Aircraft refueling right in the air is a technology that is widely used in military aviation. How is this technology implemented and is it possible to apply it to civil aviation?
The appearance and essence of refueling in the air
Refueling aircraft are required to complete this procedure. Initially, they were not made specifically for these purposes, but they reworked the most suitable models of military aircraft. Such an aircraft is a kind of air fuel station. With its help, bombers, fighters and even drones got a great flight range. Refueling aircraft are considered auxiliary, but in the conditions of military operations they play a crucial role. If not for this technology, the military history of the last 70 years would have had a completely different look.
In the winter of 2016, the U.S. Air Force ordered five hundred new tanker aircraft, which once again confirms their strategic importance. The currently used devices are the same airliners. But new models will not only be able to perform their direct functions, but will also be provided with weapons. It is also possible that pilots on board during refueling are not required.
The essence of refueling in the air is that one plane transfers fuel to another directly during the flight. The history of the development and implementation of this technology is quite long and complicated.It is worth noting that it all began in 1912 with the idea of increasing the range of an airplane by transferring canisters of fuel in flight. But the option was too dangerous, so it was quickly abandoned.
A more practical method was invented by Alexander Seversky (designer and aviator). He suggested connecting the tanks of the aircraft and the tanker with a hose. This method was successful in 1923 with the participation of two American biplanes. At first, the fuel flowed through the hose only due to the force of attraction, and subsequently began to use pumps.
Using technology has several advantages. It allows you to make the flight range virtually unlimited. It should also be noted the practical benefits. The fact is that an aircraft can carry large loads on board, but there is a concept of maximum take-off mass. Refueling during the flight allows the aircraft not to carry extra fuel in the form of excess cargo.
Interesting fact: A successful test of the aircraft’s refueling procedure during the flight was carried out with the help of the American B-50 bomber (modification B-29). This happened in 1949. For the first time, an airplane was able to fly around the entire planet without having made a single intermediate landing. The total flight time was 94 hours. Interestingly, it was this bomber who took part in the attack of Nagasaki and Hiroshima several years before.
Is refueling passenger aircraft a myth?
Currently, air refueling is used only for military transport and military aircraft. Many scientists and designers are actively advocating the application of this technology to civil aviation.. Modern passenger aircraft are able to cover huge distances without stopping. But flight range comes at a price - the gigantic dimensions of air vehicles. They are forced to carry large amounts of fuel on board.
The benefits of air refueling of civilian aircraft
If the aircraft refuel in flight, it would be possible to abandon bulky structures. And this will bring several advantages at the same time:
- Firstly, a civilian aircraft will decrease in size and will create less noise at airports.
- Secondly, atmospheric pollution that occurs as a result of fuel combustion products will decrease.
- Thirdly, it will be possible to reduce the financial costs of repairs, maintenance, etc.
The refueling of civil aviation is associated with many difficulties. First of all, it is a safety issue when there are hundreds of passengers on board. The technology, despite modern improvements, remains complex. Researchers say that it can be simplified by automating the entire process. In any case, the introduction of this technology will be a real breakthrough in aviation.
A few years ago, tests were conducted on a special automated air refueling system. In the future, it can also be applied to civilian aircraft. The main thing in this matter is to ensure the possibility of safe refueling on the first try.Aviation experts call this technology the planned convergence of the two aircraft, since the distance between them should be at least 22 m.
Refueling civilian aircraft in the air is theoretically possible, but is currently not carried out. This technology is used only in relation to military aviation and has several advantages. It increases the flight range and allows air transport to carry large loads. Work on the introduction of refueling in flight of passenger aircraft has been going on for many years. This requires the highest level of security procedures.
