Abstract: A system for servicing unmanned aircraft includes an aircraft service area located adjacent a landing strip, a track and follower mechanism, and a plurality of stations disposed along the track and follower mechanism including a first station having apparatus for connecting the aircraft to the track and follower mechanism, a second station for reading information from and to a computer located onboard the aircraft, a third station for removing old weapons from and securing new weapons to the aircraft, and a fourth station for refueling the aircraft. The aircraft is able to move under its own power from the runway to the aircraft service area following landing on the runway, and from the aircraft service area to the runway for takeoff following servicing of the aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention provides an airport and a method of operating an airport in which, when an aircraft lands on a runway of the airport, the aircraft drives onto or otherwise boards a vehicle and is transported on the vehicle to a disembarking/embarking site. Here, inbound passengers leave the vehicle and proceed to a terminal building. In addition, outbound passengers board the vehicle, which then transports the aircraft to the runway from where it takes off. Various activities take place whilst the aircraft is on the vehicle. Thus, passengers embark/disembark the vehicle, pass through immigration and check-in areas and their baggage is unloaded/loaded. In addition, the aircraft is serviced whilst on the vehicle.

Abstract: A runway (21) is used to retrieve aircraft from the skies. During an emergency landing (57), an aircraft crash damage limitation system is deployed from a heated underground storage area (12, 22 and encircled H). A pair of parallel guide tracks (52) lift from bunkers (12 and 22) along the edge of the runway (21) and an aircraft recovery unit (18) is deployed from an apparatus storage area (12) at the approach. The guide tracks (52) provide nozzles (46) for complete runway foaming. Guide tracks (52) are further supported in deployment by a guide track retaining wall (64). The aircraft recovery unit is charged with fire suppressant agents (encircled F) and is locked into the guide tracks (52). A locking and acceleration/braking method is contained in magnetic flux bars (44 and 66). The aircraft recovery unit (18) is signaled to effect an air speed to ground speed match with the incoming distressed aircraft (57) by a control center (encircled E).

Abstract: A portable helipad adapted for use in rough terrain and for transport in a fully assembled state by a helicopter. A deck is supported by legs depending from the deck. Leg braces extending from the legs connect to brackets within an associated zone of attachment on the underside surface of the deck. The helicopter releasably engages the portable helipad for transport. The legs and associated leg braces are preferably extensible to permit the deck to be levelled over uneven terrain.

Abstract: A long arm for an aircraft turnaround apparatus mounted at one end to the floor of an aircraft hanger for swinging about a vertical axis causing a nose-wheel carriage at the free end of the arm to follow a semicircular path. The nose-wheel of an incoming aircraft runs onto the carriage such that its imaginary lateral rotation axis is practically coincident with the arm axis so when the arm swings, the aircraft's ground supported landing gear traces a semicircle. The carriage has a chock bar which stops the aircraft from overtraveling the carriage. One chock bar version requires manual insertion and removal and another automatically latches in the stopping position but is unlatched by an aircraft leaving the carriage after which a spring restores the chock to the latched position. An optional spring system can restore the arm and carriage to a nose-wheel receiving position after a turned around aircraft has departed.

Abstract: In this application are disclosed a variety of improvements to the original system. These improvements provide for greater utility, effectiveness, and ease of manufacturing of the laser visual landing aid system.

Abstract: A system is provided for changing hydraulic oil in vehicles such as airplanes, which enables rapid replacement of dirty oil and rapid cleaning of oil to meet military/commercial aircraft specifications for reuse. The apparatus includes a frame (40), dirty and clean oil tanks (14, 16) mounted on the frame, a filter tank (30) with filters (32) mounted on the frame, and pump and valve means (20) for controlling the flow of oil. Initially, the apparatus is rolled up to an airplane, dirty oil in the hydraulic reservoir of the plane is pumped into the dirty oil tank, and clean oil from the clean oil tank is pumped into the airplane reservoir. Thereafter, while the apparatus is moved or is stationary, dirty oil from the dirty oil tank is pumped through filters of the filter tank and into the clean oil tank for an initial cleaning, and thereafter the oil is continually circulated from the clean oil tank through the filtered tank and back to the clean oil tank to polish the oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mass transit method including a docking terminal where passengers are loaded onto a craft with integral passenger pod. The craft lifts vertically from the docking terminal until it reaches an appropriate commuting altitude within 1,000 feet of the ground at which time the craft will fly to a second docking terminal and vertically descend to the second terminal for unloading of passengers. The commuting routes are networked to create an urban-suburban-rural mass transit system. The utility area of the craft can be detached and replaced. For instance, a passenger pod can be interchanged with a cargo, an emergency medical service (rescue) or a military unit pod for an innovative and versatile means of transportation.

