Abstract: Systems and methods for a stable maritime helicopter platform are disclosed. In one embodiment, a ship that may be converted into a spar buoy includes a flipping mechanism to convert the ship to the spar buoy, a takeoff and landing platform for helicopters and other VTOL vehicles, and an actuation and balance system to deploy the platform.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for marine deployment according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a floatable housing adapted to be deployed by a marine vehicle. The floatable housing may be adapted to be launched from a marine vehicle and rise to the surface. Assets, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, may be deployed from the surfaced floatable housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improved transportation functionality. In one aspect, the invention comprises an improved and highly integrated transportation apparatus adapted to bring a plurality of different modalities in close physical proximity for enhanced efficiency. One exemplary embodiment comprises a multi-level structure disposed in a substantially contained low depth body of water (e.g., bay) and proximate one or more land masses to facilitate service via rail, land vehicle, ships, and ferries. Multiple long-length runways are also provided on the substantially planar top surface to accommodate air traffic. A monorail or similar system is also employed to allow ready movement between the various transportation interfaces.

Abstract: A mechanism for maintaining a surface such as a landing pad in a desired orientation with respect to a supporting surface includes a pair of columns that rotate with respect to each other. The angle at which the columns engage, or the angle at which the columns engage the surface and the supporting surface, are offset with respect to a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinders. By selectively rotating the columns with respect to each other and with respect to the supporting surface, the tilt and orientation of the surface are adjusted.

Abstract: A helipad motion compensation system for a vessel includes at least one controllable length actuator operatively coupled between the helipad and the vessel. The system also includes an attitude sensor disposed on at least one of the helipad and the vessel. The sensor produces signals corresponding to change in attitude of the helipad. A controller is in operative communication with the sensor and is arranged to operate the at least one actuator. The actuator is operable to substantially maintain an attitude of the helipad to compensate for motion of the vessel.

Abstract: A mechanism for maintaining a surface such as a landing pad in a desired orientation with respect to a supporting surface includes a pair of columns that rotate with respect to each other. The angle at which the columns engage, or the angle at which the columns engage the surface and the supporting surface, are offset with respect to a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinders. By selectively rotating the columns with respect to each other and with respect to the supporting surface, the tilt and orientation of the surface are adjusted.

Abstract: A semisubmersible trimaran for use in an afloat sea base is disclosed. The trimaran has an upper deck structure 12 supported on a longitudinal center hull 26 and column-stabilized, longitudinal outrigger pontoons 28. The center hull 26 and pontoon columns 38 and 40 have a reduced waterplane area for minimizing motion during operations. The trimaran has a transit draft 37 for deployment at full waterplane area, and an operating draft 36 with a reduced waterplane area for damping motion. The vessel can be deployed with a transit drive 42 on the hull 26, and dynamically positioned at a destination for operations. Multiple trimarans can be assembled to provide an extended upper surface, including a landing area for fixed-wing aircraft.

Abstract: A jet blast deflector is adapted for location on a sea vessel. The jet blast deflector is configurable such that in use the jet blast deflector deflects eflux created by the blast of a jet engine of an aircraft downwardly and beneath the deck of a vessel.

Abstract: A configuration of grooves provided in a nonskid coating on an aircraft carrier flight deck promotes the lateral and backward drainage of slippery liquids. A straight longitudinal middle groove extending fore and aft intersects multiple “W”-shaped grooves each extending athwartship. Each W-shaped groove includes a pair of “V”-shaped groove sections located on opposite sides of the middle groove. Each V-shaped groove section aims vertex-forward and includes a pair of straight groove segments defining an interior angle in the approximate range between 60° and 120°. Abrasive entities may be included in the coating for nonskid purposes. The coating's inclusion of metal-polymer nanolaminate entities along with other pigment entities may serve to reduce or minimize solar heat absorption, particularly in terms of increasing solar reflectance and decreasing thermal emittance.

Abstract: Floating structures are provided. The floating structures are suitable for use as floating runways for aircraft, floating roadways, and supports for other facilities. The floating structures include a deck and one or more pontoons attached to the deck. The pontoons, with the deck attached, are caused to float in water contained in a basin, which in turn floats in a body of water. The basin provides damping or isolation of forces due to currents in the body of water, or prevailing winds, to reduce undesired or excessive motion of the deck. The deck supports are preferably capable of limited lateral movement relative to the pontoons, thereby permitting some movement of the pontoons independently and reducing stresses on the structure.

