Patent ID: 9090354
Filing Date: 2015-07-28
Classification: B64D,B67D

Abstract:
1. A system for accounting for fueling of a receiving aircraft during airborne fueling of said receiving aircraft by a delivering aircraft; the system comprising: (a) at least one identifying indicia affixed with said receiving aircraft; said at least one identifying indicia uniquely indicating individual identity of said receiving aircraft; (b) at least one identity recognizing unit associated with said delivering aircraft; said at least one identity recognizing unit automatically recognizing data provided by said at least one identifying indicia within a predetermined distance; (c) a processing unit associated with at least one of said delivering aircraft and said receiving aircraft; said processing unit cooperating with said at least one recognizing unit to ascertain said individual identity during said airborne fueling; (d) a fueling apparatus coupled with said processing unit; said fueling apparatus providing information to said processing unit indicating an amount of fuel provided to said receiving aircraft during said airborne refueling; said fueling apparatus and said processing unit cooperating to accumulate information in a predetermined form to automatically record said amount of fuel in association with and said individual identity; and (e) a fuel receiving structure via which said receiving aircraft is coupled with said fueling apparatus while receiving fuel, said fuel receiving structure is repositionable so as to present a more aerodynamic profile when not engaged in a fueling operation; said identifying indicia being affixed proximate said fuel receiving structure so as to be exposed for interrogation by said identity recognizing unit during the fueling operation and to be disposed in a protected environment when not engaged in the fueling operation.