Aerial Refueling Latch Indicator

Aerial refueling of Navy aircraft involves a fixed probe on the aircraft being refueled and a semi-flexible drogue receiver on the aircraft providing the fuel. In order to prevent fuel leakage, a latching system is used to secure the drogue to the probe, and in manned applications a receiver pilot visually confirms the drogue maintains its latched state throughout the refueling process. With the development of unmanned refueling aircraft, a sensor must now perform the validation function of the pilot, and remotely indicate the latched state of the drogue/probe system. Through prior SBIR work with the Space Force, Metis Design Corporation (MDC) has previously developed and demonstrated two separate remote latch detection system for use in autonomous on-orbit satellite refueling applications. One system is based on ultrasonic acoustic emission, and the second system is based on laser interferometry. During the course of the proposed Phase I SBIR effort, MDC will demonstrate proof-of-concept prototypes for both techniques modified to be more relevant to the Navy aircraft application. A trade study will be performed to determine which of the approaches would be more relevant and/or practical to pursue in a subsequent Phase II effort based on Navy feedback.Ý