METHOD OF CONTROL OF SPATIAL ATTITUDE AND SPEED OF RECEIVER AIRCRAFT DURING IN-FLIGHT REFUELLING Russian patent published in 1997 - IPC

FIELD: coupling of boom receptacle with cone of aircraft refuelling system at first approach and at high accuracy. SUBSTANCE: three light beams adjusted to axis of boom receptacle are radiated from receiver aircraft towards cone in red spectrum range. Beams have form of elongated rectangle in cross section. Center beam is oriented perpendicular to two side beams which are located in center portion. Brightness of center beam and one side beam is modulated in anti-phase by square pulses. At engagement distance (15-10 m to cone), speed of receiver aircraft is equalized with that of tanker aircraft at control of aircraft in vertical and horizontal planes and beams are matched with contours of refuelling cone. Then side beams are moved in synchronism away from initial position according to preset program and control of receiver aircraft speed is effected so that side beams should not get beyond width of cone skirt in the course of approach. EFFECT: enhanced reliability. 3 cl, 7 dwg