Abstract: In rescuing victims from such disasters as burning building with rescue ls or platforms, on in-flight refueling, and on hooking cargo hooks onto load rings, it is difficult to align the lines, platforms, hooks, or hoses, with the objects they are working with. It is a challenge for the pilot to maintain the proper position of his aircraft by means of voice directions and visual cues. Under normal visual conditions, the task is not easy. Under low visibility conditions the task can become very dangerous. A specialized optical assembly affording aircraft crewman the visibility for external coupling is provided herein. The invention enables the pilot to acquire an external load quickly and efficiently without ground assistance, even under instrument meterorological conditions.

Abstract: In the field of optics, collimators are adapted not only for testing, calating and measuring instruments, but for target projection and simulation. The technique is to use standard targets which are commonly available as target sets, such as three-bar and area targets. Such standard targets, although in wide use, are subject to certain disadvantages, particularly when the light source is not in the human visible range. Targets used with this radiation are subject to mechanical constraints. Since, like stencils, they are dependent upon cut-outs, images formed are subject to the same limitations as stencils. That is, bands or strips must support the cut-out image. By this invention, mechanical constraints of cut-outs in targets now employed are obviated, and many of the thermal limitations of such targets are alleviated.

Abstract: Successful flight of high altitude military aircraft is dependent, in part, pon the ability of the aircraft to remain undetected during flight. Against the highly sophisticated infrared sensors developed during recent years, particularly for miliary use, an aircraft powered by a gas turbine engine is at a particular disadvantage. Hence infrared emissions from gas turbine engines have been reduced by use of a variety of infrared radiation (IR) suppressor designs. But in these designs aerodynamic problems are difficult to analyze and geometrical parameters are very critical, and nearly impossible to maintain. The IR suppressor herein provides the best blend of simple aerodynamics, heat transfer, and geometry.

Abstract: Storage or retrieval of a record from computer storage or memory is generally accomplished by scanning, or direct addressing. Scanning a file of records to retrieve one particular record requires comparing its key with the key of one record after another until a match is found. Direct addressing involves assigning each record to a specific location usually on the basis of a record key. Direct addressing provides the most rapid means of accessing a single record in a file, but the process of transforming a record key, to a corresponding address or location where the record can be found, is subject to certain disadvantages. Neither complete randomization nor a completely uniform distribution results when keys are converted to addresses even by random conversion transformations or hashing techniques. A transformation or hashing process is provided herein which not only leads to a greater degree of randomness, but is so general that it is effective for both static and volatile files.

Abstract: Collimators are widely used optical instruments for testing, calibrating and measuring. In one type of collimator slits or patterns, called targets, are said to be projected to infinity. Placing a target in the focal plane of a collimator is a known technique for making a uniform target appear to be in the far field. This led to the use of collimators in training devices and in target simulations. When a surface is illuminated by a small light source, as is the target in a collimator, the illumination of points on the target surface off the light axis will be lower than illumination of the area of the surface on the axis. Since the peripheral surface illumination is a function of the cosine fourth power, there is considerable reduction in illumination at the periphery of a target. Mitigation of peripheral target of illumination in collimators is overcome herein by disposing a fiber optic faceplate between the light source and the target.

Abstract: The measurement of displacements wherein the reference point, the point bg displaced, is not fixed are not easily accomplished. Collective control systems in helicopters are representative of such displacements. Precise rigging of the collective control system is necessary. This invention provides a displacement gauge which makes this rigging easier to effect.

Abstract: Laser guided weapons delivery systems are now well known. Such systems, termed laser designator/sighting devices, are optical devices. One of the major potential sources of error in optical devices is misalignment of optical elements, particularly in helicopters and tanks where operating environments are quite severe. Alignment is maintained by boresighting, using optical instruments, called boresighting modules, which can be coupled optically with the misaligned optical device. Since these modules usually include prisms, beam dividers, mirrors and lenses, vibrations and other mechanical problems have been sources of error. While vibrational and weight load errors have been considered, the problem of errors due to thermal device has not been solved. The problem is solved herein by a boresight device incorporating a zero expansion, glass ceramic, optical transfer tube.