Abstract: A refuelling system for aircraft, and in particular to a cellular system for refuelling long range aircraft crossing oceans. A floating refuelling station for aircraft includes at least one container hull which is movable and a sloping platform supported by the container. The sloping platform has at least one runway thereon for take off and landing of aircraft. The container hull may be used to store aviation fuel for refuelling the aircraft, the movability of the hull may be used to orient the runway with respect to the direction of the wind and the runway has a ramp section inclined at an angle to help slow down landing aircraft and/or to help speed up aircraft taking off. The height of the runway above the sea surface needs to be sufficient to accommodate any loss of buoyancy due to outpourings of gas from the sea bed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of preventing or eliminating fog over an area of land, for example an aircraft runway, a motorway carriageway, part of a road or some other area. The method calls for water to be sprayed through several nozzles into a given body of air over the area to form finely divided water droplets. The invention also concerns a system for carrying out this method.

Abstract: A reusable single-stage-to-orbit spacecraft and a reusable launch assist platform provide a new system for space transportation. The platform has a frame with a cradle for supporting the spacecraft. Rocket engines attached to the launch assist platform propel the launch assist platform and the spacecraft substantially vertically through the atmosphere for release of the spacecraft. The launch assist platform returns to a predetermined landing site in a power-controlled, vertical descent.The spacecraft is in the shape of a cone having a large, rounded base with a primary load-bearing structure substantially perpendicular to the base. The spacecraft reenters the atmosphere in a base-first reentry, and is slowed and guided to a landing site by using a rocket engine in the base. The spacecraft lands base first on a resilient landing device.

Abstract: A differential ground station repeater in which a plurality of transmitters are utilized to relay information to an aircraft from a single ground station situated to receive satellite information and to transmit the satellite and other information to the plurality of correction transmitters in which the transmitters utilize a single frequency but transmit at different described sub-time slots so that the aircraft may utilize the signal of any of the transmitters it may be receiving signals.

Abstract: A retractable, concealable peripheric gas station for refuelling in particular military vehicles, which is connected to a main station supplying it both with fuel and hydraulic fluid and has an outer metal tank (10) closed by an upper cover (11) hinged thereto, a metal frame (14) hinged under the cover so as to pivot between a lowered rest position and a raised operating position, a take-up reel (15) for a hose supplying fuel, and a hydraulic assembly (24) operating between the frame and the tank under control of the oleodynamic main station which causes the frame to pivot between the lowered and raised positions.

Abstract: A control system includes at least one guiding device including a long range guiding water jet generator having a plurality of first nozzles each projecting a jet of water upwardly and a first illumination apparatus projecting a plurality of beams of light upwardly each in concert with the jet of water projected from each of the first nozzles so as to guide the flight vehicle along a predetermined direction when the flight vehicle is located at a longer distance relative to the guiding device and a short range guiding water jet generator having a plurality of second nozzles each projecting a jet of water upwardly and a second illumination apparatus projecting a plurality of beams of light upwardly each in concert with the jet of water projected from each of the second nozzles so as to guide the flight vehicle along the predetermined direction when the flight vehicle is located at a shorter distance relative to the guiding device.

Abstract: A portable helicopter landing pad especially suitable for deployment on an unprepared surface comprises a number of perforated metal mats which on being joined at their edges define a heliport of predetermined size and shape. Dual-purpose connectors releasably join adjacent mats to one another and anchor the edges of the mats to the underlying surface. If needed, moveable stiffening plates are provided for strengthening the assembled mats where the wheels or skids of the helicopter touch down. A rigid container is provided for transporting and storing the predetermined number of mats, connectors, and tools needed for a particular heliport. For larger installations, several containers are pre-packed to facilitate the transport and assembly of the required components. The container is designed to prevent the stacked mats, connectors, and tools from shifting while in transit. A removable cover retains the container's contents and further prevents them from slipping during storage and transport.

