Smiths Aerospace is advancing the technology on the 767 Tanker Transport by developing autonomous aerial refuelling capabilities for hose and drogue refuelling systems for emerging usage on UAVs (unmanned air vehicles) and UCAVs (unmanned combat air vehicles). Smiths is in the process of securing patents for this new technology that takes a fresh new approach to the probe and drogue refuelling technique and will have applicability to both retrofit and forward fit tankers.
Dr. John Ferrie, Group Managing Director of Smiths Aerospace commented, “We are committed to providing the most capable refuelling systems now and in the future. We are investing in the advanced technology to permit autonomous refuelling of 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 maneuvered 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.
