A system and method for refueling an aircraft during flight is disclosed. A sensor measures a spatial parameter of a probe of the aircraft and of a drogue that provides fuel. A processor predicts a relative position of the probe and drogue from the spatial parameter, calculates a flight trajectory that mates the probe with the drogue based on the predicted relative position of the probe and drogue, and provides a command to the flight control system to fly the aircraft along the flight trajectory to mate the probe with the drogue. When the probe is mated to the drogue, the aircraft is refueled via the connection.
PERCEPTION ENHANCED REFUELING SYSTEM
2018-01-18
Patent
Electronic Resource
English