Abstract: The present invention related to a protection system for the shuttle and its crew, against whether associated material fatigue, due to pre launch whether conditions, especially to the joints connecting the shuttle to its boosters and the fuel tank, as well as the O-rings and heat sealers of the nozzles. At the same time, a high maneuverable semi-silo platform is used as fire escape-vehicle for the astronauts, in case a fire hazard is detected, and astronauts can evacuate the shuttle while count-down away from launch-pad for safety.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for recovering and arresting an aircraft on a floating platform is disclosed. The aircraft has a fuselage, a wing, and a source of propulsion for propelling the aircraft in flight. During landing approach, an inflatable cushion attached to the fuselage is deployed below the fuselage via inflation. In the inflated condition, a fastening material disposed on a downward facing surface of the cushion is thereby adapted to adhesively contact the floating platform deck so that the forward motion of the aircraft is slowed and arrested. In the preferred embodiment, the fastening material is one of male or female VELCRO.RTM. which is adapted to mate with corresponding VELCRO.RTM. material covering the platform deck.

Abstract: A gate girder (5)is provided over the gateway opening of a hangar. To diminish the roof load and working load stressing the gate girder (5), it is supported by at least one girder support (1), which can be combined with a sliding gate plate (1'). On the lower and upper edges of girder support (1), rollers (9, 10) are provided, which are at equal distances from one another. To assure a uniform stress both of the upper support of gate girder (5) and of lower footing (6), in each case pairs of upper rollers (9) are mounted by levers (7) on supports (16), which are guided vertically movable in sliding gate panel (1'). In addition, a freely rotatable roller (15)is mounted on each support (16). A steel cable (18) wound around rollers (15), is placed over each roller (15), which in addition is guided by deflecting rollers (14) mounted freely rotatable on girder support (1), and is fixed with its ends (19) to the girder support (1).

Abstract: Airport structure for operating aircraft in one direction during landing, taxiing and take off in short, efficient distances. The aircraft lands on an approach runway connected to an apron. It then taxies across the apron in generally the same direction as on the runway. It departs on a runway located on the opposite side of the apron from the approach runway. Both runways are in parallel and the runways are spaced laterally in distance equal to the width of the apron. The taxi distance is the shortest possible distance measured directly between the two runways in a linear, noncircular dimension. The apron is unobstructed in this dimension by the runway connections defining the taxi passageway path between distributed aviation buildings on the apron rather than the buildings being grouped together so as to obstruct straight taxi paths.

Abstract: An aerial marker device includes a bracket to attach the device to an elevated structure such as a power line. A body is attached to the bracket and includes an outer envelope which is inflatable to provide the desired shape of the aerial marker device.

Abstract: Airport structure for operating aircraft in one direction during landing, taxiing and take off in short, efficient distances. The aircraft lands on an approach runway connected to an apron. It then taxies across the apron in generally the same direction as on the runway. It departs on a runway located on the opposite side of the apron from the approach runway. Both runways are in parallel and the runways are spaced laterally in distance equal to the width of the apron. The taxi distance is the shortest possible distance measured directly between the two runways in a linear, noncircular dimension. The apron is unobstructed in this dimension by the runway connections defining the taxi passageway path between distributed aviation buildings on the apron rather than the buildings being grouped together so as to obstruct straight taxi paths.

Abstract: An aircraft landing system is disclosed in which a differential GPS global positioning system is employed. A ground station, located in the vicinity of one or more landing strips, includes a GPS receiver and a data link transmitter for transmitting GPS correction data and also the global position of two points which define a desired aircraft glide path associated with a particular landing strip. The system further includes aircraft equipment comprising a receiver for receiving the correction data and the global position of the two glide path points, and a GPS receiver. The aircraft equipment further includes a computer for determining a corrected global position of the aircraft as a function of the aircraft GPS range data and the correction data, and subsequently determines the lateral deviation and vertical deviation from the glide path defined by the two glide path points.

Abstract: A helicopter deck comprises a supporting main frame (1, 2) which at least comprises a preferably polygonal circumferential frame (1), possibly connected with intermediate carrying beams (2), the main frame (1, 2) forming a supporting frame for the actual deck consisting of elongate, mutually "semi-rigidly" (mortice/tenon) connected deck elements (3), e.g. in the form of extruded aluminium profiles. One has aimed at providing a distribution of point loads (from helicopter wheels) from one loaded deck element (3) across the same and the adjacent deck elements (3), thereby giving rise to helicopter deck weight reductions. To this end, at least most of the deck elements (3) are connected with at least one underlying, lateral, load distributing beam (5) which is freely suspended and, thus, not connected with or supported on the main frame (1, 2).

Abstract: The invention provides an array of standard infrared aiming lights mounted n an aircraft and used occasionally by pilots wearing infrared goggles to enhance perception of terrain features on low flying missions.

