Water Landing Patents (Class 244/105)
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Patent number: 12116114Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes propellers, motors configured to drive the propellers, respectively, a main body including a control device configured to control the motors, and a wireless device configured to perform at least one of transmission or reception of a signal, a package container for containing a package, and at least one float. In a case where the UAV is placed on water, buoyancy of the float and the package container prevents a surface of the water from reaching at least a height of the wireless device. The buoyancy of the package container increases with the volume of the package container.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: RAKUTEN GROUP, INC.Inventor: Takumi Yamato
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Patent number: 11760470Abstract: An exemplary rotorcraft lockout system includes a main rotor lockout comprising a base operable to be attached to a bottom surface of a fuselage and a first and a second tension arm operable to be connected to the base and a main rotor hub, and a tail rotor lockout including a clamp operable to connect to a horizontal stabilizer, a rotor arm connector operable to connect to a tail rotor hub, and a tail rotor tension arm operable to interconnect the clamp and the rotor arm connector in tension.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Kevin Knott, Vitthal Vishnuthreeth Arakeri, Alvin Jones, Scott David Poster, Steven Paul Pape, Mark Adam Wiinikka
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Patent number: 11731761Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a secondary airfoil apparatus, system and method for improving lift, takeoff, landing and aerodynamic performance of a floatplane. The secondary airfoil can be integrated into the floatplane during manufacture, or retrofitted to an existing floatplane after manufacture. The secondary airfoil is itself of sufficient structural rigidity to withstand any and all forces added by the airfoil during floatplane operation. The secondary airfoil is fixedly attached between the floats of the floatplane, and are purposefully not attached to spreader bars that can exist typically between the floats. The secondary airfoil can be arranged at an optimal angle of incidence and vertical lift position relative to the primary airfoil, or wing of the aircraft, and relative to the floats center of gravity and drag for optimal maneuverability of the floatplane.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2022Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Comp Air Solutions, LLCInventors: Ronald A. Lueck, Michael Ryan
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Patent number: 11535355Abstract: An aerodynamic body includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface includes a first portion of a first axisymmetric body. The lower surface is mated with the upper surface. The lower surface includes a waverider shape. The waverider shape is derived from the shockwave generated by a second axisymmetric body.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Matthew T. Lakebrink, Kevin G. Bowcutt
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Patent number: 11524779Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft for takeoff and landing on water or on land. The aircraft comprises a fuselage and a spring-mounted landing gear. Landing gear wheels are mountable on the landing gear for takeoff and landing on land. Furthermore, the aircraft comprises a floating device coupleable to the landing gear of the aircraft via a connecting device. The floating device is configured such that the hydrostatic lifting force of the floating device is greater than the maximum takeoff weight of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: DORNIER NO LIMITS GMBHInventors: Wolfgang Helmut Wagner, Irene Prosper Heinrich Dornier
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Patent number: 11465736Abstract: An inner middle rotor is rotated while an inner front rotor, an inner back rotor, and an outer rotor are not rotated. The inner middle rotor is surrounded by the inner front rotor, the inner back rotor, the outer rotor, and a fuselage. After rotating the inner middle rotor while not rotating the inner front rotor, the inner back rotor, and the outer rotor, the inner middle rotor, the inner front rotor, the inner back rotor, and the outer rotor are simultaneously rotated.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Kitty Hawk CorporationInventors: Todd Reichert, Cameron Robertson, Mark Johnson Cutler
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Patent number: 11254421Abstract: A deployable aircraft flotation system. The deployable aircraft flotation system includes a pair of flotation members. The pair of flotation members are positioned on opposing sides of a bottom surface of an aircraft body. Each flotation member of the pair of flotation members has an inner layer that is made of a first buoyant material, an outer layer that is made of a second buoyant material, and a middle layer between the inner layer and the outer layer that is made of a rigid material. The flotation members can be moved from a stowed position, where they are stored in housings, to a deployed position, where they emerge and are positioned on the bottom of the plane.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2019Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Inventor: Delano Christian
