'Intelligent' system developed for flight refuelling
Icon Aerospace has developed technology that is said to enable an 'intelligent connector' for in flight refuelling.
The IconIC hose system blends power, telemetry cables and fibre optics for data transfer, enabling control and communication functions between a tanker and receiver aircraft during mid air refuelling.
Calvin Tan, Icon's chief technology officer, said: "The hose system opens up an array of possibilities for functions such as drogue location and hose positioning, as well as for computer diagnostics and on board reprogramming."