Abstract:
The invention provides an apparatus for the aerial transfer of munitions from a rearming aircraft to the weapons pylon of the recipient combat aircraft. The invention also provides for the selection of munitions from a database of munitions and aircraft types in response to an Air Tasking Order. The invention allows a variety of combat aircraft to be adapted to aerial rearmament. The invention also provides for the release of precision guided munitions directly from a rearming aircraft so that orbiting combat aircraft can guide these munitions to the target by remote control.

Description:
STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST 
   The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalty thereon. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Technical Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to the field of military aircraft munitions loading, specifically to the provision of a series of mechanical and electronic components collected and assembled to provide the means for loading munitions onto aircraft while in flight. 
   Shrinking defense budgets, combined with the increasing needs of the United States to project its military power often on short notice throughout the world, requires the armed forces to do more with less equipment and fewer personnel. Recently, as can be seen in the case of the war against Iraq, there has been a lack of consensus among allies forcing the United States to “go it alone” when prosecuting the war against terrorism. The nations of Europe, for example, lying closer as they do to areas of turmoil such as the Middle East, are often reluctant to take hard stances against terrorists who lie within an automobile ride from their borders. As can be seen most recently with Turkey during operation “Iraqi Freedom”, nations are often reluctant to promptly provide forward operating locations or to grant flyover rights for United States military aircraft lest these nations seem to be associated too closely with United States military initiatives. The delays caused by these diplomatic barriers can seriously impact United States&#39; combat operational planning. 
   What is needed therefore is a means to not only refuel U.S. military aircraft while in flight, so as to extend mission operational effectiveness, but also a means to continually reload the munitions which have been expended during combat operations without having to return to either a distant friendly nation&#39;s ground bases, or in the case of naval airpower, to a distant aircraft carrier, to obtain more munitions. 
   Military combat aircraft require both fuel and munitions to complete their assigned missions. While the re-fueling of combat aircraft can be accomplished either while on the ground or in the air, the loading of munitions has thus far been limited to the ground. Because of this, the weapons mounts currently found on the pylons of military combat aircraft are designed specifically to be ‘single-shot’ in function and they are re-serviced each time the aircraft lands and takes off. Additionally, aerial rearmament would benefit the extension of airframe serviceable life of combat aircraft which is otherwise degraded each time a combat aircraft&#39;s heavy wing loads are stressed during take off. With an aerial re-armament system, combat aircraft would no longer need to take off with any munition as they can all be loaded on the aircraft while in flight. Re-arming the aircraft while in flight would also offer added advantages in terms of military intelligence in that observers (spies) on the ground would not know where a combat aircraft&#39;s targets lie in terms of proximity to the ground base, nor what munitions would be employed against a target list. With aerial re-armament, surprise would be achieved and maintained throughout aerial combat operations. 
   What is needed therefore is a system for aerial re-armament of combat aircraft so as to enhance the response time, combat effectiveness, deployment options and reach of United States&#39; combat air forces. 
   OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for aerial rearmament of combat aircraft. 
   One object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which transfers munitions from a rearming aircraft to the weapons pylons of a combat aircraft while both aircraft are in flight. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method to automate the process of guiding the transfer of munitions from a rearming aircraft to the weapons pylons of a combat aircraft. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus to facilitate the adaptation of any combat aircraft&#39;s weapons pylons to munitions transferred from a rearming aircraft in flight. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for storing in a database all combinations of munitions, rearmament aircraft and combat aircraft types and to configure such combinations in response to an Air Tasking Order (ATO). 
   Still yet another object of the present invention is to an apparatus by which the rearming aircraft can alternatively directly release munitions near a target wherein a combat aircraft would provide the guidance for the munition to the target. 
   The invention described herein provides an apparatus and method for rearming combat aircraft in-flight. Said invention comprises an apparatus for the aerial transfer munitions from a rearming aircraft to the weapons pylon of the recipient combat aircraft. Invention further comprises a method for the selection of munitions from a database of munitions and aircraft types in response to an Air Tasking Order. Invention further comprises an apparatus to adapt a variety of combat aircraft to aerial rearmament. 