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Patent number: 11104426Abstract: An inflatable device for aircraft buoyancy, configured to be inflated in case of emergency landing on water, the device comprising a first inflatable chamber configured to be inflated from a source of gas, to change from a folded state to an inflated stated, a plurality of second inflatable chambers, each configured to be supplied from gas flowing in the first chamber, via at least one supply passage, each second inflatable chamber configured to be inflated to change from a folded state to an inflated stated, wherein each supply passage comprises a check valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2018Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: SAFRAN AEROSYSTEMSInventors: Romain Boulanger, Jean-Yves Rivault
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Patent number: 10822111Abstract: A system for providing an aircraft with protection against hard landings, the system comprising friction energy absorber systems arranged at the points the aircraft will impact against the ground in the event of a crash. The friction energy absorber system has two energy absorber devices arranged between a base and a cover along two non-parallel deformation axes, a support secured to the base and suitable for moving in translation relative to the cover, and a friction device. The friction device is arranged between the cover and the support and it generates a friction force along a translation axis parallel to a deformation axis such that the energy absorber device, after being plastically deformed during a crash, remains in contact with the support and the cover.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERSInventors: Pierre Prud'Homme Lacroix, Remy-Elian Arnaud
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Patent number: 10399673Abstract: An aircraft which includes a float-wing having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an airfoil shape to produce aerodynamic lift when the float-wing flows through air at a lift-producing angle of attack in a forward flight mode of operation. The float-wing further includes a submersible portion that includes at least the trailing edge and which is constructed of materials and in a shape selected to produce a buoyancy force sufficient to prevent at least a non-submersible portion of the aircraft from being submersed under conditions in which the aircraft is in a waterborne non-flight position in which at least the trailing edge of the float-wing is submersed but at least the non-submersible portion of the aircraft is not submersed.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2016Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Kitty Hawk CorporationInventor: Joseph Roop
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Patent number: 10173750Abstract: To a watercraft which includes a main hull and at least one outrigger which is fastened in a height-adjustable manner to the main hull.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Inventor: Oliver Kormann
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Patent number: 10138748Abstract: A gas turbine engine component is provided. The gas turbine engine component comprises a main body having a leading edge and a leading edge wall including an elongated transition portion extending between the leading edge and a proximate flowpath surface of the main body. The elongated transition portion has an axial length that is greater than a radial height. A gas turbine engine is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Thomas J. Praisner, Paul M. Lutjen, Ken F. Blaney, Anthony B. Swift, Neil L. Tatman, Christopher M. Jarochym
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Patent number: 9315263Abstract: A method of automatically triggering an emergency buoyancy system (10) for a hybrid helicopter (20) having a fuselage (21), two half-wings (23, 23?), and two propulsive propellers (24, 24?). During the method, said emergency buoyancy system (10) is primed, and then if a risk of said hybrid helicopter (20) ditching is detected, two retractable wing undercarriages (28, 28?) are deployed, each wing undercarriage (28, 28?) being fastened under a respective half-wing (23, 23?) and being provided with at least one immersion sensor (16). Finally, if the beginning of said hybrid helicopter (20) ditching is detected, at least one main inflatable bag (11, 11?) 7B suitable for being arranged under such fuselage (21) and at least one secondary inflatable bag (12, 12?) suitable for being arranged under each half-wing (23, 23?) are inflated so as to ensure that said hybrid helicopter (20) floats in stable manner.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERSInventor: Bruno Cacciaguerra
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Publication number: 20150102164Abstract: A buoyancy system (10) for an aircraft (1), the buoyancy system (10) being provided with at least one inflatable float (15). The buoyancy system (10) has at least one inflator (25) and at least one actuator (30) interposed between said inflator (25) and a float (15), said actuator (30) having a cylinder (35) and a rod (40) partially received in said cylinder (35). Said rod (40) is secured to a piston (50) defining a first chamber (61) within said cylinder (35) and in fluid flow communication with the inflator (25), and a second chamber (62) within said rod (40) and in fluid flow communication with said float (15), and said piston (50) has a channel (63) to put the first chamber (61) into fluid flow communication with the second chamber (62), said deployment device (20) having a shutter (70) for shutting said channel (63).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: Louis DELORME, Nicolas LAMARCHE, David AYACHE, Bernard CERTAIN
