An in-flight refueling system, damping device and method are provided for enhancing
the stability of an elongate hose extending from a tanker aircraft during an in-flight
refueling operation. The various embodiments of the system, device, and method
provide a passive, integrated damping device that may generate electrical energy
from changes in disposition of the elongate hose and then using the electrical
energy generated to impart mechanical damping forces to a portion of the elongate
hose. Thus, the embodiments may minimize the occurrence of oscillations in the
elongate hose as it extends from the tanker aircraft during an in-flight refueling operation.