Abstract: A rocket assembly apparatus is disclosed in which a vertical assembly building houses a multi-stage rocket and provides a clear work area around the entire circumference of the rocket. A mobile rocket service tower is moveable on the floor of the vertical assembly building to any desired circumferential location with respect to the rocket and has a plurality of cantilevered access platforms with curved outer edges for conforming to the shape of the rocket at various vertical and circumferential positions.

Abstract: A system for arresting movement of an aircraft traveling off the end of a runway at high speeds. Rigid, friable, fire resistant foam boards, preferably phenolic foam, are connected to form a panel, and a plurality of layers comprised of stacked panels are adhered to a base surface. The panels are formed from unfaced foam boards, the compressive strength of the stack of boards being less than the force exerted by the landing gear of the aircraft to allow the boards to be crushed by the landing gear.

Abstract: A safety device for an emergency landing of an aircraft has a runaway. A unit for retarding the speed of the aircraft is mounted in the runway and includes a plurality of rows of juxtaposed rotary bearing members, each of which is provided with a friction surface, a plurality of rotatable shafts, each of which carries each row of the rotary bearing members, and a hydraulic unit provided in each row of the rotary bearing members. A unit for braking the speed of the aircraft is fixed in the runway downstream of the retarding unit and includes a plurality of rows of juxtaposed stationary bearing members, each of which is provided with a friction surface. A unit for supporting and guiding the aircraft to move on the runway includes a base slidable on the retarding unit and the braking unit and a preventing unit for preventing the aircraft from being released from the base after the aircraft lands on the base. The safety device further includes a fire-retarding fluid provided in the runway.

Abstract: A service transport unit for providing utilities to a parked aircraft, by way of a utility bundle, comprising a box attached to a passenger loading bridge, at least one slider and corresponding utility bundle tracker slidably mounted within the box wherein the utility bundle is fixed to the outboard terminus of the slider. The slider is mounted in the box and affixed to the passenger loading bridge so that it is pulled from within the container by extension of the passenger loading bridge, and pushed back into the box when the bridge is retracted. The utility bundle is passively extended and retracted by movement of the slider. The slider and utility bundle tracker also serve to guide the utility bundle and prevent it from tangling or kinking during movement of the passenger loading bridge.

Abstract: An inclining apparatus for lifting and storing aircraft in a stacked or tiered arrangement is provided to permit increased utilization of presently available hangar space. Aircraft are stored in upper and lower stowing positions. The apparatus is completely self-supporting and includes an inclining frame for loading and unloading aircraft from the upper stowing position. The apparatus is constructed to permit stowing or removal of an aircraft from either the upper or lower stowing positions without moving or disturbing the other aircraft stowed in the accompanying position.

Abstract: A disc arrangement is provided for positioning about airport lights for inhibiting erosion and suppressing foliage.

Abstract: A method and system for supporting an airborne vehicle in space over a predetermined location and for an extensive period, comprises coupling the airborne vehicle by cables to a plurality of unmanned aircraft each having its own propulsion system; controlling the unmanned aircraft to fly in circular orbits at equally-spaced angles around the airborne vehicle while coupled to the airborne vehicle, to tension the cables and thereby to support the airborne vehicle in space over the predetermined location; and supplying the unmanned aircraft with energy from an external source to maintain the unmanned aircraft in flight over an extended or indefinite period of time.

Abstract: A reusable landing zone transportable as equipment in an emergency vehicle and rapidly deployable by persons on the ground is disclosed for marking an area where a helicopter may safely land on an suitable surface. A plurality of bar masses are removably disposed on top of and attached near the edges of a rectangular foldable sheet using spring-closed hooks. Similarly, a bag mass is removably disposed on top of and attached near each corner of the sheet. A foldable, highly visible and reflective target is attached to the upper surface of the sheet so that the center and size of the sheet may be easily seen.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and recording the movement of aircraft and their external characteristics and paths during and after landing and take-off from an airport runway detects malfunctions, pilot error, equipment failure or other evidence that might assist in determining the cause of a crash or other malfunction. The system includes a plurality of video cameras located adjacent to the runway, a video recording device for saving information from the cameras, and video transmission means connecting the cameras to the recording device.