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Patent number: 8864068Abstract: A landing system for an air vehicle with vertical takeoff and landing capability is provided that comprises a set of selectively pressurizeable upper and lower air chambers surrounded by a connecting curtain assembly. The upper and lower air chambers are each continuous having elongated right and left cylindrical center sections interconnected by semicircular sections at each end. The landing system is connected to the air vehicle by a catenary system connected to the upper air chamber. The landing system can adjust pressure in each individual set of landing chambers such that the attitude of the vehicle can be adjusted to clear uneven ground or assist with loading and offloading. The system is capable of absorbing energy during vertical landings. After landing, the system is capable of providing suction between the air vehicle and the ground to stabilize the air vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Worldwide Aeros CorporationInventor: Igor Pasternak
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Publication number: 20140252165Abstract: A flotation device is described herein. The floatation device comprising an air bladder; a girt coupled to the air bladder; and a load attenuator coupled to the girt. The load attenuator is further coupled to an airframe of an aircraft. The float bag is used in water landings of the aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: Michael R. Smith, Cheng-Ho Tho
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Patent number: 8807478Abstract: Described are aircraft with at least one fuselage, a wing, and at least one float coupled to the wing. As examples, each float may include a step that is located forward of or at an intersection of a bottom surface and a line that extends from an aircraft aft-most center of gravity at an angle of less than ten degrees rearward from a vertical direction. As further examples, each float may include a forward portion located forward of the step, the forward portion including a ski surface that is planar in a left to right horizontal direction, and an aft portion that is located rearward of the step.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Leader Industries, Inc.Inventors: John A. Meekins, William Husa
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Publication number: 20140048647Abstract: Described are aircraft with at least one fuselage, a wing, and at least one float coupled to the wing. As examples, each float may include a step that is located forward of or at an intersection of a bottom surface and a line that extends from an aircraft aft-most center of gravity at an angle of less than ten degrees rearward from a vertical direction As further examples, each float may include a forward portion located forward of the step, the forward portion including a ski surface that is slanar in a left to right horizontal direction, and an aft portion that is located rearward of the step.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: Leader Industries, Inc.Inventors: John A. Meekins, Leader Industries, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130299632Abstract: An aeroplane includes a fuselage having a pair of hydrofoils providing hydrodynamic lift and stabilization arranged downwards in the form of an inverted V. The junction between each hydrofoil and the fuselage is situated forward from the centre of gravity of the aeroplane. The distance separating the junction between each hydrofoil and the fuselage, with respect to the centre of gravity of the aeroplane is comprised between 0 and 170% of the mean aerodynamic chord of the main wing of the aeroplane, preferably between 20% and 135%. Each hydrofoil is inclined downwards, from its leading edge in the direction of its trailing edge. The straight line connecting these two edges form, a nominal pitch angle comprised between 2 and 12°, preferably between 6 and 8°. The part of the hydrofoil located beneath the tangential plane is situated forward from the centre of gravity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2012Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: LISA AERONAUTICSInventors: Erick Herzberger, Luc Bernole, Benoit Senellart, Jean-Francois Clavreul, Satya Remond, Cedric Petrini
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Patent number: 8480443Abstract: An all season air propelled watercraft has an elongated cabin structure adapted to accommodate at least one person therein. An elongated central pontoon member adjustably mounted to a bottom portion of the cabin structure and extending in a parallel direction thereto for at least the length thereof. Two stabilizer connector assemblies adjustably attached to a bottom portion of the cabin structure and extending horizontally in opposite directions therefrom. Two lateral stabilizer pontoons respectively and adjustably attached to a distal end portion of each the stabilizer connector assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Inventor: Teofil Talos
