Abstract: A fluid flow control for reducing the drag associated with an upswept afterbody includes a pair of ridges forming substantially symmetric flow channels arranged in an approximately helical fashion on either side of the afterbody so as to intersect at approximately the centerline of the undersurface. Each ridge has a generally rearward pitch so that the flow channels form a substantially V-shaped configuration rearwardly. The flow channels cross the local fluid flow streamlines at an optimum angle for producing a strong vortex core along the channel length with the vortex rotating in a direction counter to that normally found in the wake of conventional upswept afterbodies.

Abstract: A manned space entry vehicle having pivotally mounted wings which remain stored during space travel and become deployed to a forward-swept configuration after entry in the atmosphere. A radar antenna is mounted in the forward portion of the wing so that it is protected from excessive heat when the wing remains in a stored position during early reentry into the atmosphere. When the wings are deployed, the radar antenna maintains an operative position. The mean aerodynamic center of the deployed wings is transversely aligned with the center of gravity of the vehicle so as to increase the stability of the vehicle. The basic vehicle shape is intended to produce the least reflective radar cross section as it passes over threatening areas in a nose down attitude.

Abstract: A helicopter has a low profile electric motor mounted in each of the rotor blades to drive a cross-flow fan which draws air in through a slot at the leading edge of the blade and forces it out through an opposing slot adjacent the trailing edge of the blade to provide the thrust for rotating the rotor blade. An engine is located in the fuselage of the helicopter for driving an electric generator to produce the electricity supplied to the motors mounted in the blades. In addition, yaw control is achieved without the necessity of tail structure or a tail rotor using a small electric motor driving or absorbing power from the main rotor shaft. Both the yaw control motor and the main rotor shaft tilt together as a rigid unit. Pitch and roll control is achieved without the necessity of aerodynamic surfaces by movement of the main rotor support mast about a gimbal bearing support located above the center of gravity of the helicopter.

Abstract: A system for surveying features of a planet includes a novel attitude determination subsystem. A satellite includes an earth imaging sensor (106). The sensor is alternately directed at the earth and a predetermined star field. The optical detections are converted to electronic signals by a sensor electronics module (332). The outputs of the sensor electronics module corresponding to the times when the sensor is directed toward earth are processed by a signal processor (336), the output of which is a data stream which permits image reconstruction by a ground station computer. The outputs of the sensor electronics module corresponding to the times when the sensor is directed toward the star field are directed through onboard star detection thresholding electronics. A programmable threshold device (342) selects detections of target stars within the star field. A star data buffer (344) stores these target star detections for transmission to earth at a convenient time.

Abstract: Design and construction of a composite material airplane having a high aspect-ratio wing and a horizontal double-lobe fuselage cross-section for cargo and/or passenger accommodations. The fuselage comprises a double-lobe shell of contoured honeycomb core composite panels and an interior vertical plane centerline web forming a divider between the lobes. Piano-hinge type joints are utilized for multi-panel junctures to provide uniform load distribution across the junctures. The piano-hinge juncture utilizes hinge lugs which are dimensioned to interface sequentially along the hinge axis, and the hinge lugs are interconnected by a tubular hinge pin.

Abstract: An ejection seat (10) having roll thrusters (38, 40, 112, 114) and propellant chambers in the inner catapult tubes (44, 46, 124, 126). The roll thrusters (38, 40, 112, 114) are adapted to roll the seat (10), when ejected from an inverted or unsatisfactory attitude to an upright proper attitude. Solid propellants (44, 46, 128, 130) within the inner catapult tubes are to be ignited after the seat is being ejected. There is a roll thruster valve housing (36, 110) connected to both roll thruster nozzles (38, 40, 112, 114) and to both inner catapult tubes (24, 26, 124, 126) so that propellant gas may flow from both catapult tubes to both nozzles. The check valve (52) in each inner catapult is operable to open during ejection by ejection gas and is operable to close by the roll thruster gas when the roll thruster propellants are ignited. The check valve system modulates the catapult gas pressure during ejection, prior to roll thruster propellant ignition.

Abstract: An autothrottle system for an aircraft includes a throttle lever actuator which is easily retrofitted to an existing throttle quadrant and employs a D.C. stepping motor to slew the throttle levers and eliminate the need for a feedback loop.