Abstract: Jet blast deflector panels hinged to the deck of an aircraft carrier are pivotally displaced through mechanical actuators to raised angular positions for deflecting exhaust plumes from jet propelled aircraft during take-off to protect closely spaced approaching aircraft which are to take-off thereafter in front of the deflector panels. The underside surface of each deflector panel is formed from a thermal insulating material to provide thermal protection from heating by impinging jet exhaust plumes, and is subsequently cooled by blasts of fluid or air beneath the deck when the deflector panel is in its lowered retracted position.

Abstract: A ship convertible to a floating aircraft runway supported above water level by slender vertical buoyant legs, and capable of remaining stable during inclement weather conditions. The slender buoyant legs lifts the upper hull above the water level by pivoting downwardly from a retracted horizontal configuration to a vertical configuration by shifting ballast. Waterjet propulsion units maintain or change the position of the ship when the legs are in the horizontal or the vertical configuration. The runway has an area sized to launch and land large fixed-wing aircraft in a substantially horizontal direction without a need for a catapult or a landing assist method.

Abstract: An aircraft carrier is provided with an airflow deflector such as flap 26, an inflatable flap 26 or an airjet curtain such that air passing along the flight deck is provided with an upward component of velocity, thereby to provide an upwash in the airwake behind the aircraft carrier. The upwash persists for a reasonable length downstream of the aircraft carrier and means that, for a given spatial attitude, the angle of attack of the aircraft relative to the airstream is increased. This means that the aircraft may be flown at a reasonably high angle of attack to the airstream on a landing approach without sacrificing the pilot's view of the deck. In addition, the increased angle of attack may be used to facilitate a flare maneuver.

Abstract: A large size sea surface vehicle is combined by a large number of cells that are distributed along two horizontal dimensions on sea surface. Connections of the cells are elastic and flexible to prevent destructive stress. Its power system comprises a large number of engines controlled by computers that are organized in an Internet-like computer network. The sea surface vehicle is unlimitedly scalable, practically unsinkable and exceptionally mobile and its draught is very shallow. Without changing itself, the sea surface vehicle can function as the bases of an aircraft carrier, a mobile sea surface airport, a heavy weapon group transport/landing ship, a comprehensive sea battle platform and a solar energy collection platform. An airplane takeoff/landing platform is made for airplanes to take off and land on it.

Abstract: A floating platform uses a plurality of modules to define a substantially continuous surface between at least two of the modules. In one embodiment, each module is substantially independently positioned. Relative positioning elements on the modules place the modules in a configuration maintaining a surface between two adjacent modules in a substantially continuous configuration. Preferably, the platform includes a runway connector spanning an operational distance between the modules. The connector preferably has an upper surface allowing for aircraft or wheeled vehicles to roll from the end of one module to an adjacent end of another module while the modules are free to move in all six degrees of freedom. Preferably, the runway connector will not hold the modules in position, instead relying on thrusters to maintain position. The runway connector may have an end surface maintained substantially in alignment and contact with a module end surface.

Abstract: A lift arrangement for conveying a load between two levels in a lift shaft, said lift arrangement comprising two platform means each mounted for movement within said lift shaft between one level and the other, each platform means being changeable between a load-carrying configuration in which it extends across a substantial extent of the lift shaft, and a bypass configuration in which it allows the other floor means to pass it when in a load carrying configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for moving an aircraft across a deck surface from a landing position to a stowed position. The apparatus comprises a pair of control beams (26, 28). The control beams are propelled along longitudinal (6, 8) and transverse rails (22, 24) to engage and then position a landed aircraft ready for the aircraft to be guided securely to its hangar by a self-propelled shuttle unit (58). When not in use, the control beams may be stored in the hangar.

Abstract: A floating runway is provided for use at sea having a horizontal, top surface whereupon aircraft may operate during landing and take-off. A number of floating, releasably interconnected supporting section are connected to a number of bridge sections mounted alternately and consecutively in a longitudinal direction of the runway. The number of supporting sections and the number of bridge sections include ends, as viewed in the logitudinal direction of the runway having respective abutment portions adapted for mutual abutment for interconnection of the section. The abutment portions including cantilevered beam portions projecting away from mid portions of the respective sections as reviewed in the longitudinal direction thereof. The beam portions of the bridge sections include a lower surface and an upper surface of the beam portions of the supporting sections arranged the same distance from the top surface.