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Patent number: 8430356Abstract: Described are aircraft with at least one fuselage, a wing, a power plant coupled to the at least one fuselage, a shroud surrounding a propeller, and at least two floats coupled to the wing. As examples, each float may include a step that is forward of the location at which the bottom surface of the float intersects a line that passes through a center of gravity of the aircraft and is oriented at an angle of six degrees rearward from vertical. As further examples, each float may include a forward portion located forward of the step, the forward portion including a ski surface that is planar in a left to right horizontal direction, and an aft portion that is located rearward of the step.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2012Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Leader Industries, Inc.Inventors: John A. Meekins, William Husa
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Patent number: 8430355Abstract: Described are aircraft with at least one fuselage, a wing, a power plant coupled to the at least one fuselage, a shroud surrounding a propeller, and at least two floats coupled to the wing. As examples, each float may include a step that is forward of the location at which the bottom surface of the float intersects a line that passes through a center of gravity of the aircraft and is oriented at an angle of six degrees rearward from vertical. As further examples, each float may include a forward portion located forward of the step, the forward portion including a ski surface that is planar in a left to right horizontal direction, and an aft portion that is located rearward of the step.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2012Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Leader Industries, Inc.Inventors: John A. Meekins, William Husa
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Publication number: 20130075538Abstract: An aircraft hull attachment device may be configured for attachment to a fuselage of an aircraft. The aircraft hull attachment device can include one or more floats to enable the aircraft to operate on water. The aircraft hull attachment device can also include a structure such as, for example, a saddle-shaped structure, for mounting the device against a bottom region of a fuselage of the aircraft. Upon being operatively coupled to the aircraft, the aircraft hull attachment device can convert an aircraft previously configured to operate only on ground landing strips into an aircraft configured to operate on water landing strips. Additionally or alternatively, the device can include a water tank and a water-tank door to enable the aircraft to which the device is mounted to perform in-flight water drops (e.g., during fire fighting aerial operations).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: WIPAIRE, INC.Inventor: Wipaire, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130032666Abstract: Described are aircraft with at least one fuselage, a wing, a power plant coupled to the at least one fuselage, a shroud surrounding a propeller, and at least two floats coupled to the wing. As examples, each float may include a step that is forward of the location at which the bottom surface of the float intersects a line that passes through a center of gravity of the aircraft and is oriented at an angle of six degrees rearward from vertical. As further examples, each float may include a forward portion located forward of the step, the forward portion including a ski surface that is planar in a left to right horizontal direction, and an aft portion that is located rearward of the step.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: LEADER INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: John A. Meekins, William Husa
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Publication number: 20130026290Abstract: Described are aircraft with at least one fuselage, a wing, a power plant coupled to the at least one fuselage, a shroud surrounding a propeller, and at least two floats coupled to the wing. As examples, each float may include a step that is forward of the location at which the bottom surface of the float intersects a line that passes through a center of gravity of the aircraft and is oriented at an angle of six degrees rearward from vertical. As further examples, each float may include a forward portion located forward of the step, the forward portion including a ski surface that is planar in a left to right horizontal direction, and an aft portion that is located rearward of the step.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: LEADER INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: John A. Meekins, William Husa
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Patent number: 8286912Abstract: A system for enhanced lateral stability of an amphibious aircraft includes a buoyancy system laterally displaced from opposite sides of the fuselage of the aircraft and wingtip system having a hydrodynamic planing surface associated with each wingtip. The hydrodynamic planing surface on each wingtip prevents the submersion of an associated buoyancy structure. By supplementing the lateral stability of the buoyancy structures using hydrodynamic planing surfaces, the combined lateral width of the fuselage and buoyancy structures can be reduced without detrimentally impacting operational performance. This reduced lateral width enables the amphibious aircraft to be configured for storage and transportation on a trailer or shipping container.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2012Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Icon Aircraft, Inc.Inventors: Jon Karkow, Krik Hawkins, Matthew Gionta, Steen Strand
