Patent ID: 9352846
Filing Date: 2016-05-31
CPC Classification: B64D

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus comprising: a refueling controller configured to receive a number of operator commands for moving a refueling boom on a tanker aircraft in a desired direction, wherein the number of operator commands defines at least one of an azimuth movement and an elevation movement of the refueling boom during flight of the tanker aircraft, generate a number of intermediate commands for moving the refueling boom in the desired direction as defined by the number of operator commands, and include an operator azimuth command and an operator elevation command, and are generated by movement of a control device, wherein the number of intermediate commands defines at least one of a roll movement and a pitch movement such that the refueling boom moves in the desired direction, and wherein the roll movement and the pitch movement result in substantially linear azimuth movement of the refueling boom from the operator azimuth command and substantially linear elevation movement of the refueling boom from the operator elevation command.