Abstract: A landing, parking and take-off installation for hellicopters and other air vehicles requiring similar conditions comprises two or more interconnected horizontally spaced sets of at least two vertically superposed platforms each. Each set has an exposed landing platform on top, at least one parking/take-off platform therebelow, and a freight elevator functionally interconnecting the platforms and capable of holding a helicopter or other air vehicle, whereby the installation may receive a variable number of helicopters or other air vehicles while occupying only a small area at ground level.

Abstract: An improved runway lighting system comprises a first set of runway lights providing illumination in one direction along the runway, a second set of runway lights providing illumination in the opposite direction along the runway and a switching unit for switching on either the first set of lights or the second set of lights, depending on the direction of approach of incoming aircraft. A control unit provides current pulses along existing runway circuitry to operate the switching unit. Circuitry in the switching unit determines which set of lights to illuminate based upon the amplitude and duration of the current pulse. A selector switch may also be provided in the control tower to remotely operate the control unit.

Abstract: The helicopter pad for use on trains comprising a flat surface having an area suitable for the receipt of helicopter skids, a plurality of structural members connected to the flat surface and to the frame of a railroad car, and a ladder extending from the flat surface to the frame of the railroad car. The ladder serves to provide access to the flat surface. The flat surface has a strength suitable for supporting the weight of the helicopter. The flat surface is of high friction material. The railroad car is a transfer car for a unit train having an underlying conveyor system. The flat surface is positioned above a lift portion of the conveyor system on the transfer car. An extensible portion of this flat surface increases the area of the flat surface. This extensible portion is selectively actuable. The flat surface is free of protrusions extending thereabove.

Abstract: The landing approach aid for aircraft exhibits, on the one hand, triple mors (4,6) on the landing field. On the other hand, the aircraft (1) is provided with a spotlight, a television camera in the vicinity of the spotlight (at 3) and a device for displaying and/or evaluating the recorded television images. (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A portable infrared landing site illumination system is provided for fixed ing and rotary wing aircraft having night vision capabilities as provided by the Army's second generation goggles (PVS-5) or the third generation goggles (ANVIS). The system employs special markers assembled from readily available disposable components and a simple above ground mounting stake. Also provided is a special laser illuminator which operates in several modes to assist all phases of the landing operation.

Abstract: A unidirectional clamping mechanism for clamping a visibility enhancement device such as a strobe light to an aerostat tether subject to deployment and in-haul operation. The clamping mechanism includes diametrically opposed rollers each having a single tooth ratchet and pawl arrangement which allows unlimited rotation in one direction and limited or no rotation in an opposite direction such that when deployed, the strobe lights will not move down the tether but during an in-haul operation the mechanisms may be stacked one on top of the other while the tether is rapidly pulled through them.

Abstract: The present helicopter deck makes use of a passive fire-fighting system. Extruded aluminum beams on a base support an upper platform for supporting the helicopter. The support beams provide a space between the base and the upper platform. The upper platform is a grating, which permits fuel to pass through it. The support beam support batts of thin, spaced strips of high-heat conductive material below the upper platform. The support beams also supports deck plates below and spaced from the batts. The material of the batts conducts localized heat from one location of the batts to a more even, lower temperature spread generally through the batts. The deck plates catch fuel that passes through the batts and slopes to cause the fuel to flow away from the deck.

Abstract: Landing deck for aircraft, in particular for helicopters, on seagoing vessels and offshore installations, such as platforms. When fuel is leaking from a helicopter after an accident, as for instance an unsuccessful landing, a fire often starts. In order to reduce the combustion intensity and the duration of such a fire continuous grooves or channels (8) are formed in beams of steel or metal, of which the deck is made, in the surface facing upwardly. Thereby fuel which has leaked out will be collected in the grooves or channels. The air supply to the grooves or channels is poorer than the air supply to fuel situated on decks without grooves or channels, and the combustion intensity, therefore, is reduced. Moreover, the combustion takes place on the surface of the liquid, and it is possible to drain a substantial part of the fuel without ignition thereof. Fuel may be collected from the grooves or channels by means of a collecting manifold or gutter.

Abstract: A system for the recovery of aircraft comprises a large net having sufficient length and width to accommodate an aircraft in its landing mode in water having floats around its periphery for supporting it in a body of water for receiving and supporting an aircraft for its recovery.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid feed system is provided intended to be temporarily connected to a fluid system formed of a pressurized fluid generator circuit and a fluid distributor circuit, this latter circuit including a tank and being intended to feed user devices an outlet of which is connected to an inlet of the tank, the temporary feed system being adapted to replace the fluid generating circuit.