Abstract: In the transportation by helicopter of specialized cargo externally, such stokes litters, personnel carriers, auxilliary fuel tanks, gun mounts, and the like, it is frequently necessary to switch the carrying apparatus from one type of load to another. Normally, in order to provide for such external cargo a helicopter must be permanently altered to avoid the use of unreliable belts and straps. Permanent helicopter modifications are not totally acceptable in emergency situations. A helicopter cargo carrying apparatus is provided herein which is not subject to these objections. A pallet-like frame, upon which the load is secured, or which forms the base of the load carrying apparatus such as a platform or litter is provided.

Abstract: Helicopters employed in emergency situations have been adapted for a vari of external uses. For example, step and cargo carriers have been attached to the skid supports of these helicopters. Gun mounts and camera mounts have been used. In order to provide for such external rigging, helicopters have been permanently altered. To avoid such permanent alterations straps or belts have been used to hold external equipment. However, the utility of such straps is extremely limited. It creates a stabilization problem. The invention herein provides an external cargo carrier capable of accepting a wide variety of external devices for use in emergency situations without permanently altering the helicopter. A totally self-contained framework is provided which includes stabilization means.

Abstract: Frequently, particularly in the case of old machines such as engines, traissions, and gear boxes, particles, or "chips", are produced as the internal parts wear out. When these chips are present they indicate equipment damage and must be removed since they can cause additional damage to the equipment. For over a decade such electric chip detectors have been installed in helicopter transmissions and engines, as well as in propulsion and drive systems of many military fixed wing aircraft. Detectors usually have a pair of permanently magnetized electrodes that are insulated from each other and positioned to form a magnetic field in the small gap therebetween. One of the underlying problems of monitoring wear particles is that detectors can be triggered by an accumulation of metallic dust, causing a false chip detection warning.

Abstract: An aircraft stall avoidance system uses flight measurements such as accelerations, aircraft configuration, engine power, atmospheric conditions, and other related characteristics in computing the speed at which a specific aircraft is likely to stall in real time. The indicator provides continuous stall avoidance information to the pilot along with positive warning signals when critical safety margins are broached.

Abstract: One of the advantages of helicopters is their ability to lift significant ads to extraordinary heights. They do so with the use of various hoisting means that can initially raise the load from the ground, before the helicopter undertakes some movement to the desired location for reimplacement of its carried load. Since cargo retrieving, including carrying, lines cannot dangle dangerously when not attached to a load winch-type hoists are generally employed. There are however certain disadvantages in the conventional mechanisms that render the usage of such hoists somewhat deficient, and even hazardous in certain applications. In addition, some operations require rapid pick-up of cargo or personnel within time constraints impossible for winch mechanisms. The helicopter herein carries cargo retrieving lines by means attached to the underside thereof, adapted to be rapidly lowered therefrom to retrieve cargo and capable of deployment.

Abstract: X-wing aircraft employ a rigid rotor-wing utilizing symmetrical circulation irfoils. The rotor is driven mechanically, and lift is achieved by modulation of air circulation about the base airfoils. This is accomplished by blowing compressed air through trailing edge openings in the rotor blades, and controlling the amount of air being ejected through those openings. By cyclically modulating the amount of ejected airflow, cyclic lift control is obtained. Likewise, by collectively controlling the ejected airflow collective lift control is obtained. One reason for the lack of popularity of circulation control rotor systems is concern over a loss or air pressure resulting from a damaged rotor blade. The damage to a rotor blade, such as ballistic damage, can cause the entire plenum pressure to be vented through that damaged blade. The result is a loss of pneumatic control, not only of that blade, but control of all rotor blades.

Abstract: The testing of aircrafts is very expensive and time-consuming. Many test grams require detailed records of aircraft parameters which are only available from the cockpit instruments. In some instances it is necessary for the copilot to record manually these parameters during the test. When the testing requires both the pilot's and copilot's attention, problems arise, calling for duplicate instruments or the placement behind the pilot of a movie camera which views the instruments. Such problems are overcome by the instrument viewing assembly provided herein adapted for use where a plurality of instruments must be remotely monitored but where instruments are so separated that they cannot be viewed by a single viewing camera.

