Abstract: A crash load distribution structure of a fuselage, includes a floor frame defining a fuselage floor, a skid member fastened to the lower portion of the floor frame, and a crash box coupled to the skid member and extending to the lower portion of the floor frame, and configured to selectively deform in a crash load direction when an oblique crash occurs thereto.

Abstract: A landing gear provided with at least two first rollers mounted on two first free-wheels respectively connected to a first skid and configured, during a landing phase, to lock in the elastic return direction when the first skid moves in a first direction from the first skid towards a second skid and to be free in the sink direction during movement in a second direction, at least two second rollers being mounted on two respective second free-wheels connected to a second skid and configured, during a landing phase, to lock when the second skid moves in the second direction and to be free during movement in the first direction.

Abstract: A leg mechanism includes an articulated leg system, a passive device and a cable. The articulated leg system has a leg portion. The passive device is coupled to the articulated leg system and is configured to apply a first force to a portion thereof. The cable is coupled to the articulated leg system and is configured to apply a second force, in opposition to the first force, to a portion thereof. When the cable is drawn away from the articulated leg system, the second force moves the leg portion in a first direction. When tension is released from the cable, the passive device exerts the first force so as to move the leg portion a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A shock absorbing system for use when landing an unmanned aerial vehicle uses a rocker arm pivotally attached to each landing leg of the vehicle. A strut bracket is attached to each landing leg below the rocker arm. A damper leg is pivotally attached to the rocker arm on one side of the landing leg attachment and the upper end of a damper-loaded strut is pivotally attached to the rocker arm on an opposing side of the landing leg attachment. The base of the strut is fixedly attached to the strut bracket. As the vehicle, it places a downward force on each landing leg which cause the bracket to slide downward along the damper leg, causing the damper leg to pivot its end of the rocker arm upwardly and thus the strut end downwardly causing the strut to compress against the bias of the damper and thereby dampen the landing. Damper leg pairs can be joined by a skid.

Abstract: A mobile nest for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) includes a cuboid-shaped frame, staging pads, charging electronics, and exterior siding. The cuboid-shaped frame includes vertical supports positioned at corners of the cuboid-shaped frame. The staging pads are adapted for landing, launching, and charging the UAVs. The staging pads are mounted to pivot about two or more of the vertical supports. Each of the staging pads rotates into the cuboid-shaped frame when stowed and rotates out of the cuboid-shaped frame when deployed for launching or landing the corresponding one of the UAVs. The charging electronics are disposed within the cuboid-shaped frame and coupled to the staging pads to charge the UAVs when the UAVs are positioned on the staging pads. The exterior siding is mounted to the cuboid-shaped frame to provide a weather barrier that protects the UAVs from weather when the UAVs are stowed within the mobile housing structure.

Abstract: A system for rolling landing gear is illustrated. System includes a skid component attached to an aircraft and comprising at least a skid tube oriented laterally to a longitudinal axis of the aircraft. System also includes at least a wheel journaled on a rotational fulcrum and at least a biasing means attaching the rotational fulcrum to the skid tube, wherein the biasing means comprises at least a leaf spring and exerts a recoil force resisting upward displacement of the rotational fulcrum with respect to the skid tube.

Abstract: An aircraft tail skid energy absorption indicator including a crushable indicator cartridge disposed within the an outer shock absorber canister of the aircraft tail skid, and an indicator rod coupled to the crushable indicator cartridge so as to move with a portion of the crushable indicator cartridge as a unit, where the indicator rod extends through an aperture in a wall of the outer shock absorber canister, where the indicator rod includes at least one graduation that indicates an amount of remaining energy absorption of the aircraft tail skid energy absorption indicator.

