FARNBOROUGH, UK, July 19, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Smiths Aerospace is progressing with validation of their innovative hose and drogue stabilisation technology for autonomous aerial refuelling through a series of tests, the latest of which were successfully completed last week. The work is being conducted at the University of Michigan's Low Turbulence Wind Tunnel facility, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Smiths has patents pending on the technology for the US and the UK. The company is advancing aerial refuelling technology by developing autonomous refuelling capabilities using the hose and drogue technique for manned and unmanned air vehicles (UAV), including unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAV).
"Our stabilization technology has the potential to revolutionise the probe and drogue refuelling technique," commented Dr. John Ferrie, president of Smiths Aerospace; "We have exploited innovation & technology to solve an old problem in aeriel refueling."
The technique will apply to new and existing tankers that use hose and drogue refuelling technology. This innovative technology is both simple and robust in its application. Smiths, along with several major airframe manufacturers, are collaborating to provide essential technologies for the capability requirements for refuelling UAVs and UCAVs. For instance, in the Boeing/Smiths collaboration, Boeing is concentrating its efforts on boom and receptacle technologies and Smiths is concentrating 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 manoeuvred to enable autonomous refuelling of a UAV using the probe and drogue method. This capability will ultimately lead to what Smiths refers to as the Total System Solution (TSS), whereby the tanker, receiver aircraft, and refuelling drogue are all working co-operatively to accomplish the refuelling mission. 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.
About Smiths: Smiths Aerospace, a part of Smiths Group plc, is the leading transatlantic aerospace systems and equipment company, with more than 9,000 staff and $1.6 billion revenues split between Europe and North America. The company holds key positions in the supply chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and are world-leaders in electronic and mechanical systems, precision components and customer services. www.smiths-aerospace.com