Abstract: A controller for a watercraft changes a rudder angle of a marine propulsion device by controlling a steering actuator based on a target yaw rate. The controller determines which of rightward turning and leftward turning is being made by the watercraft. The controller imposes a limitation on the leftward target yaw rate when the rightward turning is being made by the watercraft. The controller imposes a limitation on the rightward target yaw rate when the leftward turning is being made by the watercraft.

Abstract: Crew egress pathways and crew egress pathway exits in aircraft, with the crew egress pathway exits comprising apparatuses, systems, and methods for reliable deployment and stowage of support straps within crew egress pathway exit hatches positioned, with crew egress pathway exit hatches configured to deploy within aircraft passenger compartments in aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft empennage includes a vertical tail plane, a rear fuselage section attached to the vertical tail plane and including a skin and internal reinforcing members, a horizontal tail plane comprising two lateral torsion boxes and a framework located between the two lateral torsion boxes comprising a front spar, a rear spar and two ribs extending between the front and the rear spar and each adjacent to a lateral torsion box. The framework encloses a portion of the vertical tail plane along its spanwise direction. The aircraft empennage includes an attachment assembly attaching the framework to the rear fuselage section, the attachment assembly crossing the skin and extends between the internal reinforcing members of the rear fuselage section and the framework.

Abstract: An electromechanical rudder system control using electromagnetic actuators provides dual redundancy to comply with safety demands. Diversity of possible interconnection distribution allows the manufacturer to choose the proper configuration to satisfy aircraft safety design, hardware savings and overall system quality improvements. A dual channel rudder system architecture includes reconfigurable electronic controllers used to control plural electromechanical primary actuators for rudder control, and a distribution of aircraft and cockpit sensors through the electronic controllers to guarantee minimum required safety standards in case of loss of input data. The plural electromechanical actuators driving a rudder surface are arranged in independent and redundant load paths.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for variable stiffness supports in aircraft testing are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a variable stiffness support including a pad to contact and support the aircraft, and a spring operatively coupled to the pad. The apparatus also includes an actuator operatively coupled to the support, a sensor, at least one memory, machine executable instructions and at least one processor. The at least one processor is to execute the instructions to determine at least one of a movement or a displacement of the pad based on information from the sensor, and control movement of the actuator based on the determined at least one movement or distance of the pad to statically support the aircraft while enabling movement of the pad above a threshold frequency.

Abstract: A landing gear assembly for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is described. The landing gear assembly includes a mounting block assembly adapted to mount to a structural frame of a fuselage of the UAV, a shared shock assembly including a spring adapted to provide a spring force and a damper adapted to dampen oscillations of the spring, a pair of leg members extending out from the mounting block assembly, and a pair of pivot blocks each pivotally mounted to the mounting block assembly. The pivot blocks are rigidly connected to a corresponding one of the leg members and pivotally connected to one of opposing ends of the shared shock assembly. The leg members are each connected to a ground gear. An upward suspension travel of one or both of the ground gears rotates one or both of the pivot blocks, thereby compressing the spring.

Abstract: A rotor for a rotary wing aircraft having a single blade with a longitudinal pitch axis and that is hinge mounted on the rotary shaft for rotating the rotor, the hinge being about an axis that is transversal relative to the rotary shaft, said rotary wing describing a cone when its pitch angle is not zero, the rotor possessing a balancing flyweight device for balancing the resultant of the horizontal component of the lift force and of the rotary drag force of the blade, the device being mounted to rotate with the rotary wing about its rotary shaft and, under the effect of the centrifugal force to which it is subjected while the rotary wing is rotating, generating a horizontal force that is applied to the rotary shaft of the motor and that opposes the above-mentioned resultant with a magnitude of that is a function of the position of the flyweight(s) of the balancing device relative to the rotary shaft of the rotor.

Abstract: An aircraft having a hybrid power source includes two horizontal drive units, four vertical drive units, a vertical drive unit comprising a power supply bus the output of which may be connected to a single horizontal drive unit which may be connected to at least two vertical drive units via a switch, two power generation sources connected, on the one hand, to each of the power supply buses by a respective input of the corresponding vertical drive unit and, on the other hand, to each horizontal drive unit via the respective output of each vertical drive unit, and a power supply command arranged to send a power command to the power generation sources according to the power requirements of the vertical drive units and/or horizontal drive units. The power generation sources are also suitable for recharging power sources of the vertical drive units.