Abstract: A leg mechanism includes an articulated leg system (100), a passive device (130) and a cable (134). The articulated leg system (100) has a leg portion (128). The passive device (130) is coupled to the articulated leg system and is configured to apply a first force to a portion thereof. The cable (134) is coupled to the articulated leg system (100) and is configured to apply a second force, in opposition to the first force, to a portion thereof. When the cable (134) is drawn away from the articulated leg system (100), the second force moves the leg portion (128) in a first direction. When tension is released from the cable (134), the passive device (130) exerts the first force so as to move the leg portion (128) a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A landing gear includes a pair of skids, a cross tube and a stiffening portion. The pair of skids is arranged in parallel with a front-rear axis of an airframe of a rotary wing aircraft. The cross tube is attached to the airframe and coupling the pair of skids to each other. The cross tube includes curved portions located closer to end portions of the cross tube than to portions of the cross tube attached to the airframe. The stiffening portion suppresses flattening of the cross tube and is arranged in at least one of internal spaces of the curved portions or a stiffened portion located between a pair of curved portions. The stiffening portion includes an enlarged diameter portion which increases in diameter by an axial fastening power acting in an axial direction of the cross tube, and a fastening portion configured to generate the axial fastening power.

Abstract: A bracket for connecting a traverse of a landing gear to a cabin of a helicopter. A landing gear retainer is fixed around the traverse coaxially to the longitudinal direction of the traverse and at least one cabin clamp mount is fixed to the cabin. The landing gear retainer is in between the cabin and upper and lower pendulum bolts and upper and lower pendulum bearings. A pendulum is in longitudinal direction of the traverse hinged to the landing gear retainer. The invention is further related to an application of such brackets.

Abstract: A tail skid shock absorber including an outer shock absorber canister, a crushable indicator cartridge disposed within the outer shock absorber canister, and an indicator rod coupled to the crushable indicator cartridge so as to move with a portion of the crushable indicator cartridge as a unit.

Abstract: A system for rolling landing gear includes a skid component attached to an aircraft, wherein the skid component further comprises a first skid tube oriented laterally to a longitudinal axis of the axis, a second skid tube oriented laterally to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, wherein the second skid tube is parallel to the first skid tube, a first wheel journaled on a first rotational fulcrum, a second wheel journaled on a second rotational fulcrum, a first biasing means attaching the first rotational fulcrum to the first skid tube, and a second biasing means attaching the second rotational fulcrum to the second skid tube, wherein the first biasing means and second biasing means exert a recoil force resisting upward displacement of the first rotational fulcrum and second rotational fulcrum with respect to the first skid tube and second skid tube.

Abstract: An aircraft landing gear assembly having a bogie beam, first and second wheel assemblies mounted on the bogie beam on longitudinally opposite sides of the bogie beam with respect to a bogie mounting bearing, a jacking dome mounted on the bogie beam to face a ground plane, and a guard that is distinct from the jacking dome and removably coupled to the bogie beam on an opposite side of the jacking dome with respect to the bogie mounting bearing. The jacking dome projects towards the ground plane by a first distance, and the guard extends from the bogie beam towards the ground plane by a second distance which is at least 0.9 times the first distance.

Abstract: A bracket (24) for connecting a traverse (20) of a landing gear to a cabin of a helicopter. A landing gear retainer (5) is fixed around the traverse (20) coaxially to the longitudinal direction of the traverse (20) and at least one cabin clamp mount (7) is fixed to the cabin. The landing gear retainer (5) is in between the cabin and upper and lower pendulum bolts (12, 13) and upper and lower pendulum bearings (18, 19). A pendulum (9) is in longitudinal direction of the traverse (20) hinged to the landing gear retainer (5). The invention is further related to an application of such brackets (24).

Abstract: A snowmobile ski assembly has a ski having a bottom. At least one wheel is rotatably connected to the ski and a lower portion of the at least one wheel extends below the bottom of the ski. A ski runner operatively connected to the ski is movable between a first position and a second position. A bottom of the ski runner is above the lower portion of the at least one wheel when the ski runner is in the first position and the bottom of the ski runner is below the lower portion of the at least one wheel when the ski runner is in the second position.

