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    PRODUCTS

IMAGO-AFMS AUTONOMOUS REFUELLING MEASUREMENT SYSTEM (IMAGO-AFMS-AFMS)

The IMAGO-AFMS-AFMS provides complete 3D measurements and feedback to the on-board navigation guidance system to automatically dock the tanker nozzle to the aircraft or UAV fuel receptacle.

IMAGO’s approach is 100% passive and does not require any modifications to the tanker aircraft. The system will work with a wide variety of tankers and aircraft.

Standard navigation systems can easily bring the aircraft / UAV to within 500 m of the nozzle. THE IMAGO-AFMS DOES THE REST.

UAV as seen from surrogate tanker, coming in for refuelling guided by IMAGO-AFMS

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OVERVIEW OF OPERATING PROCESS

Stage 1 (aircraft positioning/ long range)

  • The aircraft to be refuelled must locate the tanker and position itself about 500m behind. This stage is done by the standard aircraft navigation system.
Stage 2 (aircraft approach/ fuel tank connection)
  • IMAGO-AFMS automatically detects and locates the tanker refuelling nozzle at 500 m range.
  • IMAGO-AFMS automatically measures the aircraft position relative to the nozzle and feeds this to the navigation system.
  • the navigation system manoeuvres the aircraft closer to the tanker nozzle
  • IMAGO-AFMS precisely commands the aircraft navigation system to align the tanker nozzle and aircraft receptacle within a few cms
IMAGO-AFMS system description
  • Fixed stereo cameras installed on the aircraft being refuelled.
  • Intelligent stereo processing is used to achieve the following
    • Seamless integration with GPS using a NEMA interface
    • Self diagnosis to maximize reliability
    • Accurate measurement feedback to the aircraft navigation system
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