초록 ▼

An aerial inflight reloading system and operating method is provided for military combat aircraft using cannon or machine gun ammunition. In this system, a large ammunition carrying aircraft is equipped with an enclosed conveyor fitted with aerodynamic lifting and control surfaces. A controller, pos

An aerial inflight reloading system and operating method is provided for military combat aircraft using cannon or machine gun ammunition. In this system, a large ammunition carrying aircraft is equipped with an enclosed conveyor fitted with aerodynamic lifting and control surfaces. A controller, positioned in a pod mounted under the rear portion of the aircraft\s fuselage, maneuvers the conveyor via flight controls. The conveyor is guided by the controller to a combat receiver aircraft flying behind and somewhat below the supply aircraft, and is connected to a receptacle mounted on the receiver aircraft. After the connection is made, ammunition is transferred from the supply aircraft to the receiver aircraft via the conveyor. The system enables combat aircraft to be reloaded with ammunition while flying close to a combat zone instead of having to return to base to reload. By combining this system with aerial refueling, it will be possible for combat aircraft to spend significantly longer time periods firing on enemy targets before returning to base, thus significantly increasing their operational efficiency.

대표청구항 ▼

An aerial reloading system for combat aircraft comprising: ammunition storage means mounted in an ammunition supply aircraft; conveyor means having a moving endless conveying surface mounted on said ammunition supply aircraft; means for mounting said conveyor means inside a tubular structure; means

An aerial reloading system for combat aircraft comprising: ammunition storage means mounted in an ammunition supply aircraft; conveyor means having a moving endless conveying surface mounted on said ammunition supply aircraft; means for mounting said conveyor means inside a tubular structure; means for connecting said conveyor means to said combat aircraft while said aircraft are in flight; and means for transferring ammunition from said supply aircraft to said combat aircraft via said conveyor means.