Abstract: A lightweight skid shoe assembly comprises a body of wear resistant, non-metallic or partially metallic material; and a structure coupling mechanism; wherein the body prevents friction-related damage to the structure. Another lightweight skid shoe assembly comprises a body of wear resistant, non-metallic or partially metallic material selected from the group consisting of: a polyamide or polyimide impregnated carbon fiber layup, a peek or PEI injection mold with carbon fiber, compression molded carbon fiber or fiberglass, a resin infusion with carbon fiber preform fabric, a fiber reinforced thermoset, acetal resin, machined acetal or thermoplastic, thermosetting plastic, or a metal-matrix composite; wherein the body prevents friction-related damage to a structure.

Abstract: The invention is a snowmobile ski that is adapted to accommodate wheel units that are movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The floor of the ski has one or more wheel openings, which allow wheels to drop down to the deployed position. A wheel unit may have a single wheel or two wheels in tandem. The wheel units may be mounted on the kingpin, the side wall, inner ribs, or on the steering spindle. A snow guard is provided on the ski body, to prevent snow or ice from hindering operation of the wheel unit.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite structural member includes a plurality of layers of fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite material in which adjacent layers are bonded to one another, wherein the structural member exhibits a non-linear stress-strain response when mechanically loaded to failure. A helicopter landing gear includes a pair of skids and one or more cross members extending between the pair of skids. The one or more cross members includes a plurality of layers of fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite material in which adjacent layers are bonded to one another, wherein the cross members exhibit non-linear stress-strain responses when mechanically loaded to failure.

Abstract: A landing gear (3) provided with first and second longitudinal bearing skids (4, 5) and with first and second transverse crossbars (6, 7). The landing gear includes at least one resilient fastener device (10) together with at least one blocking means (20) and at least one centering means (30) for each crossbar.

Abstract: A landing gear vibration absorber (1) of a helicopter (2) with a landing gear (3) comprising a pair of skids (4, 5) and at least one cross tube (6, 7) for mounting the skids (4, 5) to a helicopter's fuselage (8). At least one spring-mass system (10, 20, 24) is mounted to the landing gear (3). Said at least one spring-mass system (10, 20, 24) is tuned to the helicopter's main excitation frequency and said at least one spring-mass system (10, 20, 24) being located at or near at least one antinode of the landing gear (3). The invention is related as well to a method of operating a landing gear vibration absorber (1) of a helicopter (2).

Abstract: A skid stabilizer for use with a radio controlled model helicopter is disclosed. The skid stabilizer comprises a pair of substantially longitudinal skid protectors disposed parallel to one another and each adapted to support a main skid of a model helicopter. A pair of lateral supports joins the skid protectors. Adhesive pads are disposed on the bottom of both skid protectors.

Abstract: A skid landing gear assembly is provided. One embodiment of the landing gear assembly may include a first and a second skid member, and a forward and an aft cross member. The forward and aft cross-members may have integrated attachment members coupled to a forward portion and an aft portion of the first and second skid members. In more particular embodiments, the cross-members may be beam members with open cross-sections, and the skid members may be beam members with a closed cross-section.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A cross tube for a helicopter skid landing gear, including a monolithic metallic tube having a central portion extending transversely between two end portions with longitudinal central axes of the central portion and of the end portions being located in a plane, where the central portion has inner and outer heights, the end portions each have inner and outer heights, and the inner and outer heights of one of the central portion and the end portion are respectively greater than the inner and outer heights of the other of the central portion and the end portion. A skid tube with two portions with cross-sections having one or both of different orientations with respect to one another and different dimensions with respect to one another, and a method of forming a structural tube for a helicopter skid landing gear are also provided.

Abstract: Aircraft landing gear (5) having a first skid (6) and a second skid (7), together with two cross-members, each having a first branch (16) secured to the first skid (6) and a second branch (17) secured to the second skid (7), and a central portion (13) secured to the downward first branch (16) and to the second branch (17). The landing gear (5) has at least one stiffener (20) with at least one connecting rod (30) and at least one limiter means (40) for limiting roll deformation of the central portion (13) of a cross-member, each limiter means (40) being secured to said central portion (13) of the cross-member, at least one main hinge (33) hinging each connecting rod to said limiter means and a secondary hinge (34) connecting each connecting rod to an outside point that is outside the central portion (13) in order to limit the deformation of the central portion (13) as a result of a roll movement of an aircraft (1).

