Patent ID: 8328139

Claim:
A method for in-flight refuelling operations using an articulated boom and a cable, said boom comprising movable aerodynamic surfaces, said method comprising the following steps: a) releasing the cable from a completely stowed-away and retracted position of the boom, thereby starting to lower the boom, such that the said cable is kept tensioned during all of step a) by a force supplied by the movable aerodynamic surfaces and/or gravitational force acting on the boom; b) stopping the release of the cable after reaching a maximum deployed position of the boom or a bottom end of the flight envelope of the boom; c) bringing the boom into a suitable position for commencing maneuvers for refuelling of a receiver aircraft while keeping a length of released cable fixed; d) starting the maneuvers for connecting the boom to a receptacle of the receiver aircraft by control of the movable aerodynamic surfaces; and e) starting transfer of fuel to the receiver aircraft once the connection has been established.