Abstract: The conductivity of the outer surface of skin (2) is enhanced by providing an outer layer of conductive material. The outer surfaces of each external metal fastener (8) and the skin around it are covered with a patch (6) of a strongly dielectric material. Patch (6) is dimensioned to cause current flow from lightning strikes to diffuse to a current density below an arcing threshold before reaching fastener (8). Preferably, further protection against arcing between the outer surface of skin (2) and metallic fasteners and fittings is provided by coating with a dielectric any surface portions of such fasteners and fittings that contact the skin (2) or an integral continuation thereof. When load requirements permit, fasteners made from dielectric materials are used instead of dielectric coated fasteners.

Abstract: A plurality of channel-shaped members (12) are positioned longitudinally along the inner surface of an outer skin (6). Each member (12) has a web (14) and two flanges (16). Members (12) are positioned laterally contiguously to each other so that, when outer skin (6) and members (12) are cured together, webs (14) form an inner skin portion (8) and adjacent flanges (16) form blade stiffeners (10). A generally L-shaped member (22) is positioned to extend longitudinally along the inner surface of outer skin (6) adjacent to each side edge of skin (6), with one leg (26) of member (22) contiguous to a modified flange (16') of channel-shaped member (12'). When outer skin (6) and members (12,12',22) are cured together, leg (26) and flange (16') form a spar chord (20). Reinforcing fibers in skin (6,8) resist torsional shear. Reinforcing fibers in stiffeners (10) and spar chords (20) resist bending loads.

Abstract: An aircraft aerial cargo delivery system for aircraft having a rear cargo receiving and delivery opening and ramp. Cargo is ordinarily secured to pallets which move backwardly and out of the rear cargo delivery opening under either the pull of a parachute when the aircraft is airborne or under the influence of rapid acceleration of the aircraft during a rapid (i.e., combat off-load) discharge of the cargo onto the ground. Locks must be provided (1) which will positively retract (unlock) for ground loading of pallets, (2) which will secure the pallets against forward or aft movement during normal flight conditions, (3) which will permit free aft movement but not forward movement only during combat off-load conditions, and (4) which will permit, through the use of a metallic fuse, aft movement only after a parachute connected to the pallet opens and exerts a predetermined force on the pallet sufficient to overcome the resistance presented by the fuse.