Abstract: A refuelling system for aircraft, and in particular to a cellular system for refuelling long range aircraft crossing oceans. A floating refuelling station for aircraft includes at least one container hull which is movable and a sloping platform supported by the container. The sloping platform has at least one runway thereon for take off and landing of aircraft. The container hull may be used to store aviation fuel for refuelling the aircraft, the movability of the hull may be used to orient the runway with respect to the direction of the wind and the runway has a ramp section inclined at an angle to help slow down landing aircraft and/or to help speed up aircraft taking off. The height of the runway above the sea surface needs to be sufficient to accommodate any loss of buoyancy due to outpourings of gas from the sea bed.

Abstract: A modular floating platform that includes new features to improve its stability and performance. One feature is a novel universal joint between the buoyant hull assembly and the deck of each module in the floating platform. Another novel aspect concerns a walking beam of A-frame configuration for supporting pair of buoyant hulls in each assembly. Each hull is pivotally attached to the A-frame at a point below the center of gravity of the hull, so that the point of application of the upward force resulting from its buoyancy is always above its axis of rotation. A hydraulic system provides vertical shock absorption and balance to each hull assembly. In addition, fluid flow through the hydraulic system provides a means for generating usable energy.

Abstract: Polymer (preferably polyimide) sheets (10) with laser ablated through-holes plated with metal (20) are used for making electrical conections to specified microcircuits, especially unbumped microchips and Tape Automated Bonding (TAB) articles. Bonding with different melting point materials at opposite ends of the plated holes is disclosed. Preferred polyimides are those derived from polymerisation of 4,4'-biphenyldianhydride and (4,4'-diaminobiphenyl, or 4,4'-diaminobiphenylether, or phylenediamine, preferably p-phenylenediamine).

Abstract: A surf-boat for travelling or standing on choppy waters, such as may be encountered in gulfs, bays, surfs and beach fronts is provided, typically having three pontoons, three columns and two concentrically aligned decks; an upper deck and a lower deck, wherein the benefits over typical single hull and multi hull and other prior art pontoon configurations, lies in the fact that the pontoons of the present invention are designed to plow-through a wave such as may be encountered in waters described as "choppy" resulting in limited wave response of the entire boat and a much smoother and a less motion-response-to-waves ride by persons on the boat. Other equally important features are that the main surface for people to stand on the boat is flat and the craft may be used as a stable observation or camera platform for observing and recording of watersports and marine life, and as an offshore rest and first aid station for boaters and windsurfers.

Abstract: A floating platform that includes a plurality of floating modules flexibly coupled to one another. Each module includes at least one buoyant hull removably attached to its underside and capable of vertical and rotational movement to absorb the action of ocean waves. In the preferred embodiment, buoyancy is provided by pairs of pontoons pivotally attached to a walking beam hingedly coupled to the underside of the platform. In addition, each pontoon is equipped with splash trays and scuppers to minimize the impact of waves striking the underside of the module. Each module is separately maneuverable for independent attachment to the floating structure while afloat off-shore. Male/female couplers and tie lines are used that enable a quick and safe connection of each additional module to the floating structure. A system of propulsion jets is provided on all sides of the assembled floating platform to permit the motion of the structure in any desired direction relative to the water.

Abstract: An aircraft restraining system is utilised for securing and handling an aircraft on the deck of a ship. The system includes two elongate restraining beams which ere transversely movable from respective storage positions for engaging at least two spaced portions of an aircraft, such as wheel spurs. Each restraining beam includes a restraining member, such as a latch arrangement, for engaging the wheel spurs and restricting longitudinal movement of the spurs, and thus of the aircraft. At least one of the latches is movable along the respective beam to permit a secured aircraft to be rotated on the deck.

Abstract: A floating airport that consists of a multiple-deck structure floatingly supported by a plurality of independent hulls removably attached to the underside of the structure. A system of propulsion jets is provided on all sides to permit the motion of the structure in any desired direction relative to the water. The anchoring of the structure is achieved by dynamically monitoring the horizontal position of its center of gravity and by utilizing the propulsion system to avoid any significant movement with respect to a predetermined location. The structure is allowed to rotate approximately around its vertical axis in order to align the runways with the prevailing winds and minimize the winds' impact on its stability, and any translational motion of the center of gravity of the airfield with respect to the water surface is minimized.