Abstract: A lightweight skid shoe assembly comprises a body of wear resistant, non-metallic or partially metallic material; and a structure coupling mechanism; wherein the body prevents friction-related damage to the structure. Another lightweight skid shoe assembly comprises a body of wear resistant, non-metallic or partially metallic material selected from the group consisting of: a polyamide or polyimide impregnated carbon fiber layup, a peek or PEI injection mold with carbon fiber, compression molded carbon fiber or fiberglass, a resin infusion with carbon fiber preform fabric, a fiber reinforced thermoset, acetal resin, machined acetal or thermoplastic, thermosetting plastic, or a metal-matrix composite; wherein the body prevents friction-related damage to a structure.

Abstract: A cable protection device is designed to prevent a cable from being damaged by rubbing against a helicopter. A protection frame is installed-below a winch 11 connected to a helicopter. A supporting groove is formed on the protection frame, and a slide-contact body is rotatably fitted in the support groove. A part of the slide-contact body is exposed, and the cable hung down from the winch is brought into contact with the exposed portion. The slide contact body is divided into two or more parts, and it is formed by continuously aligning the divided slide-contact bodies of the cylindrical shape. Both ends of the divided slide-contact body are aligned by fitting the recession and the projection of the tapers of the ends of the adjacent divided slide-contact bodies to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a skid-type landing gear (1) for a helicopter (2) comprising bow shaped crosstubes (10-13) directed symmetrically towards a left- and a right-hand side of a longitudinal mid axis (9) of the helicopter (2) with respective skids (14, 15) at outboard ends thereof and main beams (5-8) in a fuselage (4), the crosstubes (10-13) being connected to the main beams (5-8) via supports (16-23) fixed to the main beams (5-8). The skid-type landing gear (1) is retractable. A method for operating such a skid-type landing gear (1) for a helicopter (2) is provided.

Abstract: A landing gear vibration absorber (1) of a helicopter (2) with a landing gear (3) comprising a pair of skids (4, 5) and at least one cross tube (6, 7) for mounting the skids (4, 5) to a helicopter's fuselage (8). At least one spring-mass system (10, 20, 24) is mounted to the landing gear (3). Said at least one spring-mass system (10, 20, 24) is tuned to the helicopter's main excitation frequency and said at least one spring-mass system (10, 20, 24) being located at or near at least one antinode of the landing gear (3). The invention is related as well to a method of operating a landing gear vibration absorber (1) of a helicopter (2).

Abstract: A helicopter with a fuselage and a skid-type landing gear mounted to said fuselage. Said landing gear comprises pivotable cross beams and skids, said skids being each disposed in an essentially longitudinal direction laterally on a respective side of the helicopter's landing gear. At least one discrete damper is provided for at least one pivotable cross beam, said discrete damper being connected with one end to the pivotable cross beam and with another end to the fuselage. The pivotable cross beam are of the cantilever type. Fixed bearings and floating bearings are provided at the fuselage. Torsion bar springs are mounted to said fixed bearings and said floating bearings, said respective inner end of at least one pivotable cantilever cross beam being attached to said torsion bar spring at the floating bearing in such a manner that moments are transferred from the respective inner end of each pivotable cantilever cross beam via said torsion bar spring to the fuselage at said fixed bearing.

Abstract: A composite leg for a landing gear assembly includes a composite compression cap including reinforcing fibers that provide strength in compression, and a tension cap including reinforcing fibers that provide strength in tension. At least some of the fibers are oriented at +? and ?? with respect to a longitudinal axis of the leg, where ? is between 2 and 8 degrees.

Abstract: A retractable helicopter landing gear has a suspension structure supporting one wheel, and is movable between a withdrawn position, to reduce drag on the helicopter, and a lowered position for landing and takeoff of the helicopter. The landing gear also has a skid, which is located between the axis of rotation of the wheel and the periphery of the wheel, is diametrically opposite the suspension structure, and is connected to the suspension structure by a connecting device having a torsion bar.