Abstract: An aircraft achieves vertical takeoff and landing and short takeoff and landing capabilities by transitioning the thrust created by a super charged centrifugal fan from a vertical launch position to a horizontal cruise position for a resulting propulsion effect. Neither the rotors or the engines included on the aircraft have to move or rotate into a distinct position in order to provide such vertical takeoff and landing and short takeoff and landing capabilities.

Abstract: A tandem tiltrotor aircraft in which the tiltrotor assemblies are operably coupled at the forward and aft ends of the fuselage of the aircraft is disclosed. The tiltrotor assemblies are capable of rotating between a vertical lift position and a horizontal flight position. The in-line location of the tiltrotor assemblies allow the aircraft to have the vertical take-off and landing capabilities, and, in combination with the at least one wing, can be used in horizontal flight. The aft rotor assembly can assume a horizontal flight position that places the rotor blades forward of a vertical fin of the aircraft. In another embodiment, a winged triple tiltrotor aircraft is disclosed. In another embodiment, a winged quad tiltrotor aircraft is disclosed.

Abstract: A tailsitter aircraft for deploying a tow line includes an airframe having wings with pylons extending therebetween and a thrust array attached to the airframe, the thrust array including propulsion assemblies configured to transition the airframe between a forward flight orientation and a VTOL orientation. The tailsitter aircraft includes an attenuation spool coupled to the airframe and an attenuation cable having a first end coupled to the attenuation spool and a second end coupled to the tow line, the attenuation cable partially or fully wound around the attenuation spool. The tailsitter aircraft also includes a spool sensor to detect movement of the attenuation spool and a flight control system implementing a tow line tension monitoring module in communication with the spool sensor to determine a tow line tension parameter and a tow line tension reaction module to initiate an aircraft response based on the tow line tension parameter.

Abstract: Fluid systems are described herein. An example embodiment of a fluid system has a first body portion, a second body portion, a plurality of supports, a plurality of fluid pressurizers, and a plurality of ducts. The first body portion and the second body portion cooperatively define an injection opening, a suction opening, and a channel that extends from the injection opening to the suction opening. The fluid pressurizer is disposed within the channel cooperatively defined by the first body portion and the second body portion. Each duct of the plurality of ducts is disposed within the channel cooperatively defined by the first body portion and the second body portion.

Abstract: Stiffened skin panels comprise alternating truss core portions and solid laminate portions sandwiched between inner and outer facesheets, all formed from a fiber reinforced thermoplastic. The components of the panels are co-consolidated using induction heating. The panels are stiffened with spars fastened to the solid laminate portions.

Abstract: A flow deflector for an aerial vehicle system has a flow deflector body, a clip arranged in an interior of the flow deflector body, and a spring within the clip. The flow deflector body includes a first portion at a forward end shaped to engage a surface of an aerial vehicle body and a second portion at an aft end shaped to engage a surface of a booster engine. The flow deflector body can include a plurality of body segments arranged to form the flow deflector body. The clip may be configured to fit around and engage a portion of an aft flange of the aerial vehicle body. The spring can be preloaded and arranged to press on the aft flange when the clip engages the portion of the aft flange.

Abstract: An assembly is configured for connection to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and comprises a plurality of emulator devices each configured for attachment to the UAV and a plurality of first connection tethers each configured to operably couple a respective one of the plurality of emulator devices to the UAV at a respective spacing from the UAV. The emulator devices each comprise an emulation component configured to provide, to a target detection system, a characteristic associated with a respective type of airborne object. The plurality of respective first connection tethers each comprises material that does not substantially reflect RF energy. During flight of the UAV, when the assembly is connected, each respective emulator device maintains the respective spacing from the UAV and emulates the characteristic to the target detection system, such that the assembly emulates, to the target detection system, a plurality of airborne objects.