Abstract: A helicopter deck for a ship, having a greater transverse extension than the breadth of the ship, comprises a level, horizontal deck section (1) attached to the ship (4), the longitudinal edges (15) of which lie entirely or almost entirely within the outer confines of the ship. Along at least one of the longitudinal edges (15) of the permanent deck section (1) is movably disposed a sheet-like deck section (2 or 3) which is tightly joined at one longitudinal edge (16) thereof to the edge (16) of the permanent deck section (1). The outer free edge of the sheet-like deck section (2 or 3) projects substantially beyond the side of the ship. The sheet-like deck section(s) (2,3) may be raised to a position above the permanent deck section (1) and is/are rotatable in this position, the center of rotation (5,6) being located such that the sheet-like section (2 or 3) in its rotated position is situated within or substantially within the sides of the side.

Abstract: There is provided aircraft securing apparatus for securing an aircraft against toppling on the deck of a ship or the like. The apparatus includes a rotatable arm pivotal in a plane substantially parallel to the deck to engage a downwardly-projecting probe of an aircraft. A releasable clamp is mounted on the arm and is adapted to be slidable from a stored position to a probe-engaging position, and a sensor is provided on the arm for sensing engagement of the probe by the arm and actuating locking of the clamp about the probe. A drive motor is provided for effecting rotation of the arm.

Abstract: A device for gripping, handling and transporting helicopters, particularly on board ships, platforms and the like, includes a pair of gripping units located parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vessel and capable of moving transversally to the axis and parallel to one of the respective transverse guides, and under the action of drive units which are independent of one another, and traversing units parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vessel, and connected with corresponding longitudinal guides, along which the former are guided under the action of further independent drive units upon cocking the helicopters wheels.

Abstract: A vessel able to deploy V/STOL aircraft includes: a hull, a main deck with forward and aft exposed sections and an intermediate section comprising a tenth to half the main deck; on the forward, intermediate and perhaps aft sections a take-off runway with a ski jump; a hangar straddling the intermediate section and its runway portion and having walls supporting an upper deck on which functional items are located; pads on the forward and/or aft sections; and an aft section area where aircraft park when others launch through the hangar.

Abstract: A flexible surface element is arranged on a vehicle to form a trampoline-like extendable or stretchable receiving or retrieval surface for drones. For this purpose, the surface element is brought out from a gathered-in, folded or pivoted-inward stored, stowed position into a mounted expanded position by means of extendable retention and guidance elements.

Abstract: A device for maneuvering a machine supported by a principal landing gear and at least one swingable wheel, such as a helicopter, between two given zones on a platform such as an alighting area and a parking area on the deck of a ship. The device includes at least one guide rail (5, 6), a hauling mechanism (12, 13, 14, 19, 20) intended to pull the machine (H), and a bar (19) for orienting the path of the machine (H). One end of the bar slides along the guide rail (5). The device also has at least one holding trolley (28) associated with means of connection (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 38, 39) to the machine (H). These means of connection make it possible to center and align the machine (H) on the guide rail (5, 6) as it is being hauled.

Abstract: A system for capturing a remotely piloted vehicle, the remotely piloted vehicle including a snagging line having a mechanism to be snagged at the end thereof. The system includes a snag mechanism for snagging the line of the remotely piloted vehicle, and a mechanism which funnels or guides the snag line on the remotely piloted vehicle to the snag mechanism of the system.

Abstract: An RPV, comprising means for engaging a snag line carried as part of a securing system which "snags" means (for example hook) on an RPV and assists the RPV to a safe landing, the snag line extending from a winch unit proximate the proposed landing area of the RPV to a position on the ship to which it is removeably secured and the end thereof carrying means to be secured to means on the RPV.

Abstract: The invention concerns reception and securing device for a hooking system used for mooring loads or vehicles onto a platform 1, of the type including one upper perforated plate 3, and support means 7 for said plate, connected together by pillars 8.The said support means are made up of one lower plate 7 of approximately constant thickness in contact with said platform 1, in combination with said pillars 8 which comprise two shoulders 15 and 16 respectively in contact with said upper and lower plates, to make a strong unit and to provide a constant separation between said upper perforated plate and said lower plate. The thickness of said lower plate 7 is thin comparatively to the thickness of said upper plate, for example lower than or equal to 1 cm. The device comprises means for securing said upper place to said platform, said means being one spacer 8 which consists of a set of legs welded to said platform, said upper plate 3 being attached to each leg by a screw.

