The Boeing Company
Assisted boom actuator

Abstract:

Described are systems and methods for deploying and stowing a refueling boom. In certain examples, deploying the refueling boom includes lowering a refueling boom structure with a hoist while a boom aerodynamic control surface of the refueling is deactivated, determining that first transition conditions have been met, switching the hoist actuator state mode, and activating the boom aerodynamic control surface. In other examples, stowing the refueling boom includes flying the refueling boom towards a fuselage, determining that second transition conditions have been met, switching the hoist actuator state mode, and raising a refueling boom structure of the refueling boom with the hoist.