   According to an embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for aerial rearmament of aircraft comprises a boom, where the boom is attachable to and extendible from a rearming aircraft; a weapons mount that is attachable to the aircraft which is to be rearmed and where the weapons mount is also capable of accepting a munition; and a weapons platform attached to the boom which is capable of positioning and orienting the munition for transfer from the boom to the weapons mount. 
   According to a feature of this embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for aerial rearmament of aircraft comprises means for providing aerodynamic lift to said boom. 
   According to another feature of this embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for aerial rearmament of aircraft comprises a first sensor mounted on the weapons platform and a second sensor mounted on the weapons mount, where the first sensor cooperates with the second sensor to assist in guiding the weapons platform to the weapons mount. 
   According to yet another feature of this embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for aerial rearmament of aircraft comprises an interactive computer program which comprises a means for selecting combinations of rearming aircraft, aircraft to be rearmed, and munitions; a means for storing and accessing these selected combinations in a database; a means for determining the quantity, availability, and compatibility of the rearming aircraft, the aircraft to be rearmed and the munitions; and a means for displaying the means for selecting, the means for storing and accessing, and the means for determining. 
   According to still another feature of this embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for aerial rearmament of aircraft comprises an interactive computer program which cooperates with a centralized database, where that centralized database may be either Air Tasking Order (ATO) or a Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS). Additionally, the interactive computer program may cooperate with the centralized database in real-time or non-real-time. 
   According to still yet another feature of this embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for aerial rearmament of aircraft comprises another interactive computer program which comprises a means for guiding the transfer of the munition from the rearming aircraft to the aircraft to be rearmed; a means for determining and indicating the spatial orientation of the munition during the transfer; and means for determining and indicating the status of the transferred munition. The means for guiding the transfer of the munition further comprises a means for displaying the relative orientation of the first sensor to said second sensor; and a means for the operator to correctly position the boom based on the displayed relative orientation. The means for determining and indicating the spatial orientation of the munition further comprises a means for determining and indicating the azimuth angle, elevation angle and yaw angle of the weapons platform and a means for determining and indicating the distance between the weapons platform to the weapons mount. The means for determining and indicating the status of the transferred munition further comprises a means for determining and indicating whether or not the munition is “docked;” a means for determining and indicating the whether or not the munition is “hooked;” and a means for determining and indicating the whether or not the munition is “armed.” 
   Advantages and New Features 
   There are several advantages and new features of the present invention relative to the prior art. Important advantages include providing a method for striking strategic targets without regard to forward operating locations or airspace agreements; extending indefinitely the Close Air Support mission in support of forces on the ground; providing a fleet of “virtual” bombers without the cost or time involved in developing more aircraft that are specifically bombers in mission orientation. The invention thus fills the traditional void in airpower theory, that airpower cannot be effective in fighting the unconventional war against insurgents; using the present invention and an aerial task force, as soon as targets ‘pop up’ they can be hit immediately. 
   A related advantage stems from the fact that once the present invention has been deployed, the effective airframe life of combat fighter aircraft will be extended because they will not have to takeoff or land with heavy munitions loads on their wings. A new weapons mount designed for multiple loads, or multiple ‘shots’ facilitates such advantage and is part of the present invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  depicts an aerial rearmament system as between a rearming aircraft and an aircraft being rearmed. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an aerial rearmament system associated with a rearming aircraft. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a block diagram of the components comprising an aerial rearmament system and their interconnections. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a munition as it relates to an aircraft weapons pylon of an aerial rearmament system. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a computer screen display of an aerial rearmament system operator&#39;s interface. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a computer screen display showing rearming boom guidance for an aerial rearmament system. 