Abstract: A method of minimizing the consequences of an off-specification landing for the occupants of an aircraft (1) having a rotary wing (10) and a fuselage (7) extending along a longitudinal anteroposterior plane of symmetry (4) between a first side (5) and a second side (6) of said aircraft (1), said aircraft having landing gear provided with at least first contact means (21) connected by a first fastener device (30) to the fuselage and at least second contact means (22) connected by a second fastener device (50) to the fuselage, the first contact means and the first fastener device being arranged on said first side (5), the second contact means and the second fastener device being arranged on said second side (6). The fastener elements of said first and second fastener devices (30, 50) are then dimensioned differently.

Abstract: A weighing system for detecting total weight, including optional external loads, and monitoring of center of gravity of a helicopter (2), comprising a fuselage (1), a landing gear (4), mounted to the fuselage (1) by flanges (10-13) and weighing cells (41-44). The weighing cells (41-44) are integral with the flanges (10-13) between the fuselage (1) and the landing gear (4). Attachment means are provided at the landing gear (4) for external loads (39, 40).

Abstract: An undercarriage for a rotary wing aircraft, includes a tubular structure (7) with skids, the tubular structure (7) being designed to be mounted under or in a bottom portion (4) of the aircraft, the undercarriage being characterized in that the tubular structure (7) includes left and right longitudinal portions that are retractable, each of which portions is suitable for moving between a retracted position in a cruising flight configuration and a deployed configuration in a landing configuration.

Abstract: A skid landing gear assembly is provided. One embodiment of the landing gear assembly may include a first and a second skid member, and a forward and an aft cross member. The forward and aft cross-members may have integrated attachment members coupled to a forward portion and an aft portion of the first and second skid members. In more particular embodiments, the cross-members may be beam members with open cross-sections, and the skid members may be beam members with a closed cross-section.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A skid rail for aircrafts comprising (i) a base member comprising a long board fixed to a bottom surface of an aircraft fuselage, and bosses integrally projecting from an outer surface of the long board with longitudinal intervals, (ii) cores bonded to the long board between the bosses to form a rail-shaped, integral structure, and (iii) a skin covering the bosses and the cores, the base member and the skin being formed by a first fiber-reinforced plastic having fabrics of glass fibers and/or carbon fibers, and the cores being formed by a second fiber-reinforced plastic having fabrics of fibers having higher wear resistance than that of fibers in the first fiber-reinforced plastic.

Abstract: A method of designing and manufacturing apparatus. The method comprises: creating a design space; analysing expected loads acting on the design space to calculate a first load path within the design space; analysing expected loads acting on the design space when the apparatus is in a damaged state to calculate a second load path within the design space; selecting a region of the second load path which falls outside the first load path; and creating a final design which includes: a primary structure falling within the first load path; and a damage indication feature falling within the selected region. The damage indication feature is designed to provide a visual indication when the load transmitted by the damage indication feature exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A weight-on-gear sensor for use on an aircraft with landing skids having a bracket and a displacement sensor attached to the bracket is disclosed. The bracket has a center member connecting a first end member to a second end member. The center member has a centerline and the end members extend from the centerline of the center member. Mounting members extend along the centerline of the center member to facilitate attachment of the bracket to a cross tube. The displacement sensor connects the first end member to the second end member. The displacement sensor is parallel to, and offset from, the centerline of the center member so that when a bending moment is applied to the center member the first displacement sensor is either elongated or shortened.

Abstract: A landing gear (3) provided with first and second longitudinal bearing skids (4, 5) and with first and second transverse crossbars (6, 7). The landing gear includes at least one resilient fastener device (10) together with at least one blocking means (20) and at least one centering means (30) for each crossbar.

