GB523991A - Improvements relating to the establishment of a cable or like connection between aircraft in flight - Google Patents

Abstract

523,991. Transferring articles, fuel, &c., between aircraft in flight; grapnels. COBHAM, Sir A. J., TYSON, G. A. V., and FLIGHT REFUELLING, Ltd. Jan. 18, 1939, No. 1803. [Classes 4 and 113 (ii)] [Also in Group XXXII] To establish a cable connection between two aircraft in flight a length of cable is ejected with a component transverse to the line of flight from one aircraft in such a way as to intercept a cable trailed by the second aircraft, the cables being provided with means to cause their interconnection under the action of natural forces without manoevering the aircraft. Goods or persons may then be transferred or a refuelling hose may be attached to the trailed cable which is then hauled in by the second aircraft. The trailing cable 2 carries a grapnel 3 and a weight 5 and the ejected cable 6 is drawn out by a projectile 7 fired or ejected by a spring from the side of the fuselage or from a wing tip to intercept the cable 2. The grapnel 3 engages the cable 6 and ultimately the projectile 7 which may itself be a grapnel, after which the cable 6 is hauled in and a hose may be attached to the end of the cable 2 which is then hauled in by the second aircraft. A drogue may replace the weight 5. A preferred form of grapnel comprises a hollow body 31, Fig. 9, in two parts hinged about a pin 36 and normally held closed, to secure a connection 41 for the cable 2, by a removable pin 37 passed through aligned tubes 38. Three prongs 32 with pivoted ends 33 are provided, and a cable 42 for securing the weight 5, or a drogue, is attached by a member 43. When the grapnel is detached from the cable 2 the member 41 can be secured to the end of the hose.