An en route fluid transmitting apparatus for transmitting a fluid from a transmitting entity to a probe of a receiving vehicle includes a funnel, a hose and a thrust producing device. Thrust producing device includes a main body that is rigidly attached to the funnel, and at least two rotors that are connected to the main body for producing thrust. The thrust producing device is adapted to move the funnel freely in any direction to a predetermined position relative to the probe where the funnel engages with the probe.

A boom pod with an adaptable user interface automatically reconfigures based on operation phase. Elements of the user interface may also be manually reconfigured based on operator preference. Operator reconfigurations may be recorded for use during similar phases in subsequent operations. A controller automatically records system status during a refueling operation and prepares a digital log entry. Portions of the use interface are dedicated to augmented displays to assist the operator at any given operational phase.

A boom pod with an adaptable user interface automatically reconfigures based on operation phase. Elements of the user interface may also be manually reconfigured based on operator preference. Operator reconfigurations may be recorded for use during similar phases in subsequent operations. A controller automatically records system status during a refueling operation and prepares a digital log entry. Portions of the use interface are dedicated to augmented displays to assist the operator at any given operational phase.

Cargo aircraft having a cargo ramp and cargo door oppositely hinged relative to one another to allow access to the aircraft's cargo space may be provided with a flying boom mast that is physically mounted at the aft portion of the fuselage so as to configure such cargo aircraft for aerial refueling operations. The flying boom mast may therefore be operably associated with the aft portion of the fuselage and moveable between a stowed and deployed conditions relative to the aft portion of the fuselage, while a fuel supply line fluid-interconnects the flying boom mast with an on-board fuel supply of the aircraft so as to allow aerial refueling of a receiver aircraft when the flying boom mast is in the deployed condition thereof.

Cargo aircraft having a cargo ramp and cargo door oppositely hinged relative to one another to allow access to the aircraft's cargo space may be provided with a flying boom mast that is physically mounted at the aft portion of the fuselage so as to configure such cargo aircraft for aerial refueling operations. The flying boom mast may therefore be operably associated with the aft portion of the fuselage and moveable between a stowed and deployed conditions relative to the aft portion of the fuselage, while a fuel supply line fluid-interconnects the flying boom mast with an on-board fuel supply of the aircraft so as to allow aerial refueling of a receiver aircraft when the flying boom mast is in the deployed condition thereof.

A propellant-handling module for installation in a host aircraft comprises: a motorised drum unit comprising a line and drogue for engagement with a propellant supply line of a propellant supply aircraft and for drawing the propellant supply line from the propellant supply aircraft to the host aircraft when the propellant supply aircraft is located behind the host aircraft; a propellant inlet configured for connection with the propellant supply line; a propellant outlet in communication with the propellant inlet and configured for connection with a propellant system of the host aircraft; an electrical power unit for powering the propellant-handling module; and a communication and control system for receiving a deploy command signal and a return command signal from the supply aircraft and configured to: receive said deploy command signal and in response control the motorised drum unit to deploy the line and drogue for said engagement with the propellant supply line; and receive said return command signal and in response control the motorised drum unit to return the line and drogue to the host aircraft in said engagement with the propellant supply line for drawing the propellant supply line from the propellant supply aircraft to the host aircraft when the propellant supply aircraft is located behind the host aircraft.

A propellant-handling module for installation in a host aircraft comprises: a motorised drum unit comprising a line and drogue for engagement with a propellant supply line of a propellant supply aircraft and for drawing the propellant supply line from the propellant supply aircraft to the host aircraft when the propellant supply aircraft is located behind the host aircraft; a propellant inlet configured for connection with the propellant supply line; a propellant outlet in communication with the propellant inlet and configured for connection with a propellant system of the host aircraft; an electrical power unit for powering the propellant-handling module; and a communication and control system for receiving a deploy command signal and a return command signal from the supply aircraft and configured to: receive said deploy command signal and in response control the motorised drum unit to deploy the line and drogue for said engagement with the propellant supply line; and receive said return command signal and in response control the motorised drum unit to return the line and drogue to the host aircraft in said engagement with the propellant supply line for drawing the propellant supply line from the propellant supply aircraft to the host aircraft when the propellant supply aircraft is located behind the host aircraft.

An ordnance delivery system has a cable deployable by a winch from an aircraft, an end effector comprising controllable thrusters attached at a deployed end of the cable, first control circuitry in the end effector and second control circuitry in the aircraft, the first and second control circuitry in communication, an ordinance delivery region in the end effector carrying ordnance for delivery on a target, and a release mechanism by which the ordnance is released to fall on the target. The aircraft is piloted to a position over a target, the end effector is controlled to position more accurately over the target; and the release mechanism is activated, releasing the ordnance to fall on the target.

A stabilizing system for a winch cable has a winch cable deployed and suspended from a helicopter, a cargo support attached at a deployed end of the winch cable, an end effector attached to the winch cable, the end effector comprising thrusters directed in a plurality of directions orthogonal to a vertical axis of the winch cable, first control circuitry in the helicopter, and second control circuitry in the end effector. Thrust of individual thrusters is controlled through the first and second control circuitry maintaining the axis of the winch cable vertical, damping swinging of the cable.

Described are systems and methods for deploying and stowing a refueling boom. In certain examples, deploying the refueling boom includes lowering a refueling boom structure with a hoist while a boom aerodynamic control surface of the refueling is deactivated, determining that first transition conditions have been met, switching the hoist actuator state mode, and activating the boom aerodynamic control surface. In other examples, stowing the refueling boom includes flying the refueling boom towards a fuselage, determining that second transition conditions have been met, switching the hoist actuator state mode, and raising a refueling boom structure of the refueling boom with the hoist.