Abstract: A drag stabilizer for a towed airborne cylindrical object comprises a fla body of a closed cell foam, an attachment plate that is connected to the towed object and has a central post for holding the flared foam body, and a securing plate that is connected to the center post, thereby holding the foam body on the center post.

Abstract: A rotating parachute which makes it possible to transmit the energy of rotation to a load which is connected to the parachute. The inventive rotating parachute has a canopy which is connected via shroud lines to a load-carrier. The shroud lines are offset relative to the central longitudinal axis of the parachute.

Abstract: A foldable wing or airfoil, which is especially but not exclusively adapted for a projectile, and which incorporates interengaging telescopable fin sections. A nose in the foldable wing, which is hingable in the region of one end through a pivot in a longitudinal groove, has a chamber opening facing away from its leading edge and which is located between the wing part surfaces for receiving the interlocking fin sections, which sections are profiled in U-shaped configuration. The chamber also receives a base or root spar which is hinged in the region of its leading end in the chamber, and wherein the front ends of the fin sections straddle the root spar and are each hinged along the root spar offset relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft de-icing system comprising an aircraft-washing hardstanding (1) onto which an aircraft can be moved, and pipes and nozzles, (3) for spraying de-icing fluid onto the aircraft, and discharge and drainage pipes combined with a sloped impervious layer (11) for collecting and carrying away the fluid.In order to enable the fluid to be removed from the hardstanding quickly and reliably, the hardstanding is constructed so as to comprise a substantially planar surface layer (12) of so-called drainage asphalt, and an impervious layer (11) which is located beneath the planar surface layer and which slopes steeply down towards drainage pipes (15), so as to collect and carry away the de-icing fluid passing down through the surface layer (12). The system also preferably includes a pump (7) arranged to draw air down through the surface layer so as to entrain therewith any water vapor formed and thus prevent the formation of vapor clouds liable to rise from the hardstanding (1).

Abstract: The invention provides an under aircraft load carrying and release device with possibility of orientation of the load with respect to the aircraft by using an eccentric and of fixing on fixed supports by raising the hooks. The device comprises a mechanism with three roller escapements, one for each hook and a third one for releasing a tripping spring, the rollers and the loaded articulations being mounted on ball or needle bearings and thus allowing heavy loads to be released by means of an electromagnet of small volume and low consumption.

Abstract: The landing gear comprises: a rod including nested first and second tubes between which there slides a cylinder whose outer end supports a running gear; a strut surrounding the top of the rod and including a steering mechanism cooperating with a rotary tube disposed between the rod and the strut; and a fluid actuator constituted by at least one chamber between the strut and the rod and having a feed inlet only. The landing gear is particularly applicable to helicopters that are required to "kneel down" camel fashion, e.g., for storage in the hold of an aircraft carrier or a cargo plane.

Abstract: An aircraft is disclosed as having the components of a high wing airframe, a single engine of the 360 type, and a propeller formed with airfoil cross sections along the blades thereof having profiles which, when particularly matched with the designated engine and type of aircraft, result in superior performance than is available when any of the components is matched with other components. Specific disclosures of the front and rear cambers of the blades provide aerodynamic characteristics which optimize the performance capabilities of the high wing airframe in conjunction with the designated engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for temporarily enlarging the opening or hatch area of a structural frame of an aircraft. The invention proposes a fixture of smaller dimensions than the structural girder which is able to replace the latter temporarily during certain periods, in particular during loading and unloading of cargo. The invention finds an application in the fitting out of a transport aircraft.

Abstract: A pneumatic deicer having a deformable sheet formed of a fluid-impervious, resilient material adapted to be secured with respect to the leading edge of an aircraft wing. A rigid template with spaced, parallel apertures is secured to the face of the deformable sheet remote from the aircraft wing. The regions of the deformable sheet corresponding to the apertures form fluid passages adapted to be coupled with a source of fluid such as air so that the deicer may be cyclically expanded and contracted to break up ice accumulations on the deicer. A cover ply is secured to the outer face of the deformable sheet to expand and contract therewith and to add wear resistance to the deicer. The periphery of the inner face of the deformable sheet may be secured to the leading edge of the aircraft wing through an inner or base ply or, in the alternative, it may be secured directly thereto without the inclusion of the inner or base ply.

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.