Abstract: The invention provides in-flight refueling systems with a communication sub-system available in radio silence operations including at least a first digital wireless data link comprising a first RF transceiver and a second RF transceiver coupled, respectively, to first and second antennas located in two points inside the boom or the hose of the refueling system or in RF communication with them and connected, respectively, to refueling control units in the tanker aircraft and in the free end of the refueling device by data buses allowing a digital communication between them.

Abstract: Transmission of data and audio messages between tanker and receiver aircrafts to facilitate air refueling operations using a boom device, wherein the method includes transmitting a data message from one aircraft to the other aircraft as an analog signal via the electro-magnetic connection which is also used for transmission of audio messages between the aircrafts which may be operating in a radio silence environment.

Abstract: The invention provides transmission methods of messages between a tanker aircraft and receiver aircraft that facilitate air refueling operations using a boom device in, particularly, radio silence environments. In the case of data messages, the method comprises steps for transmitting a message from the aircraft that emits the message to the target aircraft as an analog signal via the electro-magnetic connection which is used for contact detection and disconnection and audio communications between the tanker aircraft and the receiver aircraft in radio silence environments. In the case of audio and data messages it is transmitted a signal resulting from mixing analog signals corresponding to both messages in a way that allows their separation at the target aircraft.

Abstract: The invention provides in-flight refueling systems with a communication sub-system available in radio silence operations including at least a first digital wireless data link comprising a first RF transceiver and a second RF transceiver coupled, respectively, to first and second antennas located in two points inside the boom or the hose of the refueling system or in RF communication with them and connected, respectively, to refueling control units in the tanker aircraft and in the free end of the refueling device by data buses allowing a digital communication between them.