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Patent number: 8272596Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include an aircraft with at least one fuselage, a wing, a power plant coupled to the at least one fuselage, a shroud surrounding a propeller of the power plant, and at least two floats coupled to the wing. In some embodiments, each float may further comprise a step positioned forward of a line that is at least 5 degrees rearward of a vertical line passing through a most aft empty weight center of gravity. In some embodiments, each float comprises a forward portion that is positioned forward of the step, wherein a ski surface is coupled to the forward portion, and an aft portion that is located aft of the step, wherein the aft portion of each float is configured to be wetted at taxiing speed. A rudder may be coupled to the aft portion. Each float may also include a retractable wheel and landing gear, wherein the wheel is preferably positioned on the line that is at least 5 degrees rearward of a vertical line passing through a most aft empty weight center of gravity.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Leader Industries, Inc.Inventors: John A. Meekins, William Husa
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Publication number: 20120187242Abstract: A system for enhanced lateral stability of an amphibious aircraft includes a buoyancy system laterally displaced from opposite sides of the fuselage of the aircraft and wingtip system having a hydrodynamic planing surface associated with each wingtip. The hydrodynamic planing surface on each wingtip prevents the submersion of an associated buoyancy structure. By supplementing the lateral stability of the buoyancy structures using hydrodynamic planing surfaces, the combined lateral width of the fuselage and buoyancy structures can be reduced without detrimentally impacting operational performance. This reduced lateral width enables the amphibious aircraft to be configured for storage and transportation on a trailer or shipping container.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: Icon Aircraft, Inc.Inventors: Jon Karkow, Krik Hawkins, Matthew Gionta, Steen Strand
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Patent number: 8196537Abstract: This WIG craft has a configuration of tandem/canard type, comprising: a body; a front wing having a relatively small aspect ratio, as installed in the lowest portion of the fore half of the body; and a rear wing having a longer span and a shorter chord length than the front wing, as installed in the rearmost portion of the body. Since the front wing, which is also used for planing, is not fixed directly to the body, but installed through a suspension system, so as to travel up and down while planing along the rough water surface, the WIG craft can take off and land stably even in high waves, and further cruise at a extremely low height safely without worrying about the impacts of the wave.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Inventor: Hee-Seoung Lee
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Patent number: 8177162Abstract: A system for enhanced lateral stability of an amphibious aircraft includes a buoyancy system laterally displaced from opposite sides of the fuselage of the aircraft and wingtip system having a hydrodynamic planing surface associated with each wingtip. The hydrodynamic planing surface on each wingtip prevents the submersion of an associated buoyancy structure. By supplementing the lateral stability of the buoyancy structures using hydrodynamic planing surfaces, the combined lateral width of the fuselage and buoyancy structures can be reduced without detrimentally impacting operational performance. This reduced lateral width enables the amphibious aircraft to be configured for storage and transportation on a trailer or shipping container.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Inventors: Jon Karkow, Kirk Hawkins, Matthew Gionta, Steen Strand
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Publication number: 20120104164Abstract: This invention relates to an improved float for use with an aircraft having water landing capabilities comprising at least one float capable of increasing/decreasing its volume arranged to at least substantially support said aircraft in a floating on water status so that the fuselage of the aircraft is substantially above the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventors: Saxon Grenfell Rudduck, Alan John Smith, Matthew Robert Tetlow
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Patent number: 8131406Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a method for testing an aircraft prior to flight. The method includes receiving a user signal from a pre-flight test input source, the user signal indicating that a pilot of the aircraft has directed engine control circuitry, which is arranged to electronically control operation of a set of piston engines of the aircraft during flight, to begin testing the aircraft in an automated manner. The method includes, in response to the user signal, conducting a pre-flight test of the aircraft from the engine control circuitry. The method includes, upon completion of the pre-flight test, outputting a result of the pre-flight test from the engine control circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Lycoming Engines, a division of Avco CorporationInventors: James Paul Morris, Charles Schneider
