Abstract: Payload engagement systems, vehicles including the same, and related methods. A payload engagement system includes a vehicle supported portion and a payload mounted portion, one of which includes an insert component, and the other of which includes a receptor component. The payload engagement system is configured to transition between a disengaged configuration and an engaged configuration via rotation of the insert component with respect to the receptor component. In the engaged configuration, the receptor component receives the insert component such that the insert component is rotationally constrained within the receptor component. A method of transporting a payload with a vehicle includes engaging the payload with a payload engagement system that includes a vehicle supported portion and a payload mounted portion, transporting the payload with the vehicle, and disengaging the payload.

Abstract: A hydraulic system (e.g., of an aircraft or other vehicle) includes a pump, a pressure line coupled to the pump and configured to distribute pressurized hydraulic fluid, and a return line configured to return hydraulic fluid to a reservoir. The hydraulic system also includes an auxiliary leakage valve coupled to the pressure line, to the return line, and to an actuator. The auxiliary leakage valve is configured to receive a control signal and, based on the control signal, selectively open a restricted fluid path. The restricted fluid path couples the pressure line to the return line to allow a restricted amount of the hydraulic fluid to flow from the pressure line to the return line.

Abstract: Provided are wingtip torque boxes and methods of fabricating such boxes using friction stir welding. Specifically, a wingtip torque box may be formed by friction stir welding two monolithic clamshells along their respective spars thereby forming a new monolithic structure. Use of the friction stir welding and monolithic clamshells simplifies the overall fabrication process and yields a robust wingtip torque box that can be bolted on or otherwise attached to an aircraft wing. The wingtip torque box may include internal grid stiffeners and/or external stiffeners that may be also monolithic with other components of the box. For example, the stiffeners may be machined in spars or skin portions of the clamshells during fabrication of clamshells. The wingtip torque box may have a continuous cavity extending between the ends and, in some embodiments, between spars of the box and providing access for performing various operations inside the box.

Abstract: A hydraulic system (e.g., of an aircraft or other vehicle) includes a pump, a pressure line coupled to the pump and configured to distribute pressurized hydraulic fluid, and a return line configured to return hydraulic fluid to a reservoir. The hydraulic system also includes an auxiliary leakage valve coupled to the pressure line, to the return line, and to an actuator. The auxiliary leakage valve is configured to receive a control signal and, based on the control signal, selectively open a restricted fluid path. The restricted fluid path couples the pressure line to the return line to allow a restricted amount of the hydraulic fluid to flow from the pressure line to the return line.

Abstract: Payload engagement systems, vehicles including the same, and related methods. A payload engagement system includes a vehicle supported portion and a payload mounted portion, one of which includes an insert component, and the other of which includes a receptor component. The payload engagement system is configured to transition between a disengaged configuration and an engaged configuration via rotation of the insert component with respect to the receptor component. In the engaged configuration, the receptor component receives the insert component such that the insert component is rotationally constrained within the receptor component. A method of transporting a payload with a vehicle includes engaging the payload with a payload engagement system that includes a vehicle supported portion and a payload mounted portion, transporting the payload with the vehicle, and disengaging the payload.

Abstract: Provided are wingtip torque boxes and methods of fabricating such boxes using friction stir welding. Specifically, a wingtip torque box may be formed by friction stir welding two monolithic clamshells along their respective spars thereby forming a new monolithic structure. Use of the friction stir welding and monolithic clamshells simplifies the overall fabrication process and yields a robust wingtip torque box that can be bolted on or otherwise attached to an aircraft wing. The wingtip torque box may include internal grid stiffeners and/or external stiffeners that may be also monolithic with other components of the box. For example, the stiffeners may be machined in spars or skin portions of the clamshells during fabrication of clamshells. The wingtip torque box may have a continuous cavity extending between the ends and, in some embodiments, between spars of the box and providing access for performing various operations inside the box.