Abstract: A method includes determining current coordinates and a current elevation setting of a first unmanned aerial vehicle that is to be deployed to a candidate location for a microwave radio dish, receiving expected coordinates and an expected elevation setting of a second unmanned aerial vehicle that is deployed to a location of an existing cellular base station, calculating an angle necessary to direct a flash of light from the first unmanned aerial vehicle toward the expected coordinates and expected elevation setting of the second unmanned aerial vehicle, adjusting a current angle of an optical system of the first unmanned aerial vehicle to match the angle that is calculated, and sending a dataset to a centralized computing device, wherein the dataset includes at least an elevation setting of the first unmanned aerial vehicle at a time of capture of an image of the flash by the second unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A gaseous matter capture system and method comprising an aerial unit configured to capture gaseous matter directly from the atmosphere and further comprising storage means configured to transfer said gaseous matter for further processing in a non-aerial unit for the purposes of climate change mitigation and further use of captured gases.

Abstract: Towplate units and assemblies are disclosed for airborne extraction of a cargo load. The towplate unit includes an extraction and jettison links having a pair of spaced-apart parallel extraction and jettison link arms and an extraction and jettison cross-connector extending between and rigidly joining the extraction and jettison link arms, respectively. A locking system removably locks the jettison link to the extraction link to thereby allow the jettison link to be removed from the extraction link when unlocked. A towplate assembly is also provided which includes a towplate unit removably assembled with a deck plate and an actuator control assembly operatively interconnected to the towplate unit so as to cause the towplate unit to separate from the deck plate during a normal cargo deployment condition or to cause the jettison link to separate from the extraction link of the towplate unit during an aborted cargo deployment condition.

Abstract: Delivery systems for aerial vehicles may provide a passive automatic delivery system that is automatically triggered during landing of the aerial vehicle. One or more arm assemblies of the delivery system may include a respective landing arm, resilient member, and package guide. The landing arm is configured to rotate in response to an applied external force, with the resilient member being operatively coupled to the landing arm and configured to bias the landing arm towards a resting position. The package delivery system automatically releases the package when a delivery condition is met, such as the landing arms of the delivery system being rotated past a threshold position. Delivery systems can thus passively and automatically ensure that all landing arms are on a landing surface before the package is released. Related methods include approaching and contacting a landing surface, and releasing the package at the landing surface of the delivery location.

Abstract: A super first-class cabin includes a monitor disposed in the ceiling structure, a controller to render images on the monitor, and cameras to capture real-time streaming environmental images and renders them on the monitor. At the passenger's request, or when the passenger reclines, the controller may render a selection of mood affective images, for example to promote sleep if desired. Such mood affective images may be organized into a schedule associated with phases of flight to gently wake the passenger and prepare them for the end of the flight. The monitor may be employed to reduce the effects of flight-base time-disassociation by varying a daylight color scheme over the course of long flights, simulating a day/night routine to align the time of day at the origin of the flight with the time of day at the destination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a console for a seat unit comprising: an upper wall forming a table surface on which a passenger can place objects, a cavity, an articulated arm fixed to an internal face of the cavity, said articulated arm comprising a holding device for a portable electronic device provided with a screen, said articulated arm being movable between a stored position, in which the articulated arm is located inside the cavity, and a extended position in which the articulated arm is at least in part outside the cavity.

Abstract: A system and a method for securing and stabilizing one or more galley carts within a stowage compartment within an internal cabin of a vehicle include one or more dampers configured to be secured to one or more surfaces of the stowage compartment. The one or more dampers are configured to exert a spring force into the one or more galley carts to stabilize the one or more galley carts between the one or more dampers and one or more other surfaces of the stowage compartment.

Abstract: An anti-crash helicopter seat integrating multiple protections, including a main framework, a weighing sensor, a magnetorheological damper system, an upper body forced tensioning and quick disengagement system, a seat pan, a multifunctional vest and a controller, wherein the seat pan is slidably connected with the main framework in a vertical direction, the magnetorheological damper system is fixedly arranged on the seat pan and is connected with the main framework by the weighing sensor, the upper body forced tensioning and quick disengagement system is arranged on the seat pan, the multifunctional vest is connected with the seat pan by the upper body forced tensioning and quick disengagement system, and the controller is connected with the weighing sensor and the magnetorheological damper system respectively.

Abstract: A seat rail assembly for fastening a seat assembly in a vehicle and a method for making such a seat rail assembly are described. The seat rail assembly includes a seat rail configured to fasten the seat assembly, the seat rail including a metal material. A fastening profile element of the seat rail assembly is configured to receive the seat rail, the fastening profile element being formed of a plastic material. The fastening profile element forms a receiving region, which is configured to receive the seat rail, and the seat rail includes a seat rail crown which is arranged in the receiving region of the fastening profile element such that a wall portion of the fastening profile element at least partly extends around the seat rail crown. The seat rail assembly may be used in an aircraft.

