Smiths Aerospace has recently filed a patent in the UK for a new autonomous aerial refuelling technology. Smiths is advancing the technology on the 767 Tanker Transport by developing autonomous aerial refuelling capabilities using the hose and drogue technique for UAVs (unmanned air vehicles) and UCAVs (unmanned combat air vehicles).
Smiths filed the autonomous aerial refuelling patent in the U.S. in October 2003. This innovative technology is both simple and robust in its application to both manned and unmanned aerial vehicles. This new technology may also be applied to the Australian 767 Tanker, with a decision planned by the Australian Government within the next month.
Dr. John Ferrie, Group Managing Director of Smiths Aerospace commented, "We are committed to providing the most capable refuelling systems. Our investment in this technology takes a fresh new approach to probe and drogue refuelling techniques and will permit autonomous refuelling for UAVs and UCAVs."
Smiths and Boeing are collaborating to provide essential technologies for the capability requirements identified by the USAF for refuelling UAVs and UCAVs. Boeing will concentrate its efforts on boom and receptacle technologies and Smiths will concentrate on the probe and drogue system, with common technologies shared.
These advanced technologies increase the control and performance of refuelling systems beyond those currently fielded. The technology extends guidance capability to the drogue permitting it to be manoeuvred to enable autonomous refuelling of a UAV using the probe and drogue method.
UAVs and UCAVs are introducing capabilities to the battlefield that will revolutionise warfare for the future, and they will require in-flight refuelling to maximise their potential.
