Robotic refueling system for tactical and strategic aircraft

Claim 1

A fixed facility aircraft refueling apparatus, comprising: (a) a covered structure sufficiently large whereby an aircraft may pass beneath it, the structure having a ceiling and a aligned entrance and exit so that an aircraft may enter and exit along a substantially straight line of travel: (b) an overhead track attached to the structure; (c) a trolley suspended from the overhead track; (d) means for moving the trolley along the overhead track; (e) a telescoping boom having a first end and a second end, the boom pivotally connected at its first end to the trolley; (f) a pair of telescoping piston-and-cylinder units connecting the boom and trolley controllably moving the boom in pitch and in yaw; (g) an aircraft self-aligning refueling probe attached to the second end of the boom; (h) a fuel supply; (i) a fuel hose operatively interconnecting the fuel supply and the self-aligning refueling probe; (j) a first video camera mounted on the boom; (k) a lens with cross-hairs mounted to the first video camera; (l) a second video camera mounted to the ceiling of the structure; and, (m) a control room having means operatively interconnecting the control room with the trolley, the trolley moving means, the telescoping boom and the piston-and-cylinder units, the control room further having means for protecting its interior from environmental hazards.