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Patent number: 8038095Abstract: A motorized airplane includes a landing gear with at least two legs capable of retracting into the fuselage via hatches. A pair of hydrofoils is fitted to the base of the fuselage in conformance with the ailerons used for lift and hydrodynamic stability, directed towards the base like a reverse V shape. The legs of the landing gear are each articulated around the pivot axes, fitted onto the hydrofoils. The landing gear is dual-function, using wheels or skis suspended on legs. Applications: airplane for landing on water, ground and snow.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Lisa AirplanesInventors: Erick Herzberger, Jean-Francois Clavreul
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Publication number: 20110248118Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include an aircraft with at least one fuselage, a wing, a power plant coupled to the at least one fuselage, a shroud surrounding a propeller of the power plant, and at least two floats coupled to the wing. In some embodiments, each float may further comprise a step positioned forward of a line that is at least 5 degrees rearward of a vertical line passing through a most aft empty weight center of gravity. In some embodiments, each float comprises a forward portion that is positioned forward of the step, wherein a ski surface is coupled to the forward portion, and an aft portion that is located aft of the step, wherein the aft portion of each float is configured to be wetted at taxiing speed. A rudder may be coupled to the aft portion. Each float may also include a retractable wheel and landing gear, wherein the wheel is preferably positioned on the line that is at least 5 degrees rearward of a vertical line passing through a most aft empty weight center of gravity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventors: John A. Meekins, William Husa
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Patent number: 7980510Abstract: A small unmanned airplane includes; a main wing having a camber airfoil whose under surface is approximately flat, narrowing in the shape of taper to a blade tip, leading edge of which holds sweepback angle, of flying wing type which has an aerodynamic surface of tailless wing type and is low aspect ratio; movable flaps extending approximately extreme breadth in trailing edge part of both left and right sides of the main wing, having a dihedral angle at least in level flight; vertical stabilizers placed at blade tips of left and right of the main wing; and two propellers installed on the top surface of the main wing. This can materialize miniaturization and weight saving of a small unmanned airplane for individual carrying capability and for suitability for such as lift-off by hand throw.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2004Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Kawada Industries, Inc.Inventors: Yasutada Tanabe, Chiharu Totsuka, Takeshi Akasaka, Masato Okamoto
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Patent number: 7874514Abstract: A multi-wing, multi-engine, multi-hull amphibious aircraft is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the aircraft has an open frame structure without a fuselage.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2007Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Brian R. Said
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Publication number: 20100314493Abstract: A system for enhanced lateral stability of an amphibious aircraft includes a buoyancy system laterally displaced from opposite sides of the fuselage of the aircraft and wingtip system having a hydrodynamic planing surface associated with each wingtip. The hydrodynamic planing surface on each wingtip prevents the submersion of an associated buoyancy structure. By supplementing the lateral stability of the buoyancy structures using hydrodynamic planing surfaces, the combined lateral width of the fuselage and buoyancy structures can be reduced without detrimentally impacting operational performance. This reduced lateral width enables the amphibious aircraft to be configured for storage and transportation on a trailer or shipping container.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventors: Jon Karkow, Kirk Hawkins, Matthew Gionta, Steen Strand
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Patent number: 7699262Abstract: A hydrofoil trim tab for use with each of a pair of seaplane floats, each tab including a substantially planar shaped body secured to an inside facing location of each float such that a pair of tab bodies are arrayed in opposing and inwardly directed fashion relative to the floats. Each tab is further constructed as a two piece article, a first portion being either mechanically secured or welded to the surface of the float, with a second portion being releasably/breakaway attached to the first portion, such as by frangible fasteners engaging a slidably connection location between the portions. In this fashion, inadvertent breakage of a trim tab at the frangible location will prevent damage to the float.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Inventor: Gerald Filipek
