Aircraft system for a mobile refueling vehicle
View Patent ↗A mobile refueling cart system configured for efficient, safe, and adaptable refueling of aircraft. The refueling cart includes a drivable chassis operable by a single technician and equipped with a fuel sump tank, a swivel plate with a multi-nozzle reel, and a hybrid operating system for monitoring fuel metrics and operational data. The system further includes a density reader and thermometer for real-time fuel flow and quality validation, interlock indicators for secure nozzle engagement, and solar-powered components such as wheels and lighting. The swivel plate allows for nozzle alignment with both over the-wing and low-wing aircraft fuel ports without repositioning the cart. The hybrid operating system integrates with fleet management platforms and supports solo technician operation while enhancing safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
1 . An apparatus comprising:
a mobile aircraft refueling cart for servicing an aircraft, the mobile aircraft refueling cart comprising:
a mobile refueling cart body comprising a modified axle affixed to a chassis of a mini-truck or flatbed truck, wherein the chassis is a drivable vehicle chassis configured for operation by a single technician, wherein the single technician can steer or operate a steering wheel on the mobile refueling cart to the aircraft, wherein the single technician does not have to manually push the mobile refueling cart;
one or more specialized mirrors mounted on the refueling cart body and configured to enhance rear and side visibility during maneuvering near aircraft;
a nozzle kit having a plurality of nozzles;
a swivel plate mounted on the refueling cart body and configured to support and rotate a nozzle reel for dispensing fuel to an aircraft, wherein the nozzle reel is configured to receive one or more nozzles from the plurality of nozzles stored on the nozzle kit, wherein the plurality of nozzles are adaptable for both overwing and underwing aircraft refueling operations; and
at least one interlock indicator visually indicating secure engagement of a nozzle from the nozzle kit with an aircraft fuel tank;
wherein the mobile aircraft refueling cart is operable to refuel the aircraft of varying fuel port locations without repositioning the mobile aircraft refueling cart.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the interlock indicator is mounted externally adjacent to the nozzle reel.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the swivel plate has a rotation angle of at least 270 degrees to accommodate aircraft with varying wing positions.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising, a fuel sump tank mounted on the chassis.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising specialized mirrors configured to enable a 360-degree field of view to assist in solo technician parking.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an adjustable seat, onboard AC unit, rear-view camera, and dashboard storage compartment.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the mobile aircraft refueling cart includes an electric battery and is operable in electric, solar, or hybrid fuel-electric mode.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising, a hybrid operating system comprising software configured to monitor and report fuel levels, flow rate, and refueling data.
9 . The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the hybrid operating system includes plug-in modules compatible with existing airport fleet management systems.
10 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising one or more solar-powered components selected from: solar-powered lights, solar-powered wheels, or combinations thereof.
11 . The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the solar-powered wheels store kinetic and solar energy to extend the driving range of the mobile aircraft refueling cart.
12 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising, a density reader configured to measure the flow rate and density of fuel dispensed.
13 . The apparatus of claim 8 , further comprising, a thermometer operatively coupled to the density reader to validate fuel density parameters.
14 . The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the density reader is calibrated to detect variances in fuel composition and trigger alerts through an operating system of the mobile aircraft refueling cart.
15 . A method of refueling an aircraft using a mobile refueling cart, comprising:
driving the mobile refueling cart to an aircraft, wherein the mobile refueling cart has a chassis that is a drivable vehicle chassis configured for operation by a single technician, wherein the single technician can steer or operate a steering wheel on the mobile refueling cart to an aircraft, wherein the single technician does not have to manually push the mobile refueling cart;
selecting a nozzle from a plurality of nozzle types stored as part of a nozzle kit and configured to be attached to a nozzle reel mounted on a swivel plate;
positioning the swivel plate to align the selected nozzle with a fuel port of the aircraft;
locking the selected nozzle into the fuel port;
activating an interlock indicator upon secure connection of the nozzle;
dispensing fuel while monitoring flow rate and density via a density reader and thermometer; and
preventing movement of the mobile refueling cart while the interlock indicator is active.
16 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising, preventing refueling until the interlock indicator confirms secure connection of the selected nozzle.
17 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising, optionally powering components of the mobile refueling cart using solar energy.
18 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising, powering on solar powered lights and solar powered wheels.
19 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising, providing rear visibility to the single technician while operating the mobile refueling cart.