IN-FLIGHT REFUELING SYSTEM, BOOM, AND METHOD FOR EXTENDING RANGE OF MOTION OF AN IN-FLIGHT REFUELING BOOM

摘要

An in-flight refueling system, boom (114), and method are provided for extending the range of motion of an in-flight refueling boom (114) carried by a first aircraft (110) so as to facilitate an in-flight refueling operation between the first and second aircraft. More specifically, in some embodiments the present invention provides a rotating device (210a, 210b), operably engaged with at least one airfoil, and configured to substantially surround and rotate about the in-flight refueling boom (114) such that the rotating device (210a, 210b) and the at least one airfoil (118a, 118b) operably engaged therewith, may be actuated so as to extend the range of motion of the in-flight refueling boom (114).