Patents Assigned to Airbus Helicopters
  • Publication number: 20230002041
    Abstract: A rotorcraft, and, more particularly, to a rotorcraft with a fuselage having a center line, at least one main rotor that generates vortices during operation, and a stabilizer wing, whereby the stabilizer wing has a planform that reduces the unsteady aerodynamic loads caused by the wake of the at least one main rotor. In particular, the stabilizer wing may be provided with a left wing tip, a right wing tip, a quarter chord line with a non-zero curvature, such that an interaction between the vortices generated by the at least one main rotor and the quarter chord line is spread out over time, a leading edge that is arc-shaped, and a trailing edge that is arc-shaped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Applicant: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Martin EMBACHER, Tobias RIES, Christian ECKERT, Thomas KNEISCH
  • Publication number: 20220411107
    Abstract: A method and a system for controlling a plurality of control stations of an aircraft. The control method comprises determining a current position of a portable electronic terminal in relation to the aircraft, identifying a current control station, determining at least one current image of the aircraft representative of the current control station, displaying, on a screen of the portable electronic terminal, the at least one current image, displaying at least one graphic interface component in overlay on the at least one current image, selecting a result relating to an inspection of at least one component on the portable electronic terminal and storing it in a memory, the result corresponding to a validated state or a non-validated state of the at least one inspected component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Applicant: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Stephane DUPUY, Michel DEPARIS
  • Patent number: 11536324
    Abstract: A lubricated rotational connection system provided with a free-wheel having a driving part and a driven part as well as at least one rotational link member arranged in a linking space, the linking space being located radially between a driving linking section and a driven linking section. A lubrication device comprises a fluid circulation device constrained to rotate with a driven pumping section of the driven part. The fluid circulation device is set in rotation with respect to a driving pumping section when the driving speed of rotation of the driving pumping section is lower than the driven speed of rotation of the driven pumping section about the axis of rotation in order to generate a forced circulation of the lubricating fluid within the linking space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Laurent Zamponi, John Le Ru
  • Publication number: 20220405910
    Abstract: A method, comprising: providing a light source, a high contrast providing object, and an image acquisition device; emitting a light beam from the light source through the high contrast providing object, a transparent object and a surface of the transparent object toward the image acquisition device; exposing the surface of the transparent object to icing conditions such that a layer of ice is formed by ice accretion on the surface, wherein the light beam traverses the layer of ice after having traversed the transparent object; acquiring a series of images over time of the high contrast providing object using the image acquisition device; determining blur occurring in the series of images over the time; and quantifying the loss of visibility over the time through the transparent object on the basis of the determined blur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicants: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Gildas LANGEVIN, Elmar BONACCURSO, Pierre FRUITET
  • Publication number: 20220402601
    Abstract: A method and a device for assisting the piloting of a propeller rotorcraft having a rotary wing and at least one propeller. The piloting assistance device comprises a computer configured to display the following on a display: (i) a first scale representing a power consumed by the at least one propeller and carrying a minimum power mark and a maximum power mark, (ii) a second scale graduated in forward speed of the propeller rotorcraft, (iii) an index comprising a power section representing a current power consumed by the at least one propeller, the index comprising a speed section indicating a current forward speed on the second scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventor: Kamel ABDELLI
  • Publication number: 20220389943
    Abstract: A failure detection apparatus for a hydraulic system, to a hydraulic, failure detection-capable system, and to a method of operating a failure detection apparatus. The failure detection apparatus comprises a monitoring and failure detection unit that receives first and second pressure values from first and second pressure sensors and comprises a failure detection unit that detects a failure of at least one hydraulically operated device when a 2-tuple of a plurality of 2-tuples is within a first and outside a second predetermined tolerance range of relative pressure values, and wherein the failure detection unit 260 detects a failure of the pump when a 2-tuple of the plurality of 2-tuples is outside the first predetermined tolerance range of relative pressure values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicants: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GmbH, AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Gregor PAULMANN, Genevieve MKADARA
  • Publication number: 20220388659