Abstract: A device for attaching an object to an attachment rail, particularly a seat rail, in an aircraft or spacecraft. A base part has a support surface to be placed onto an outer surface of the rail, and a locking element to partially protrude from the support surface along a line of protrusion. The base part and locking element are coupled or configured to be coupled wherein the locking element can be moved relative to the base part along the line of protrusion and rotated with respect to the base part. An end section of the locking element has a tip portion shaped in a dovetail-type manner. The device includes a tensioning arrangement for tensioning the locking element with respect to the rail. An arrangement includes such a device as well as an attachment rail with a rail main body and a plurality of bushes. A method for attaching an object, and a seat rail are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure makes use of the fact that passengers have ways of adjusting the temperature in their immediate environment or indicating their level of comfort or discomfort and uses information about the passengers' use of the temperature control capabilities in their immediate environment and/or indications of their level of comfort/discomfort as an input to a controller of an environmental control system (ECS) to automatically adjust the ECS supply air temperature set point.

Abstract: An aerospace surface heating apparatus includes opposing layers formed from a thermoplastic containing in excess of 20% by volume of an inorganic filler material, and at least one electrically powered heating element located between the opposing layers. A method for making a heater for an aerospace component includes forming an electrical heating element on a layer of glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic film substrate, applying two opposing thermoplastic layers on opposing sides of the intermediate layer, and applying heat and pressure to the layers to join the layers together, in which the thermoplastic material contains an inorganic filler material.

Abstract: Systems and methods to facilitate a steep final approach phase of flight of an aircraft are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for operating an aircraft during a steep approach phase of flight of the aircraft comprises operating an engine of the aircraft at an idle speed associated with the steep approach type that is lower than an idle speed associated with a non-steep approach type capable of being executed by the aircraft. The method also comprises operating an ice protection system of the aircraft during the steep approach phase of flight of the aircraft.

Abstract: A turbomachine of an aircraft comprising an outer casing delimiting with an inner hub, a flow path of a gas stream in which is disposed a low-pressure turbine configured to rotationally drive a low-pressure shaft; said turbomachine comprising, in the direction of flow of the gas stream, a first propeller; and a second propeller downstream of the first propeller, the first propeller being rotationally driven by said low-pressure shaft and the second propeller being rotationally driven by an electric motor, the second propeller being further disposed at a distance between 1.5 and 4 cord lengths from the first propeller defined between the respective axes of shimming of each of the first and second propellers.

Abstract: An aircraft propulsion assembly including a front engine mount including a transverse beam which is connected to the engine via first and second convergent connection rods. This transverse beam includes an upper extension which is at least partially positioned opposite a front transverse reinforcement of the primary structure and which is connected thereto via at least one first connection element and right and left lateral extensions which are positioned at one side and another of the upper extension, each of them being connected via a least one second fixing element to a first wing of a right or left bracket, a second wing of the right or left bracket being connected via at least one third connection element to the primary structure.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for a cowl door is provided. The actuator assembly includes a housing, an actuator configured to drive cowl door extension and cowl door retraction and to support the cowl door during the cowl door extension and the cowl door retraction and a clutch assembly interposed between the actuator and the housing. The clutch assembly is configured to engage a capability of the actuator to drive the cowl door retraction when the cowl door loads the actuator.

Abstract: An assembly including a nacelle element, such as a cover, a device for locking the nacelle element, a key for locking/unlocking the locking device and an indicator for indicating the position of the locking device. This assembly includes a control device which is configured to be actuated by the key when the key is withdrawn from the locking device so as to make the indicator move from a first state to a second state, the state of the indicator being representative of the locked or unlocked position of the locking device.

Abstract: A latch mechanism is disclosed. In various embodiments, the latch mechanism includes a T-bolt body and a T-bolt comprising a longitudinal rod extending in a longitudinal direction from the T-bolt body and a transverse rod disposed at an end of the longitudinal rod. A safety keeper defining a load slot may be configured to receive the transverse rod whereby the T-bolt is configured to secure the T-bolt body with respect to the safety keeper.