       FIG. 7  depicts both a munition as it relates to an aerial rearming boom, and features of the aerial rearming boom. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , apparatus for aerial rearmament comprises a boom  20 , a first sensor  40 , a Plexiglas faring  50  covering sensor  40 , a weapons platform  60 , a weapons mount  80  and a second sensor  70  located on weapons mount  80 . A rearming aircraft  10 , and a combat aircraft being rearmed  30  are likewise depicted. In this figure, boom  20  is depicted in its extended position. First sensor  40  is located on weapons platform  60  and protected from the slipstream by a transparent Plexiglas fairing  50 . First sensor  40  is guided to second sensor  70 , located on the leading edge of the weapons mount  80 , located on the starboard wing pylon of the combat aircraft  30 . By way of an example munition  90  a General Purpose Mark  82  bomb is shown already loaded onto the port wing of combat aircraft  30  while another is shown in position on weapons mount  80  for placement on the starboard wing. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2  depicting the perspective from a combat aircraft being rearmed  30  viewing toward rearming aircraft  10  with the boom  20  extended. Control surfaces, or ‘elevons’  100  located on boom  20  provide both lift and guidance for boom  20 . The weapons platform  60 , and an example munition  90  in this example a General Purpose Mark  82  bomb resting on the weapons platform  60  is being delivered to the combat aircraft&#39;s  30  (see  FIG. 1 ) weapons mount  80  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , an electrical power source  110  from the rearming aircraft  10  provides power for the hydraulic pump  120 , the guidance unit  130 , the computer and monitor  140 , a closed circuit television (CCTV) camera  150 , and sensors  40  located on the weapons platform  60  at the end of the boom  20 . 
   Hydraulic power is provided through hydraulic control valves  160  to the boom  20 , and through the boom  20  to the elevons  100  which act as control surfaces to provide lift and maneuverability to the boom  20  when extended into the slipstream behind the rearming aircraft  10 . 
   Data in the form of guidance instructions are provided by the computer  140 , to and from the guidance unit  130 , the hydraulic control valves  160 , the elevons  100 , and the weapons platform  60 . 
   Data from sensors  40  located on the weapons platform  60  at the end of the boom  20  is transmitted to the computer  140  where it is monitored by the computer guidance software and the human operator. This sensor data is then interpolated into guidance instructions and sent to the guidance unit  130 , continually refreshing the position of the boom  20  and weapons platform  60  in relation to the position of both the combat aircraft  30  and the rearming aircraft  10 . Data on the precise location of the boom  20  and the munition  90  located on the weapons platform  60  is provided by additional sensors  70  located on the weapons mount  80  of the combat aircraft  30 . 
   A closed circuit television (CCTV) camera  150  located on the weapons platform  60  at the end of the boom  20  allows the human operator to adjust the camera  150  if necessary to visually monitor the process. Night operations lights  230 , also located on the weapons platform  60 , illuminate the area of activity and allow the human operator to similarly monitor the process visually during darkness. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , boom  20  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is telescopically extended outward from the rear of the rearming aircraft  10  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Boom  20  is guided by sensors  40  (see  FIG. 1 ) and the computer  140  (see  FIG. 3 ) on the rearming aircraft  10  toward the weapons mount  80  located on the pylon of the combat aircraft  30 . Weapons mount  80  is fixed to the pylon by ground crew while the combat aircraft  30  is on the ground through the use of a first pair of standard mounting loops  170 . Once the weapons mount  80  is fixed on the combat aircraft  30  pylon, all other munitions  90  loading can be accomplished while the combat aircraft  30  is airborne. 
   A second pair of standard loops  180  are located in tandem on the top surface of the weapon  90  and are forced upward with the motion of the boom  20  until the loops  180  engage the hooks  190  on the weapons mount  80 . Any slight variations in movement necessary to perform this part of the process are facilitated by the articulating pivoting cradle  350  located on the weapons platform  60 . Until the second pair of standard loops  180  on the munition  90  are fully engaged to the hooks  190  on the weapon mount  80  of the combat aircraft  30 , the weapon  90  is held to the weapons platform  60  and the boom  20  through clamping action provided by a set of calipers  200  which open by computer control once electronic and visual verification of attachment is achieved by the human operator. 