    Abstract: A modular load carrying apparatus for a rotary wing aircraft and to a method of operating a modular load carrying apparatus. The modular load carrying apparatus may include a tube, first and second caps that are located inside the tube at first and second axial ends, and at least first and second removable platforms that are interchangeably installable on the tube. The second cap comprises a protrusion that protrudes from the axial end, and each one of the at least first and second removable platforms is adapted for being slidable over the first axial end of the tube and restrained by the second cap at the second axial end of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Dominik VOGEL, Alexandru DINCA
  • Publication number: 20220387827
    Abstract: An arrangement provided with a partition at least partially delimiting an emergency exit, the arrangement having a movable panel that closes the emergency exit in an inactive operating mode, the arrangement comprising an evacuation system provided with a lifeline. The lifeline comprises a deployment section passing through a passage in the partition and secured to a handle, the panel together with the partition delimiting a recess in which the handle is arranged in the inactive operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventor: Emeric MORELLON
  • Publication number: 20220388657
    Abstract: A modular load carrying apparatus for a rotary wing aircraft and to a rotary wing aircraft with such a modular load carrying apparatus. The modular load carrying apparatus may include a tube, first and second caps at first and second axial ends of the tube, a carrier star with docking devices that are adapted for rotatably receiving a seat or a carrier beam that may be folded against the tube in a stowed position or unfolded from the tube in a deployed position. A tension rod may be spanned between the first and second caps and transfer tension loads from the carrier star via the second cap towards the first cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Dominik VOGEL, Alexandru DINCA
  • Patent number: 11518503
    Abstract: A hydroelastic damper comprising at least a first resilient assembly that is provided with a first inner strength member engaged at least in part in a first outer strength member, a first resilient member providing resilient return for the first outer strength member and the first inner strength member towards a rest position (POSREP). The hydroelastic damper comprises at least one hydraulic assembly provided with a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber in communication with each other via a connection provided in a first wall of the hydraulic assembly. A first floating piston is movable at least in translation along the longitudinal axis relative to the first inner strength member and to the first outer strength member, the first hydraulic chamber being defined at least by the first floating piston and the first wall in order to protect the first resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Jean-Romain Bihel, Damien Sequera, Jean-Pierre Jalaguier
  • Publication number: 20220380030
    Abstract: A method for assisting piloting beyond an altitude that can be reached with only the capabilities of a thermal power plant of a rotorcraft, by supplying power from an electrical power plant. After defining a take-off point of the rotorcraft and a target point, and their respective altitudes, a determination of a first maximum altitude that can be reached by the rotorcraft using only the thermal power plant is carried out according to a first altitude law. Then, an estimate of a second maximum altitude that can be reached by the rotorcraft using the thermal power plant and the electrical power plant jointly driving each rotor of the rotorcraft is made according to a second altitude law. If the second maximum altitude is higher than the altitude of the target point, the rotorcraft can fly to the target point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventor: Jean-Francois PICCONE
  • Publication number: 20220380033
    Abstract: An aircraft comprising two half-wings extending to either side of an airframe. The aircraft comprises at least one propeller arranged in the rear part of the airframe. The aircraft comprises a rotary wing provided with two synchronized counter-rotating rotors carried respectively by the half-wings. The aircraft comprises a power plant comprising at least one engine and a mechanical interconnection system connecting the power plant permanently to the rotors except in the event of failure and during training, and to the at least one propeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventor: Paul EGLIN
  • Publication number: 20220380031
    Abstract: A modular power plant for a rotorcraft comprising at least one lift rotor, the power plant comprising: at least one combustion or electric engine; a main gearbox, comprising a gearbox housing and a toothed wheel arranged in an internal space at least partially delimited by the gearbox housing, the toothed wheel having a degree of rotational freedom about a primary axis of rotation relative to the gearbox housing, the toothed wheel mechanically transmitting an engine torque generated by the at least one engine to the at least one lift rotor; and at least two mechanical connection interfaces, a first mechanical connection interface mechanically connecting the main gearbox to a first engine, and a second mechanical connection interface being left free or mechanically connecting the main gearbox to a second engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventor: Douchane FAGES
  • Publication number: 20220380020