Abstract: An undercarriage (1) having a first skid (11) provided with a first longitudinal bearing portion (110) and a second skid (12) provided with a second longitudinal bearing portion (120), the first and second skids (11, 12) being connected together by a front crossbar (8) and by a rear crossbar (2), said first skid (11) including a first front portion (20) extending longitudinally and in elevation from the first longitudinal bearing portion (110), said second skid (12) including a second front portion (30) extending longitudinally and in elevation from the second longitudinal bearing portion (120). The undercarriage includes sliding means (15) provided with first and second additional surfaces (41, 42), said first additional surface (41) being fastened under a first contact zone (51) covering at least part of said first front portion (20), and said second additional surface (42) being fastened under a second contact zone (52) covering at least part of said second front portion (30).

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite structural member includes a plurality of layers of fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite material in which adjacent layers are bonded to one another, wherein the structural member exhibits a non-linear stress-strain response when mechanically loaded to failure. A helicopter landing gear includes a pair of skids and one or more cross members extending between the pair of skids. The one or more cross members includes a plurality of layers of fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite material in which adjacent layers are bonded to one another, wherein the cross members exhibit non-linear stress-strain responses when mechanically loaded to failure.

Abstract: An undercarriage (2) having anticrash and antiresonance skids (6) for a rotary wing aircraft (1), the undercarriage including in particular: two landing skids (6) that are elastically deformable in the event of a normal landing; front and rear transverse elements (7, 8) likewise elastically deformable in the event of a normal landing; assembly elements (9, 14) for assembling the transverse elements to a force take-up structure (5) of the aircraft (1); and a connection system (10) suitable for absorbing the energy of a crash landing by controlled plastic deformation and including at least one pair of buckling struts (11) arranged so as to deform in the plastic range by buckling, together with a fastener member (14) of the assembly elements for providing statically-redundant assembly between a structure (5) of the aircraft (1) and a respective one of the front and/or rear elements (7, 8).

Abstract: A skid rail for aircrafts comprising (i) a base member comprising a long board fixed to a bottom surface of an aircraft fuselage, and bosses integrally projecting from an outer surface of the long board with longitudinal intervals, (ii) cores bonded to the long board between the bosses to form a rail-shaped, integral structure, and (iii) a skin covering the bosses and the cores, the base member and the skin being formed by a first fiber-reinforced plastic having fabrics of glass fibers and/or carbon fibers, and the cores being formed by a second fiber-reinforced plastic having fabrics of fibers having higher wear resistance than that of fibers in the first fiber-reinforced plastic.

Abstract: An undercarriage (2) having anticrash and antiresonance skids (6) for a rotary wing aircraft (1), the undercarriage including in particular: two landing skids (6) that are elastically deformable in the event of a normal landing; front and rear transverse elements (7, 8) likewise elastically deformable in the event of a normal landing; assembly elements (9, 14) for assembling the transverse elements to a force take-up structure (5) of the aircraft (1); and a connection system (10) suitable for absorbing the energy of a crash landing by controlled plastic deformation and including at least one pair of buckling struts (11) arranged so as to deform in the plastic range by buckling, together with a fastener member (14) of the assembly elements for providing statically-redundant assembly between a structure (5) of the aircraft (1) and a respective one of the front and/or rear elements (7, 8).

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotorcraft (21) comprising a fuselage (22) and an undercarriage (20) having skids (24, 25) interconnected by at least one cross-member (26, 27), together with connection means for connecting the cross-member to the fuselage and presenting angular stiffness that varies with varying sinking (E) of the undercarriage as a result of contact with the ground (23).

Abstract: A weight-on-gear sensor for use on an aircraft with landing skids having a bracket and a displacement sensor attached to the bracket is disclosed. The bracket has a center member connecting a first end member to a second end member. The center member has a centerline and the end members extend from the centerline of the center member. Mounting members extend along the centerline of the center member to facilitate attachment of the bracket to a cross tube. The displacement sensor connects the first end member to the second end member. The displacement sensor is parallel to, and offset from, the centerline of the center member so that when a bending moment is applied to the center member the first displacement sensor is either elongated or shortened.