Abstract: An aircraft includes external structures, and one or more thermal emitters integrated with one or more of the external structures. The one or more thermal emitters are configured to generate heat to deice the one or more external structures. The one or more thermal emitters are configured to receive electrical power from one or more of an auxiliary power unit of the aircraft, a power distribution system of the aircraft, one or more engines of the aircraft, or an external power cart that is separate and distinct from the aircraft.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for handling luggage. One exemplary system includes an interface that receives input from a check-in system that indicates sizes and weights for pieces of luggage that are each associated with a unique identifier; and a controller that selects a delivery, identifies pieces of luggage for the delivery, correlates the delivery with dimensions of a cargo hold of a vehicle servicing the delivery, receives input indicating a loading restriction for loading luggage into the cargo hold, and generates a baggage map. The baggage map is based on the sizes and the weights of the pieces of luggage for the delivery, indicates a location for each piece of luggage for the delivery within the cargo hold, and complies with the loading restriction. The system further includes a memory that stores the baggage map.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for handling luggage. One exemplary system includes an interface that receives input from a check-in system that indicates sizes and weights for pieces of luggage that are each associated with a unique identifier; and a controller that selects a delivery, identifies pieces of luggage for the delivery, correlates the delivery with dimensions of a cargo hold of a vehicle servicing the delivery, receives input indicating a loading restriction for loading luggage into the cargo hold, and generates a baggage map. The baggage map is based on the sizes and the weights of the pieces of luggage for the delivery, indicates a location for each piece of luggage for the delivery within the cargo hold, and complies with the loading restriction. The system further includes a memory that stores the baggage map.

Abstract: A method for use in verifying a location of an item aboard a vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving, by a transceiver device located in the vehicle, at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) signal. Each RFID signal is associated with an RFID tag of an item aboard the vehicle. The method additionally includes processing the at least one RFID signal and transmitting, by the transceiver device, the at least one RFID signal to a passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for use in verifying a location of an item aboard a vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving, by a transceiver device located in the vehicle, at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) signal. Each RFID signal is associated with an RFID tag of an item aboard the vehicle. The method additionally includes processing the at least one RFID signal and transmitting, by the transceiver device, the at least one RFID signal to a passenger compartment of the vehicle.