Abstract: One embodiment is an apparatus for inhibiting accidental contact by a human with a tail rotor connected to an empennage of an aircraft. The apparatus includes an inverted V-tail connected to an empennage of the aircraft forward of the tail rotor, the inverted V-tail stabilizer comprising a first V-tail stabilizer on a side of the empennage to which the tail rotor is connected and a second V-tail stabilizer on a side of the empennage opposite the side of the empennage to which the tail rotor is connected; and a shroud bar having a first end connected to an outboard end of the first V-tail stabilizer and a second end opposite the first end connected to the empennage aft of the tail rotor, wherein a horizontal distance from the shroud bar to the tail rotor is greater than a length of an arm of the human.

Abstract: One embodiment is an aircraft including a fuselage; a wing connected to the fuselage; first and second booms connected to the wing on opposite sides of the fuselage; first and second forward propulsion systems attached to forward ends of the first and second booms; first and second aft propulsion systems fixedly attached proximate aft ends of the first and second booms; and first and second wing-mounted propulsion systems connected to outboard ends of wings; wherein the first and second wing-mounted propulsion systems are tiltable between a first position when the aircraft is in a hover mode and a second position when the aircraft is in a cruise mode.

Abstract: A power system for an aircraft includes a plurality of power consumers each operable to consume power in a range from zero to maximum power demand and collectively capable of consuming a combined maximum power demand, a power source operable to output power to the power consumers and a power allocation system operable to allocate power from the power source to the power consumers based on an operational parameter of the aircraft. The power allocated by the power allocation system is less than the combined maximum power demand of the power consumers, thereby allowing the power source to have a maximum power output less than the combined maximum power demand of the power consumers.

Abstract: A power system for an aircraft includes a plurality of power consumers each operable to consume power in a range from zero to maximum power demand and collectively capable of consuming a combined maximum power demand, a power source operable to output power to the power consumers and a power allocation system operable to allocate power from the power source to the power consumers based on an operational parameter of the aircraft. The power allocated by the power allocation system is less than the combined maximum power demand of the power consumers, thereby allowing the power source to have a maximum power output less than the combined maximum power demand of the power consumers.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a rotorcraft includes a rotor system including a plurality of blades; two or more engines operable to rotate the plurality of blades; a control assembly operable to receive commands from a pilot; a flight control computer (FCC) in signal communication with the two or more engines, the FCC being operable to generate engine data indicating whether the two or more engines are functional; and a flight management system (FMS) in signal communication with the control assembly and the FCC, the FMS being operable to receive a takeoff type and a plurality of takeoff parameters input into the FMS by the pilot; generate a guidance profile for a Category A (Cat-A) takeoff procedure based on the takeoff type and the plurality of takeoff parameters, the Cat-A takeoff procedure including one or more decision points for performing a takeoff procedure based on whether all engines are operable or one engine is inoperable; receive a command to engage in a takeoff procedure from the control assembly; in respons

Abstract: A device for closing a sliding door includes a housing that attaches to the trailing edge of the sliding door. A tensioned cable extends from a spool in the housing to the door frame. When the sliding door is opened, the cable extends and undergoes an increase in tension. When the door is released, the cable is retracted and undergoes a decrease in tension as it forces the door closed. Cable tensioning is provided by a torsion spring that connects the cable spool to a concentric ratcheted axle. The device permits the user to readily increase or decrease the tension of the cable independently of the amount of cable extended by either ratcheting the axle with respect to the spool or by releasing the ratchet pawl.