Aerial Refueling Latch Indicator

Coherent Technical Services, Inc. (CTSi) has the capability to develop and deliver a prototype design for an aerial refueling latch indication solution using mechanical sensors, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and/or a low powered Radio Frequency (RF) link. CTSiís extensive experience with the U.S. Navy Air Refueling Store (ARS) and upgrade modifications allows us to be uniquely positioned to develop a solution that can be used to provide input to an unmanned receiver to confirm positive latch or alert when the aerial refueling probe nozzle is not fully engaged or becomes unseated. Autonomous Air Refueling by unmanned platforms using the probe and drogue method from U.S. Navy ARS will require the capability to detect and confirm positive latch indication via their onboard visual and/or communication systems and relative navigation information. Additionally, the capability will need to have the unmanned platform identify when the drogue is not fully seated on the probe nozzle because of an incomplete engagement, or if the drogue becomes unseated during an aerial refueling evolution.ÝThe CTSi Aerial Refueling Latch Indicator solution concept will be implemented onboard the tanker aircraft into the current U.S. Navy ARS drogue system. The system will be powered by the existing MA-3 coupling generator, and as such will meet the necessary requirements of being low powered and use current aircraft power systems. Additionally, the design will confirm positive latch and will indicate when the probe nozzle becomes unseated from the drogue. Low power mechanical sensors will be installed into the three MA-3 coupling toggle rollers. These low power mechanical sensors will confirm positive and correct coupling by indicating that all three rollers are engaged. Engagement will complete a circuit that will illuminate the LEDs detectable by the unmanned platform and/or transmit the latched state over a low powered RF link to signal that latch has occurred. The positive latch state signal will be detected by the ARS and transmitted to the unmanned receiver via a relative navigation datalink or the provisional blue light on the ARS. The positive latch signal will stay active through the entire refueling evolution.ÝA partial latch or a disconnect will fail to complete the circuit. Lack of the LED illumination and/or transmission over the RF link based on the lack of a positive latch signal upon drogue and probe contact will indicate an unlatched or partial latch. This along with the relative navigation information will indicate a no latch or partial latch situation allowing the receiver to command a disconnect for re-attempt. If the drogue becomes unseated during the aerial refueling process, then the loss of the positive latch signal, along with the relative navigation information will be an indicator to command a disconnect and re-attempt connection.The proposed CTSi solution will provide visual and/or RF positive latch indication for unmanned platforms.