Abstract: Aircraft loading apparatus includes a frame removably attachable to an aircraft (e.g., a helicopter). The frame is constructed for assembly and disassembly in a transitional position and includes a pair of raising and lowering mechanisms. The mechanisms include a pair of belts with free ends attachable to form a sling and connected for simultaneous extension or retraction of equal lengths of each belt. In operation, the frame is attached to the aircraft adjacent an area at which an article (e.g. an auxiliary fuel tank) is to be connected. The article is positioned under the frame and the belts are extended to form a sling around the article. The mechanisms are activated to simultaneously retract equal lengths of each belt to raise the article into a connecting position, the article is connected, and the frame is disassembled into a removable configuration and removed from the aircraft.

Abstract: A mounting system includes a restraint pan into which an auxiliary fuel tank is placed, a harness extending over the fuel tank, and a pair of brackets each having a corner receptacle for engaging a corner of the fuel tank. The corner receptacles are each reinforced by a gusset. Each bracket includes two arms having a pair of holes that align with each other. The first holes receives a bolt, making a pivoting joint between the arms and the second holes receive a removable pin for aligning the two arms in a locked position. Each end of the brackets is a clevis for engaging a cargo ring. The harness includes a pair of straps interconnected by a web and ratchets for tightening the straps. The pan prevents horizontal movement of the fuel tank, the harness resists vertical movement of the fuel tank, and the brackets prevent vertical motion and tipping motion of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A fuel manifold includes a manifold block having a first port adapted to be connected to a main fuel tank, a second port adapted to be connected to an input connection of an auxiliary fuel tank, and a third port adapted to be connected to an output connection of the auxiliary fuel tank. A first channel in the manifold block couples the first port to the second port. A second channel couples the third port to the first channel and includes a check valve for permitting fuel to flow only from the third port to the first channel. A valve is coupled between the second port and the auxiliary fuel tank. The fuel manifold may further include a fourth port adapted to be coupled to the second main fuel tank. A third channel in the manifold block couples the fourth port to the third port. The fuel manifold further includes a constriction fitting attached to the manifold block for attaching a gas (nitrogen) line from the auxiliary fuel tank.