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Publication number: 20100044506Abstract: A method of retrofitting retractable floats to an aircraft such as a floatplane. The aircraft considered have existing landing gear such as wheeled landing gear to equip said aircraft to optionally takeoff or land on a solid surface such as a beach or landing strip, the method including the steps of: a) mounting at least one float retraction arm to the aircraft; and b) attaching the floats to the float retraction arm. Each float includes an air travel position in which it is secured close to the float retraction arm mounting location and/or the fuselage, and a deployed position in which the float is lower than the existing landing gear. In following the float retraction paths of travel of the float retraction arm and the floats between the air travel and deployed positions, the floats do not interfere with the existing landing gear or its operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2008Publication date: February 25, 2010Inventors: Alan John Smith, Grenfell Saxon Ruddock, Matthew Tetlow
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Publication number: 20100032522Abstract: A centrally motor driven thruster apparatus mounted in to a hull of a float of a seaplane including floatplanes and amphibious aircrafts. The thrusters, either water-jet thrusters or tunnel propeller thrusters are housed within the hull of the floats of a seaplane and provide the seaplane with slow speed maneuvering capabilities while the aircraft is in the water without the use of the on board screw propeller minimizing therefore the risks of damage to properties and/or humans. The thrusters are centrally motor driven sharing a common power unit. The thrusters, either water jet-thrusters or tunnel propellers thrusters, are driven by a common centrally located motor directly or indirectly actuated by the onboard Auxiliary Power Unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventors: Filiberto Palmiro Zadini, Giorgio Cesare Zadini
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Publication number: 20090302155Abstract: Flotation systems including separately packed floats and life rafts are disclosed. Such systems, advantageously used for helicopters or other vessels, attach rafts to exterior covers of the floats. Thus, if not needed, or if maintenance or repair is required, the rafts may be removed from the float covers quickly and easily and without unpacking the floats themselves. Likewise, removal of the rafts permits maintenance to be performed on the floats without any need to unpack the rafts. Also identified are mechanisms for indirectly connecting both floats and rafts to vessels and for independently inflating both floats and rafts using a single actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2007Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: Jean-Yves Rivault, Stephane Berlureau
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Patent number: 7552895Abstract: The aerodynamics of a floatplane can be improved by providing a wing suitable for mounting on a spreader bar between floats of the floatplane, mounting said wing on the spreader bar between the floats of a floatplane, and preventing the wing from rotating around the spreader bar during flight operations. In one apparatus embodiment, the invention comprises a wing mountable on a spreader bar between floats of the floatplane, a plurality of ribs spaced along the wing's axis, each rib having a recess suitable for accepting the spreader bar, and torque-restraining means to prevent the wing from rotating around the spreader bar.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Inventor: Dave From
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Publication number: 20080302908Abstract: A hydrofoil trim tab for use with each of a pair of seaplane floats, each tab including a substantially planar shaped body secured to an inside facing location of each float such that a pair of tab bodies are arrayed in opposing and inwardly directed fashion relative to the floats. Each tab is further constructed as a two piece article, a first portion being either mechanically secured or welded to the surface of the float, with a second portion being releasably/breakaway attached to the first portion, such as by frangible fasteners engaging a slidably connection location between the portions. In this fashion, inadvertent breakage of a trim tab at the frangible location will prevent damage to the float.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2007Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventor: Gerald Filipek
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Patent number: 7350751Abstract: A system for controlling landing gear of an aircraft is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor for sensing water, wherein the sensor is coupled to the landing gear and a retracting device for retracting the landing gear when the sensor senses a body of water. In one alternative, the aircraft is an amphibious aircraft and the sensor senses electrical conductivity. In another alternative, the retracting device comprises a hydraulic system for deploying and retracting the landing gear, wherein the hydraulic system retracts the landing gear when the sensor senses a body of water. In yet another alternative, the retracting device comprises a locking mechanism that locks the landing gear to the aircraft, wherein the locking mechanism unlocks the landing gear so as to detach it from the aircraft when the sensor senses a body of water.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Icon Aviation, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Hawkins