Abstract: A power management system is disclosed for an advanced helicoptor having h lift and thrust propulsion units and at least one power plant which comprises, a signal generator for generating a first signal which is proportional to the power available from the power plant, a power use gage connected to the lift propulsion unit which has an output that varies according to the amount of power used by that propulsion unit and a circuit which is connected to the power use gage and which receives the first signal for generating a second signal which is proportional to the amount of power remaining. The circuit is either used to power an indicator which indicates to the pilot the amount of power remaining for the thrust propulsion unit, or can be connected directly to a limit actuator for limiting the amount of power the pilot can apply to the thrust propulsion unit.

Abstract: Resolution and sensitivity of photoconducting light sensitive devices vary nversely with temperature. Hence it is desirable to provide cooling means for photoconductive radiation detectors. One type of low temperature photoconductor is fabricated by placing the photomultiplier tube in a double-walled vacuum Dewar flask. In another type, the detector is mounted near a cryogenic projection, or cold finger, emenating from a refrigerator. In this case fabrication is critical, and great care must be exercised when the cryogenic cold finger is inserted in the Dewar well in order to avoid breakage. A different solution herein to the problem provides detector not as subject as prior devices to breakage of the Dewar detector wall.

Abstract: A power management system is disclosed for an advanced helicopter having h lift and thrust propulsion units and at least one power plant which comprises, a signal generator for generating a first signal which is proportional to the power available from the power plant, a circuit connected to the lift propulsion unit which has an output that varies according to the amount of power used by that propulsion unit and which receives the first signal for generating a second signal which is proportional to the amount of power remaining. The circuit is either used to power a limit actuator for limiting the amount of power the pilot can apply to the thrust propulsion unit or drive an indicator which indicates to the pilot the amount of power remaining for the thrust propulsion unit, or perform both functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for boresighting the sighting systems ed with a 1.06 micrometer designator laser. The method enables boresighting visual direct view optics, TV, and forward looking infrared (FLIR) sights with respect to the laser itself, without the use of external targets. The laser beam is focused onto a refractory target in the boresight device, creating very briefly an incandescent hot spot which can be "seen" by all three sensors. The radiation from this hot spot is collimated by the boresight device optics and projected back into the sights exactly anti-parallel to the laser beam. By aligning the sight reticles with this hot spot, all three types of sights are aligned relative to the laser. Since the hot flash created by the laser energy is of such short duration, the alignment can be accomplished in flight where relative motion exists between the laser designator system and the boresight module. The apparatus disclosed includes a CO.sub.

Abstract: A quick disconnect pin assembly is provided with a bushing having an intel bore with an axially extending recess. The disconnect pin, insertable into the bore, has an annular groove in alignment with the recess when the pin is in an inserted position within the bushing. This recess defines a locking ring seat. A resilient locking ring in the groove locks between the seat and the shoulder to prevent withdrawal of the pin after the pin is inserted. The bushing has a side face on its inserted end which is of less diameter than its side face on the other end toward the withdrawal opening of the bushing, forming a space between the bushing and the pin. Part of a release means for releasing the ring from engagement between the seat and the shoulder to deflect it backwardly into the groove so that the pin can be withdrawn utilizes this space.

Abstract: An electrical harness interface system including a circuit board (either id or flexible) having one or more electronic modules adapted to be removably secured thereto with each of the modules having a plurality of connectors. An input/output connector and a matrix connector are also provided on the circuit board. The circuit board further includes a plurality of electrical conductors (or traces) interconnecting the electronic modules, the matrix connector, and the input/output connector. The system permits one or more of the electronic modules to be removed and to be replaced with another electronic module having a different electrical function (or logic) and requiring a different electrical connection to the conductors in the circuit board and/or to the input/output connector. This system comprises a plurality of spare connectors for each of the electronic modules and a plurality of spare electrical conductors in the circuit board.