Innovative Methods for Improved Stowage of Aerial Refueling Hoses

SDI Engineering and Midķ Technology have teamed to together to research and develop innovative methods of a new aerial refueling hose design.Ā The objective is to develop an innovative packaging and/or construction method for stowing aerial refueling hoses that reduces the space required to stow the hose while maintaining the fuel flow, aeroelastic and structural performance requirements.Ā In the Phase I effort, SDI and Midķ came up with a promising concept for a new refueling hose that will allow for more efficient stowage.Ā The refueling hose utilizes advanced materials and construction techniques to allow the outer 15 feet of the hose to be morphable, changing to a flattened shape when stowed; the advanced hose can also be wrapped around a smaller reeling drum to further improve stowage capacity.Ā For existing Cobham Buddy Store configurations, the concept will extend the length of stowed hose by 15 to 20 feet.Ā In the Phase II effort, a prototype of the new hose design will be manufactured for further testing to confirm the hose design can meet all requirements.Ā The FE model developed in the Phase I effort will also be further developed, to support potential design modifications in the Phase II and to perform some of the supporting analysis to confirm the design meets all requirements. SDIÆs proprietary AR modeling and simulation software, ARES, will be used to provide realistic simulation conditions for the FE model analyses.Ā A plan will be developed for modification of existing Buddy Store pods to include the improved hose concept.Ā A separate plan for integration of the hose concept with other tankers will be investigated in the Phase II Option.