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Patent number: 7334756Abstract: The invention relates to flying vehicles. A centre wing is provided with aerodynamic profiles on the longitudinal sections thereof. A cigar-shaped fuselage is arranged on the central wing. A crew cabin and a cargo-passenger cabin are arranged inside the fuselage. Hollow hermetical longitudinal beams are mounted on the periphery of the central wing on the sides thereof. Inflatable shock-absorbing balloons are arranged under said longitudinal beams. Two keels provided with rudders are mounted on the ends of the longitudinal beams. A horizontal tail is arranged on the keels and comprises a diving rudder which is disposed on a section between the keels and ailerons which are disposed on the sections of the longitudinal beams. The thrust propeller for horizontal thrust is accommodated inside an external annular cowl. The engine for the thrust propeller is arranged inside the tail cone of the fuselage. A set of tale-off and landing devices comprises a means for producing a static air cushion.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Inventor: Rollan Gurgenovich Martirosov
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Patent number: 7159820Abstract: A twin float aircraft (1) which has a retractable float (4 and 5) for each side of a fuselage (3) providing buoyancy for the aircraft during take off and landing and reduced air resistance during flight with each of the floats (4 and 5) being articulated (12 and 13) to assist streamline alignment when retracted.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Tigerfish Aviation Pty LtdInventors: Alan John Smith, Grenfell Saxon Rudduck
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Patent number: 7097136Abstract: A sea-launched and recovered unmanned aircraft is disclosed. The aircraft is jet-powered and has features and systems to maintain watertight integrity such that it may be released from a submerged submarine or dropped into a body of water by a ship or an aircraft. The aircraft is buoyant and remains at or near the water surface before its rockets are ignited. The rockets propel the air vehicle out of the sea and accelerate it to flying speed at which time a jet engine is started and the rockets are jettisoned. The air vehicle performs its mission independently or in conjunction with other ones of the air vehicles. The air vehicle then returns to an assigned splashdown point at sea via, for example, an engine-off “whip-stall” maneuver. A submarine or ship may retrieve the air vehicle and readies it for another mission.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Robert A. Ruszkowski, Jr.
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Patent number: 7055450Abstract: A powered transportation vehicle uses hydro and aero pressure lift on flat bottom surfaces for providing increased efficiency of operation. An elongate hull has a bottom surface having a large length to width aspect ratio operates in water, with a smaller aspect ratio for a second lifting body operating substantially in air. Trailing edges of the bottom surfaces form a seal with water for creating stagnation areas for the water and air for providing lift to the vehicle having a center of lift of the hull forward the center of gravity of the vehicle. A forward portion of the hull bottom surface is upwardly angled from an aft portion as measured from the center of gravity.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Inventor: George A. Errecalde
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Patent number: 7040574Abstract: An aircraft has a fuselage, one or more propellers and a main wing. The wing has a central portion located beneath the fuselage and distal portions, which extend outwardly from opposite sides of the fuselage. The wing floats on water when the aircraft is stationary and maintains the fuselage above and out of the water. The aircraft optionally has a tail having a horizontal stabilizer, which provides additional support to the fuselage to maintain it out of water. The structure of the aircraft can be adapted for use as a watercraft by reducing the length of the wing.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Inventor: Ray Richards
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Patent number: 6957792Abstract: A lifting arrangement for aircraft fuselages that consists of placing longitudinal vertical or slanted fins or plates on the lower and lateral lower part of the whole fuselage, said fins forming a channel with the underside of the fuselage, including nose, fuselage and tail, open on their lower area. Further adding longitudinal horizontal or laterally slanted fins on the lateral middle or middle-to-low area of the fuselage and with a positive slope up to the nose with said fins arranged in such a way that the upper fins are projected increasingly laterally, and because of this arrangement and their slope up to the nose, the air flow is directed downward and backward.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Inventor: Manuel Munoz Saiz