Abstract: An offshore complex comprises a substantially ring-shaped structure (1) which is intended to rest at its lower end on the sea bottom with the upper end of the complex located above the surface of the water. The structure incorporates water-filled ballast chambers to an extent such that the structure can be caused to float by pumping water from the chambers. The upper ring-shaped end of the structure (1) supports an aircraft take-off and landing strip (3), which rises helically along a part of the perimeter of the ring-shaped structure (1). The area of water (5) enclosed by the ring-shaped structure (1) can be used as a harbor, into which sea-going vessels can enter through an opening (6) provided in the wall of the ring-shaped structure (1) at its upper end. An advantage is gained when the ring-shaped structure (1) is made substantially of concrete, and the structure may incorporate a large number of interconnected, upstanding cylindrical concrete bodies (2).

Abstract: A system for the recovery of aircraft comprises a large net having sufficient length and width to accommodate an aircraft in its landing mode in water having floats around its periphery for supporting it in a body of water for receiving and supporting an aircraft for its recovery.

Abstract: A warship has a unit seating extending around an opening in a ship's deck with a platform mounted in the seating and levelled relative to the main scantling plane of said warship, and a functional unit installation, e.g., a weapon or a navigational apparatus, on the platform. A container carried beneath the platform, accommodates a part of the functional unit installation. Vertically resiliently acting supports carry at least a part of the weight of the platform, the container and the installation and allow limited horizontal movement of the container relative to the supports.

Abstract: A helicopter landing pad and hangar structure attachable particularly to the deck of a ship in a manner requiring a minimum of space on the deck during both helicopter landing and storage, and also requiring no penetration of the deck or other substantial modification of the ship structure, comprises an enclosure including a framework, side walls, and a plurality of panels supported at the top of the side walls and slidable horizontally to an inner retracted position closing the enclosure or to an outer extended position opening the enclosure and extending laterally past the side walls. A lifting platform is movable vertically to a lower position within the enclosure or to an upper position horizontally aligned with the plane of the panels.

Abstract: A load moving system, for moving articles such as a helicopter (18) form a port hangar (19a) to a starboard hangar (19b) or vice versa, wherein four trolleys (2 and 13) run on two rails (R) and are cabled to two after winches (3) and two forward winches (14). Vertical roller fairlands (12) act as cable runners. Two control positions (4 and 15) are provided from which the system may be operated.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for maneuvering helicopters on the deck of a ship. According to the invention, the helicopter, whose landing gear comprises at least one swivelling wheel, is maneuvered between a take-off and landing area and a garage area on the deck of a ship with the aid of a guide carriage, moving in a guide rail and connected to a fitting on the helicopter by a telescopic rod or a cable, as well as a guide bar engaged by a roller in the rail and hooked by a fork joint on the axle of the swivelling wheels of the helicopter. When the helicopter is displaced towards the garage area by traction on a towing cable hooked at the front of the helicopter on the rear of which is hooked a retaining cable maintained tensioned, the helicopter automatically and progressively aligns itself on the axis of the rail due to the guide bar. The invention is more particularly applicable to flight decks of ships, platforms, etc.

Abstract: Floating platform structure comprising a deck section and a support section supporting the deck section. The floating structure is manufactured in the shape of a trussed girder having an upper chord and a lower chord which are connected with one another by girder members and having a vertical cross section substantially in the shape of a triangle having an apex pointing downwardly, the deck section of the platform structure being provided by the upper chords of the girder. The buoyancy means of the platform structure are found in the upper portions of the girder members and the ballast means in the lower portions of the girder members and optionally in the lower girder chord. The support section comprises groups of at least three girder members each, said members converging from the deck downwardly towards a common point and being fixedly connected with one another in a junction point in or adjacent the convergency point.

Abstract: A stores handling apparatus for moving and positioning stores relative a parked aircraft to facilitate loading thereof comprises a beam member (21) having releasable coupling means (22) near each end for attachment of at least one stores carrying trolley (23) and so that each trolley projects substantially parallel to the beam member. Means such as rollers (24) or wheels (33) provide for movement of the beam member along a surface, and guide means (25) are adapted in operation for engagement with guide means (39) formed in a trackway (38) on the surface.In operation, the stores handling apparatus is used in combination with an aircraft moving apparatus operable to align an aircraft on the trackway and, preferably, of a type comprising a trolley (50) movable along the same trackway.The apparatus and system of this invention is particularly suited for use in the moving and positioning of stores relative an aircraft parked on the deck of a ship.

