Refueling drogues

Aerial refueling

Eaton offers a range of drogue solutions to suit different customer requirements for hose and probe refueling. There are currently two categories; fixed geometry and variable drag drogue (VDD) covering the low and high-speed envelope. Both designs feature a unique patented low foreign object damage construction which eliminates parts that would cause receiver engine damage in case of breakage.

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High fidelity simulation for air to air refueling systems

Eaton is a leader in high fidelity development and modeling of air to air refueling systems. We use actual system software overlaid with, and verified against, real time static and flight test data from all major global tanker platforms. Using the newest simulation technology, this flight data is input in our simulation software to demonstrate real-time hose dynamics in a synthetic environment to accurately represent and predict true hose and drogue behavior. Our proprietary method allows Eaton to validate new air to air refueling systems before they are built and flight tested. Eaton’s modeling method recently enabled the successful development of the longest hose and drogue on record for the 908EH program.

Specifications

Fixed geometry drogues are suitable for refueling within a specific speed envelope.

Variable drag drogues employ unique technology which allows for a stable platform for refueling over a wide speed range:

Low speed VDD: 100-180 kts (Compatible with helicopter and tilt rotor probes)
Low speed VDD: 100-180 kts (Compatible with helicopter and tilt rotor probes)
High speed VDD: 180-325 kts (Compatible with NATO STANAG 3447 compliant probes)
Variable speed VDD: 105-215kts (Developed for the 48-000 pod on USAF C-130 Aircraft)

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Refueling drogues

High fidelity simulation for air to air refueling systems

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