   During attack runs on the target, the combat aircraft pilot releases the munition  90  in the normal way; when he does this, the repeating gas canister gun  210  fires its round (similar to an eight-gauge shotgun shell) which forces the hooks  190  open and simultaneously forces an assisting plunger  220  downward, pushing the munition  90  away from the weapons mount  80  and towards its target on the ground. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , a computer screenshot is shown which depicts some of the facets of the present invention aerial rearmament system as it might be implemented within a typical Unix-based Command and Control system such as the Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS). In this screenshot, all items along the top Tool Bar  240  have their drop down menus visible. In actual operation, each of these drop down menus is collapsed until desired by clicking on it with a mouse or other pointing device. In preparation for the aerial rearmament mission, the human operator selects one item from each of the drop down menus, filling out the online form which then constitutes a database. Each item selected is then inserted into the database file  250 , which is saved with a unique name. This information then becomes part of the Air Tasking Order (ATO) within the TBMCS. When the operator reopens this database file  250 , all the information needed to complete the aerial rearmament mission is available at a glance to the human operator. This database file  250  can either be filled out on the ground before the mission(s), and then either transmitted up to the rearmament aircraft electronically, or loaded into the rearmament aircraft&#39;s computer on a floppy disk or other mechanical means, or filled out by the human operator on the rearmament aircraft while in flight and transmitted to the command and control facility located on the ground. Each time a rearmament mission is completed, the remaining available inventory of munitions stores located on the rearmament aircraft is updated in the database and reported to Command and Control personnel on the ground. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , a computer screen shot  260  depicts the computer software indicating guidance progress of the boom  20  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and the munition  90  (see  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 ) to be loaded onto the combat aircraft. The physical location of the first sensor  40  located on the end of the telescoping boom  20  is depicted in relation to its position with respect to the second sensor  70  (see  FIGS. 1 and 4 ) located on the front of the weapons mount  80  (see  FIGS. 1 and 4 ) which is attached to the appropriate pylon  270  of the combat aircraft  30  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
   The distance indication  280  (in meters) of the first sensor  40  (i.e., located on the end of the boom  20 ) is calculated by the guidance software. In a like manner, the azimuth  290  (in degrees) of the weapons platform  60 , elevation angle  300  (in degrees), and yaw angle  310  (in degrees) are updated and shown in their respective boxes. When the weapons platform  60  reaches its correct position under the weapons mount  80  it is said to be ‘docked,’ and this condition is then depicted on the display as a green light  320  in the “Docked Yes/No”. Until the docked condition is achieved, a red indicator light  320  remains illuminated. 
   The munition  90  only remains in the docked position momentarily, then it is raised slightly to engage its standard loops  180  (see  FIG. 4 ) into the two ‘L’ shaped hooks  190  (see  FIG. 4 ) located in tandem in the weapons mount. These loops are in standard locations on every munition regardless of type. When the “hooked condition” exists, a green light  330  is illuminated. Prior to this condition a red light  330  is lit. 
   The last procedure is the arming state of the munition. An “armed state” is indicated by a green light  340 , which remains illuminated with a red light  340  until armed. 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , the present invention is depicted in an additional role directly dropping munitions  90  (such as the Guided Bomb Units (GBUs) shown) from the boom  20  while extended through the rear of a rearming aircraft  10  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) such as a C-141, C-130, or C-17 etc. The extended boom  20 , together with elevons  100 , weapons platform  60 , and protective fairing  50  are shown. An endless conveying system  370  is attached underneath the boom  20 , which allows munitions  90  to be conveyed rearward and then released. Once released, the calipers  200  and sway braces  360  which hold the munition  90  to the endless conveying system  370  temporarily until release continue their progress on the conveyor returning to their starting position inside the rearming aircraft  10  in the munitions build area, where another munition  90  can be built and conveyed. 
   While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been particularly described in the specification and illustrated in the drawing, it should be understood that the invention is not so limited. Many modifications, equivalents, and adaptations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.