Abstract: A mooring device for use, particularly in the mooring of an aircraft such as a helicopter on the deck of a ship includes a grid having an upper surface adapted for engagement by a harpoon carried by the aircraft. The grid comprises a plurality of substantially identical elements and retaining means secured to the deck and adapted to retain the elements in juxtaposed relationship. In one embodiment the elements are generally rectangular in plan and have an upper surface provided with both full and half apertures arranged so that when in said juxtaposed relationship, the elements combine to provide a generally continuous apertured upper surface.

Abstract: An electro-optical display system, particularly useful aboard aircraft carriers, is disclosed for remotely aiding a pilot in the landing of an aircraft. A conventional radar receiver continuously tracks the aircraft and produces a digital data signal indicative of aircraft slant range and elevation angle. The digital data signal is provided to a signal processor governed in accordance with either of a pair of control guidance algorithms to produce a control signal indicative of the magnitude and direction of an error in the appropriate descent rate of the aircraft. Based upon the control signal, a display driver produces a plurality of drive signals for energizing discrete light cells in vertically-oriented arrays as a visual indication of the descent rate error for appropriate corrective action by the pilot.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a trolley movable along a trackway on the deck. A vertically extendable and retractable probe is carried by a laterally movable mounting structure adjacent one end of the trolley and has an upper end arranged for location in an engagement provided beneath the helicopter fuselage. The probe is power operated and is arranged to be capable of selectively applying a downward force on the helicopter when the probe is located in the engagement, and a locking device is provided to selectively lock the probe mounting structure in a centralized position on the trolley. In one described embodiment, the apparatus is particularly adapted for use with a harpoon type deck-lock system.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for refueling an aircraft primarily fron a ship at sea, the ship being subject to changes in vertical and horizontal position due to pitch, roll, and heave, and combinations thereof. The apparatus comprises a first beam having a first end pivotally attached to the ship and extending upward therefrom. A second beam is pivotally attached at its first end to the second end of the first beam and extends substantially in a horizontal direction therefrom and preferably is supported by an air spring mounted between the first and second beams. A positioning device, preferably in the form of a hydraulic actuating cylinder, is coupled to both the first beam and the ship and is adapted to adjust the angular position of the first beam with respect to the ship in response to a first control signal.

Abstract: An aircraft carrier, the main deck of which is provided with an armored enclosure housing at least one work area for servicing aircraft. Service bays are arranged sequentially in the work area within the hangar in assembly-line fashion. Takeoff assisting means for the aircraft is provided on a portion of the main deck. The work areas can be divided by fire and explosion resistant doors which open and close with each refurbishing phase started or completed, with major increase in the speed of squadron operation.

Abstract: A traverser and traversing system for traversing a helicopter having a tricycle undercarriage with a nose wheel as for example, the Sea Lynx, and a helicopter having a rear wheel, as for example, a Sea King, is provided, for traversing the helicopter from its landing on a ship's deck to the hangar for storage, or in the alternative, from the hangar to its take-off position. The traversing system comprises a traverser, a track on the deck for carrying and guiding the traverser on the deck and control system for controlling the movement of the traverser. The traverser has a low profile for utilization under the helicopter and comprises a base for securing to the track, a cross member carried by the base for mounting the carriage for movement, a control system (including brakes) for controlling the sliding of the carriage to secure the helicopter to the traverser.

Abstract: A shipboard system that provides safe storage and complete quality control of aviation fuels from acceptance of the fuel at shipside to delivery of clean, dry fuel at a shipborne aircraft includes a storage tank disposed in a closed chamber defined by a cofferdam. The tank is mounted in the chamber to provide an airspace around all sides which is vented to the atmosphere and maintains any concentration of fuel vapor in the chamber below a predetermined lean limit. Fire protection apparatus of the system is actuated by a rate of temperature rise detector and releases an agent that floods the chamber to terminate the combustion cycle in the event of a fire. Conduit runs include filters to remove contaminants when fuel is pumped through and also include a closed-circuit filtered conduit through which the fuel is frequently recirculated to control deterioration of the system and degradation of the fuel caused by long term storage and intermittent use of the system.

Abstract: A device for rapidly securing and releasing a helicopter is provided. The vice effects positive haul down of an aircraft from a landing attitude above a landing pad aboard ship to a predetermined landing position on the pad, among other uses, through a plurality of rotatable spring-loaded over-center dogs clamped onto the free end of a haul-down cable and a sliding, cylindrical spring-loaded latching device which maintains the dogs in clamped relationship with the haul-down cable. The haul-down cable is instantly released upon freeing of the dogs.