Abstract: A system and a method for driving a fan of an engine of an aircraft, including an electric motor operatively coupled to a drive axle of the fan, and a control unit in communication with the electric motor. The control unit is configured to operate the electric motor to rotate the fan.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an aircraft having two or more engines are described. The method comprises receiving an engine availability confirmation when a set of engine parameters meet engine operating conditions for an asymmetric operating regime, receiving an aircraft availability confirmation when a set of aircraft parameters meet aircraft operating conditions for the asymmetric operating regime, outputting an availability message to a cockpit of the aircraft in response to receiving the engine availability confirmation and the aircraft availability confirmation, receiving a pilot-initiated request to operate the engine in the asymmetric operating regime, and commanding the engines to operate in the asymmetric operating regime in response to the pilot-initiated request.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electric drive system for an aircraft and to a corresponding operating method. The electric drive system includes a multiplicity of electric thrust generators, wherein each electric thrust generator has an electric motor, and a subsystem group including a multiplicity of subsystems. The thrust generators are apportioned unambiguously between the subsystems so that each subsystem includes two or more of the thrust generators. Furthermore, a control system for operating the drive system is provided, wherein the control system is configured to operate the drive system in such a way that, at least in the event that one of the subsystems of the subsystem group is faulty, an overall yawing moment which is composed of the sum of the yawing moments of the thrust generators of each non-faulty subsystem of the subsystem group essentially disappears.

Abstract: Aircraft propulsion systems include aircraft systems having at least one hydrogen tank and an aircraft-systems heat exchanger and engine systems having at least a main engine core, a high pressure pump, a hydrogen-air heat exchanger, and a turbo expander. The main engine core includes a compressor section, a combustor section having a burner, and a turbine section. Hydrogen is supplied from the at least one hydrogen tank through a hydrogen flow path, passing through the aircraft-systems heat exchanger, the high pressure pump, the hydrogen-air heat exchanger, and the turbo expander, prior to being injected into the burner for combustion. The turbo expander includes a rotor separated into a first expander portion and a second expander portion arranged about an output shaft and the output shaft is operably connected to a generator configured to generate electrical power.

Abstract: A system and method for adaptively controlling a cooldown cycle of an auxiliary power unit (APU) that is operating and rotating at a rotational speed includes reducing the rotational speed of the APU to a predetermined cooldown speed magnitude that ensures combustor inlet temperature has reached a predetermined temperature value, determining, based on one or more of operational parameters of the APU, when a lean blowout of the APU is either imminent or has occurred, and when a lean blowout is imminent or has occurred, varying one or more parameters associated with the shutdown/cooldown cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and systems for facilitating pilots in determining current and predicted performance specifications of their aircraft. According to one embodiment, a method is implemented on a mobile computing device. The method includes receiving static pilot data, receiving static aircraft data associated with an aircraft, receiving dynamic aircraft data over a time period, determining aircraft performance data based on the static aircraft data and the dynamic aircraft data, providing the aircraft performance data to a graphical user interface (GUI) associated with the mobile computing device, and storing the static pilot data and the aircraft performance data.

Abstract: An aircraft control surface skew and/or loss detection system including an aircraft wing structure having a fixed part and at least two control surface elements wherein the at least two control surface elements are configured to be moveable relative to the fixed part. The detection system also includes a cable operably connected to each of the at least two control surface elements such that a tensile force is applied to the cable upon skew and/or loss of one of the control surface elements. The detections system has a sensor assembly including a first part and a second part, wherein one of the first and second parts has a sensor and wherein the cable is coupled to the second part such that skew and/or loss of one of the control surface elements causes movement of the second part relative to the first part.

Abstract: A method for controlling an overdetermined system with multiple actuators, for example an aircraft (1) with multiple propulsion units (3). The actuators perform at least one primary task and at least one non-primary task, including: a) determining a pseudo-control command up?p? based on a physical model of the system, which command represents the torques (L, M, N) and a total thrust force (F) acting on the system, b) determining a control matrix D, D?p?×k according to up=Du, where u1=D?1upu1?k represents a control command for the actuators to perform the primary task, c) projecting the non-primary task into the null space N(D) of the primary task, so that Du2=0 if u2u2?k represents a control command for the actuators to perform the non-primary task, and d) providing the control commands from b) and c) to the actuators. In this way, the solution of the primary task is not adversely affected by the non-primary task or its solution.