Abstract: An aircraft docking system comprises a plurality of pairs of load sensors embedded in the surface of the airport apron. A visual display comprises three parallel columns of chevrons each comprising a plurality of fibre optics which transmit light from a source to the surface of the display and a stop sign. An aircraft approaching along the correct path will cause the chevrons of the central column to be sequentially illuminated. Divergence from that path will cause a chevron on the appropriate outer column to be illuminated. When the aircraft reaches the correct docking point, the stop sign is illuminated.

Abstract: This invention uses magnetic levitation in combination with magnetic propulsion (MAGLEV) to accelerate an aircraft of spacecraft--or both crafts as a coupled unit--from standstill along a guideway to the highest possible launch velocity. The acceleration along the guideway is fuel efficient. The craft(s) are brought to launch velocity without using on board fuel. The computer controlled acceleration along the guideway could avoid high g forces to prevent damage to fragile payloads. The guideway may be sectionalized and of any shape. One section, for instance, may be circular to permit a long magnetically accelerated run with a relatively short length guideway. Very heavy crafts and payloads can be launched with superconducting levitation magnets in the guideway which form strong repulsive force fields with superconducting magnets in the MAGLEV vehicle. In another embodiment, the invention includes attraction magnets for the levitation.

Abstract: An improved glide slope indicator system for facilitating aircraft landings under adverse lighting conditions on remote or austere landing sites is provided which comprises a pair of indicators deployable near ground level on each side of a runway, each indicator including a housing having an optical window and a pair of light sources mounted in predetermined spaced relationship to each other and to the optical window and connected to a power source and related circuitry to project a well defined first blinking and second steady light beam of predetermined angular divergence and overlap, one indicator disposed to project beams with an overlap elevated at a first angle relative to horizontal and the other indicator disposed to project beams with an overlap elevated at a second angle relative to horizontal different from the first, with a preselected glide path lying between the two overlaps.

Abstract: A giant column of air is employed to assist in the vertical take-off and landing of an aircraft. The column of air is forced through movable louvers which steer the aircraft on the air column. A pressure differential occurs on top of the air column so as to center an aircraft on the air column. In order to illuminate the air column, a salt spray is introduced into the column and a laser source resonates the crystals of the salt thereby causing energy to be radiated from the column which may be detected and displayed by an approaching aircraft.

Abstract: In the spaced between a plurality of airplanes that are supported by a rotatable bottom wall of an airplane hangar, lifting platforms are mounted on pivoting levers. The lifting platforms are adapted to support further airplanes on an elevated level. The lifting platforms can be lowered, thereby moving translationally in a radial outward direction. A single hydraulic cylinder arrangement is mounted in a sector containing a movable door section of the hangar peripheral wall. Each lifting platform, upon rotation into that sector, is automatically coupled to the cylinder arrangement for swinging the lifting platform downwards onto the level of the rotatable bottom wall. The lifting platform, after having been raised again, is automatically disengaged from the cylinder arrangement when it leaves that sector.

Abstract: A pivotable safety railing for a platform such as a helicopter landing pad is disclosed. The safety railing includes a suitable hand railing of sufficient height to protect a person on the landing pad, and mounted on a pivot shaft extending along an edge of the platform. The pivot shaft allows the railing to pivot downwardly to a horizontal position while a helicopter is landing or taking off, and to pivot upwardly to an upright, or vertical, position, when a helicopter is resting on the landing pad. The pivot shaft is driven by a suitable electric motor which is controlled by sensors located on the landing pad, the sensors causing the pivot shaft to be driven in a direction to move the railing to its horizontal position whenever there is no helicopter present on the pad, and causing the shaft to be driven in a direction to raise the railing to its vertical position whenever a helicopter has landed.

Abstract: A fire-extinguishing system for helicopter decks (10) comprises nozzles (24, 25) for the supply of foam or water to the helicopter deck and to a helicopter and the like placed on the helicopter deck. At the outer edge of the helicopter deck, just by a submerged gangway (13), and preferably also across the helicopter deck in or by an associated drainage duct (29), there is permanently arranged a conduit system (21, 22, 23) for foam or water, equipped with a first and a second set of nozzles. A first set of nozzles is adapted to direct a jet of foam or water of relatively low strength and relatively small range towards its respective established region of the helicopter deck in order to squirt or spray the same with foam or water. A second set of nozzles is adapted to direct a jet of foam or water of relatively high strength and relatively long range substantially in a direction towards the center of the helicopter deck.