refueling operation, the body having a body longitudinal axis and a neutral point. The boom member is carried by the body. The boom member has a fuel delivery nozzle, the fuel delivery nozzle being configured for selectively engaging with a fuel receptacle in a receiver aircraft to enable fuel to be transferred from the fuel hose to the receiver aircraft during such in-flight refueling operation. The spatial control system is configured for selectively providing stability and control to the refueling device. At least during refueling operation the fuel delivery nozzle is longitudinally forward of the neutral point.

Abstract: Computerized system and method of controlling a refueling device including, when the device is in a non-engaged state: receiving a first roll angle of a tanker, determining a first desired roll angle, and providing a command for controlling a roll element, thereby attempting to achieve or maintain a first roll angle that is substantially the same as the roll angle of the tanker. And, when the device is in an engaged state: receiving a second roll angle of the tanker, determining a second desired roll angle, and providing a command related to the desired roll angle for controlling a yaw element, thereby attempting to achieve or maintain a second roll angle that is substantially the same as the roll angle of the tanker, wherein the roll angle of the device during the engaged state is facilitated due to a degree of freedom between the refueling device body and refueling nozzle.

Abstract: A method for controlling maneuver of a refueling device, that includes: a refueling device is attached by a hose to a component of an aircraft. That component maintains a reference force on the hose. The desired position and current position of the refueling device are obtained. A determination is made, based on the current and desired positions of the refueling device, whether to extend or retract the hose. Depending on the determination, a command is sent for adjusting force generating arrangements that are attached to the refueling device. This causes the component to detect a changed force and to maintain the reference force on the hose. The distance between the fueling device and the aircraft is thereby changed.

Abstract: Computerized system and method of controlling a refueling device including, when the device is in a non-engaged state: receiving a first roll angle of a tanker, determining a first desired roll angle, and providing a command for controlling a roll element, thereby attempting to achieve or maintain a first roll angle that is substantially the same as the roll angle of the tanker. And, when the device is in an engaged state: receiving a second roll angle of the tanker, determining a second desired roll angle, and providing a command related to the desired roll angle for controlling a yaw element, thereby attempting to achieve or maintain a second roll angle that is substantially the same as the roll angle of the tanker, wherein the roll angle of the device during the engaged state is facilitated due to a degree of freedom between the refueling device body and refueling nozzle.