Abstract: The method can include: sampling sensor measurements, extracting features from the sensor measurements, identifying a landing site based on the extracted features, determining a confidence score based on the extracted features and landing site features, and controlling the aircraft. The method functions to provide terrain relative navigation during approach to be used for aircraft control; the method can additionally function to establish an aircraft position estimate to be used for controlling the aircraft.

Abstract: There is a remote control device or drone, which has software and a combination of lights or LED on an lighting ring or apparatus that can move independently of the drone; the drone can be programmed or be reactive to sound or other stimulus to create the effect of writing shapes or words in the air and typically at nighttime against a dark sky.

Abstract: The present application provides a timing apparatus mounted in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The timing apparatus includes: a timing unit configured to generate a current reference time and to send the current reference time to at least one system in the UAV; and a power supply unit connected to the timing unit and configured to supply power to the timing unit. According to the timing apparatus provided in the present application, the current reference time is generated through the timing unit in the technical apparatus, and is provided to the system in the UAV, thereby synchronizing a system time of the UAV with the current reference time.

Abstract: A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for capturing images is disclosed. An example embodiment comprises a first image capturing device mounted to a mounting structure; a second image capturing device mounted to the mounting structure; and a third image capturing device mounted to the mounting structure, wherein the first image capturing device, the second image capturing device, and the third image capturing device are arranged in an octahedral array for capturing a 360 degree image, wherein the first image capturing device, the second image capturing device, and the third image capturing device face outward from a center of an octahedral shape that defines the octahedral array, and wherein image data captured by the first image capturing device, the second image capturing device, and the third image capturing device are combined to generate the 360 degree image.

Abstract: A baggage drop system is disclosed for depositing and checking of baggage into airline flights. The baggage drop system can include a substantially horizontal frame member. The frame member can be mounted above a first conveyor equipped with a static or dynamic weighting scale. The frame member can also be mounted away from an end of the first conveyor at a distance from an upper surface of the first conveyor substantially equal to a maximum allowable height of baggage thereby forming a physical barrier for oversized baggage. A computer can be configured to compare an output of the weighing scale with allowable baggage weights.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle electrical power system for use with a tethered aerial vehicle, and related methods are provided. The aerial vehicle electric power system includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LED) carried by an aerial vehicle. At least one electrical circuit is carried by the aerial vehicle. The at least one electrical circuit has a DC buck converter electrically in series with at least a portion of the plurality of LEDs. A tether is connected between the aerial vehicle and a power source positioned remote from the aerial vehicle. Electrical power is transmitted to the aerial vehicle and at least a portion of the plurality of LEDs through the tether. The electrical circuit minimizes variances in power supplied to the aerial vehicle and the plurality of LEDs.

Abstract: A tensioning method for a tensegrity keel is provided. The method includes the step of determining target values at an attainment of tensegrity. An outline of the integral keel is formed. A middle stiffening ring is tensioned through stretching a hub shaft, thereby attaining a self-equilibrium state. Telescopic rods are provided between stiffening rings and central trusses so that the stiffening rings and the central trusses are connected together. Longitudinal ties are mounted and constraints on bisection points and the central trusses are released and the integral keel is tensioned by stretching the telescopic rods, thereby introducing tension to the longitudinal ties. The lateral stiffening rings are tensioned by stretching the hub shaft, thereby attaining a self-equilibrium state. Adjustments are made using iterative methods so that target values at the attainment of tensegrity will be reached.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a composite structure. An inner tooling, a stackup, and an outer tooling are held in place together using a load constraint. A bladder and a plurality of stringer bladders in the stackup are pressurized to cause expansion of the bladder and the plurality of stringer bladders, thereby pushing together an overbraided thermoplastic skin and a plurality of overbraided thermoplastic members in the stackup. The overbraided thermoplastic skin and the plurality of overbraided thermoplastic members are co-consolidated while the bladder and the plurality of stringer bladders are pressurized to form the composite structure.

Abstract: To make an aircraft assembly installation modulable, the latter includes a floor, assembly stations distributed on the floor, and structures for accessing the aircraft during their assembly, each structure being mobile on the ground. The access structures include at least one access structure at an orbital junction between two fuselage sections, at least one access structure at the two junctions between a fuselage section and each of the two aircraft wings, and at least one access structure at the junctions between a rear fuselage section and tail units. In addition, the installation is designed to be able to adopt several distinct configurations, each having a different distribution of the access structures between the assembly stations.