Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for fiber optic lighting panels that produce twinkling star patterns by means of a light engine and specialized optics are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a disclosed panel for creating a lighted scene comprises a substrate comprising a first surface, a second surface spaced from the first surface, and a plurality of apertures through the first and second surfaces. The panel further comprises an optical lens disposed on the first surface within each of the apertures. Also, the panel comprises a light distribution unit (LDU) comprising a plurality of light sources coupled to the second surface. Further, the panel comprises a bundle of optical fibers coupled to each of the light sources, where each of the optical fibers is in communication with one of the optical lenses for transferring light emitted by the light sources to create the lighted scene.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for fiber optic lighting panels that produce twinkling star patterns by means of a light engine and specialized optics are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a disclosed panel for creating a lighted scene comprises a substrate comprising a first surface, a second surface spaced from the first surface, and a plurality of apertures through the first and second surfaces. The panel further comprises an optical lens disposed on the first surface within each of the apertures. Also, the panel comprises a light distribution unit (LDU) comprising a plurality of light sources coupled to the second surface. Further, the panel comprises a bundle of optical fibers coupled to each of the light sources, where each of the optical fibers is in communication with one of the optical lenses for transferring light emitted by the light sources to create the lighted scene.

Abstract: In an example, an indication system includes a plurality of light sources communicatively coupled with a control system. The indication system can be used with a refueling system, including a hose for supplying fuel to a receiver aircraft. Each light source is configured to simultaneously emit visible light and infrared light, and is operable at a dim setting and a bright setting. The control system receives refueling data from the refueling system. The refueling data includes position data indicating a position of the receiver aircraft relative to the refueling system. The control system is configured to, when the refueling data indicates that the position of the receiver aircraft is in a refueling range, activate at least one refueling light source of the plurality of refueling light sources at the bright setting and activate a remainder of the refueling light sources at the dim setting.

Abstract: In an example, an indication system includes a plurality of light sources communicatively coupled with a control system. The indication system can be used with a refueling system, including a hose for supplying fuel to a receiver aircraft. Each light source is configured to simultaneously emit visible light and infrared light, and is operable at a dim setting and a bright setting. The control system receives refueling data from the refueling system. The refueling data includes position data indicating a position of the receiver aircraft relative to the refueling system. The control system is configured to, when the refueling data indicates that the position of the receiver aircraft is in a refueling range, activate at least one refueling light source of the plurality of refueling light sources at the bright setting and activate a remainder of the refueling light sources at the dim setting.

Abstract: An aircraft refueling system for use with a supplying aircraft is provided. The refueling system includes at least two strips of material coupled to a lower portion of the supplying aircraft. The at least two strips are separated by a distance and comprise a material that facilitates the at least two strips becoming progressively visible to a pilot of a receiving aircraft as the receiving aircraft approaches the supplying aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft refueling system for use with a supplying aircraft is provided. The refueling system includes at least two strips of material coupled to a lower portion of the supplying aircraft. The at least two strips are separated by a distance and comprise a material that facilitates the at least two strips becoming progressively visible to a pilot of a receiving aircraft as the receiving aircraft approaches the supplying aircraft.