Abstract: An aircraft includes a support structure, an outer skin coupled to the support structure, and a port that defines a break in the support structure and extends through the outer skin. The aircraft also includes a receptacle coupled to portions of the support structure proximate the port, such that the receptacle routes at least a portion of the load borne by the support structure around the break defined by the port. The receptacle includes an opening defined therein. The aircraft further includes a removable payload assembly coupled within the receptacle opening, and a pressure ring configured to form a seal between an inner surface of the receptacle and an outer surface of the payload assembly.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a support structure, an outer skin coupled to the support structure, and a port that defines a break in the support structure and extends through the outer skin. The aircraft also includes a receptacle coupled to portions of the support structure proximate the port, such that the receptacle routes at least a portion of the load borne by the support structure around the break defined by the port. The receptacle includes an opening defined therein. The aircraft further includes a removable payload assembly coupled within the receptacle opening, and a pressure ring configured to form a seal between an inner surface of the receptacle and an outer surface of the payload assembly.

Abstract: A door assembly for mounting on an aircraft includes a rail mounted exteriorly to an outer skin of the aircraft, and a door movably coupled to the rail. The door assembly also includes a motor mountable in an interior of the aircraft, and a shaft extending through a sealed shaft port in the outer skin of the aircraft. The shaft couples the motor to the door, such that the door is movable between a first position and a second position along an outer moldline of the aircraft.