    Abstract: A method for assisting the piloting of a rotorcraft including at least two engines capable of transmitting engine torque to at least one main rotor, the assistance method comprising the following steps: periodically determining a current position of the rotorcraft; making a first periodic comparison between the current position and a decision point; identifying an engine failure; making a second periodic comparison between the current position of the rotorcraft and a touchdown point; periodically determining an emergency landing profile, the emergency landing profile being generated at least depending on a result of the second periodic comparison; and periodically generating control orders to pilot the rotorcraft according to the emergency landing profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Guillaume RAYNAUD, Nicolas CALMES
  • Patent number: 11511853
    Abstract: A method of facilitating the piloting of a hybrid rotorcraft that comprises a lift rotor and at least one propulsion rotor together with at least one engine operating in compliance with at least one rating. For at least one rating, onboard calculator determines a first power margin of the power plant that is available for the lift rotor and at least one second power margin that is available for said at least one propulsion rotor. A single indicator displays a line together with a first index pointing to said line to illustrate a current operating point of the lift rotor, and a second index pointing to said line to illustrate a current operating point of said at least one propulsion rotor. For each monitored rating, a first symbol is spaced apart from the first index by a first distance illustrating the first power margin. A second symbol is spaced apart from the second index by a second distance illustrating the second power margin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Stephane Cerqueira, Guillaume Dumur, Anthony Leonard
  • Patent number: 11511864
    Abstract: A rotorcraft having an aerodynamic device arranged below a rotor, which rotor participates at least in providing lift for the rotorcraft in the air, the rotor being mounted to rotate about a first axis of rotation, the aerodynamic device having a fairing provided with at least one air inlet for enabling a stream of cool air to flow from a region that is situated outside the rotorcraft to another region that is situated inside the rotorcraft; at least at a mouth of the at least one air inlet in the fairing, the aerodynamic device has at least one moving flap that is mounted to move in rotation, the at least one moving flap having at least one degree of freedom of movement in rotation about a second axis of rotation relative to the fairing, and the at least one moving flap orienting itself automatically and passively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventor: Jean-Christophe Coquillat
  • Patent number: 11513028
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing an elastic deformation of a hollow element, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one sensor that is arranged in a watertight capsule which is connected in a watertight manner to a connector device comprising at least one watertight electrical connector that is electrically connected to the at least one sensor, the at least one watertight electrical connector forming a first waterproof barrier of the connector device between an outside of the watertight capsule and the at least one sensor, and wherein the connector device comprises at least one further waterproof barrier that is formed between the first waterproof barrier and the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignees: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS, LIEBHERR AEROSPACE LINDENBERG GMBH
    Inventors: Jacques Bellera, Patrick Hellio, Nicolas Queiras, Marcelo Duval, Tobias Storz
  • Patent number: 11511849
    Abstract: A method and system of preparing a drone for takeoff are disclosed. The drone has at least one first control member and at least one second control member that are suitable for being actuated manually by at least one person in charge of preparing the drone for takeoff. The drone also includes a navigation light and at least one anticollision light for generating various mutually different light signals in a predetermined switch-on sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Marc Gazzino, Christophe Mouton
  • Publication number: 20220371726
    Abstract: A linear electromechanical servocontrol comprising a power rod that is able to move in translation. The servocontrol comprises a single linear electrical actuator provided with at least one electric motor connected by a mechanical link to the power rod, the servocontrol comprising an anchor secured to the electrical actuator, the at least one electric motor being controlled by a computer, the anchor having an anchoring rod that is able to move in translation, the anchor having an anchoring brake that is configured to immobilize the anchoring rod with respect to the electrical actuator in a normal operating mode or to allow the electrical actuator to move in relation to the anchoring rod in a safe operating mode at the request of the computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Applicant: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventor: Laurent RUET
  • Patent number: 11506276
    Abstract: A planet gear assembly comprising a planet carrier provided with at least one crankpin carrying a planet gear, the planet gear comprising a toothing provided with teeth, the toothing being situated around the crankpin and outside the crankpin. A planet gear bearing is arranged at least partially inside the crankpin, the planet gear comprising a foot that extends along an elevation axis at least partially into the crankpin, the planet gear comprising a rim connecting the foot and the toothing, outside the crankpin, the planet gear bearing extending radially from the foot to the internal face of the crankpin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventor: Douchane Fages