Abstract: An airship handling system is disclosed. The airship handling system of the invention includes a platform which rests upon a circular track, such that the platform may be aligned with the wind in order to facilitate the handling of a suitably equipped airship. The platform incorporates an arrester gear in order to bring the airship to rest at a specified point, a mooring system to hold the airship in position for subsequent handling operations, lifts and transfer track to remove a loaded module from the airship and replace it by a second loaded module, a further lift to transfer modules between the platform and the ground level station for loading and unloading, and an accelerator gear for accelerating the airship to take-off speed within the available length of the platform.

Abstract: An improved system is provided suitable for use in landing an aircraft (for example, helicopter, RPV, VTOL) on shipboard comprising a support, base, platform or housing, reciprocal from remote a landing area on the deck of a ship to a position proximate the landing area, the housing carrying an upwardly directed light sensor comprising a lens system and a pair of band-pass filters, one filter before the lens system of the sensor and one after the lens system, the filters each passing the identical wavelength of light at its center but which each need not have the same band width as the other, a pulse detector in close proximity to the upwardly directed light sensor, and means for securing the aircraft to the support, housing, base or platform.

Abstract: A traversing system for handling aircraft, such as helicopters, on a ship comprises a rail (4) leading to the landing area; a shuttle (8) which moves along the rail and has forward and aft location slots (70,72) together with forward and aft guide pulleys (75,77) for respective handling wires; and a yoke (6), which is attached to the aircraft wheels (40), comprising a forward location pin (36) which can engage the shuttle forward location slot (70), an aft location pin (37) which can engage the shuttle aft location slot (72) and is mounted on a slidable block (32) which slides backwards and forwards on the yoke. The hauling wires (10c, 10b) pass through the guide pulleys on the shuttle and are attached to respective forward and aft positions (26,24) on the yoke, after the yoke has been attached to the aircraft wheels. The aft wire (10b) is then hauled by a winch to pull the yoke (and aircraft) until the aft pin (37) engages the aft slot (72).

Abstract: A device for maneuvering a machine supported by a principal landing gear and at least one swingable wheel, such as a helicopter, between two given zones on a platform such as an alighting area and a parking area on the deck of a ship. The device includes at least one guide rail (5, 6), a hauling mechanism (12, 13, 14, 19, 20) intended to pull the machine (H), and a bar (19) for orienting the path of the machine (H). One end of the bar slides along the guide rail (5). The device also has at least one holding trolley (28) associated with means of connection (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 38, 39) to the machine (H). These means of connection make it possible to center and align the machine (H) on the guide rail (5, 6) as it is being hauled.

Abstract: The Flying Multi-Purpose Aircraft Carrier (FMPAC) comprises a runway body which is provided with V/STOL capability by at least two rotary wings, located outside the two lateral ends of the runway body in a side-by-side configuration. The rotary wings are, preferably, of a large diameter helicopter rotor blade type, and are powered by respective shaft turbine engines. A substantially flat runway platform is provided along the middle portion of the runway body, between the left and right helicopter rotary wings. The runway platform is located as low as possible, in order to secure flight stability of the composite aircraft. The top surface of the runway platform has a substantially flat and rectangular-like shape defining a conventional runway, and may allow a fixed wing CA to take-off from or to land on it, during flight of the FMPAC, allowing the pilot of the CA to operate his aircraft with a considerable margin of error.

Abstract: A rescue craft includes a self-propelled car or elevator type of flying machine for rescuing persons from high-rise buildings, during fires, or other emergencies. The craft is powered by fan-jet engines capable of lifting the unit in vertical take-offs. A cable attached to a ground structure is used to control the craft and facilitate descent to ground level. An internal guidance system provides 360.degree. maneuverability around the cable and facilitates docking against the sides of buildings, etc. The ground structure comprises a flat-bed tractor/trailer equipped to transport the craft to the scene of an emergency. The ground structure is fully self-contained with diesel power, a winch for the cable, lighting, refueling capability, and is fully ballasted and outrigged and capable of launching and receiving the rescue craft.

Abstract: An aircraft handling system comprises a plurality of hydraulically operated winches, each winch having a wire for connection to the aircraft. Each winch also has a dedicated hydraulic pumpset positioned in proximity thereto. An electrical control unit effects co-operating operation of the winches in order to effect the desired movement and control of the aircraft. The tension in the wire of at least one of said winches is detected, and in response thereto an electrical signal is transmitted to the control unit. An electrical control signal is then transmitted from the control unit to the other winch or winches in order to control the tension in their wires in relation to the wire tension detected in the first winch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a point landing method for a flying object, e.g., an aircraft (manned or unmanned), a helicopter, a missile, in a location which may be stationary, e.g., a ground plot or the roof of a building or a moving one, e.g., a car, ship, train.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for positioning aircraft, the apparatus comprising a launching grid (11) into which a harpoon (12) or the like of an aircraft can be located. The launching grid (11) has an associated lateral adjustable alignment means (16, 17) onto which the main wheels (14, 15) of the aircraft can be located. The aligning means (16, 17) can then be adjusted to move the main wheels of the aircraft into a desired position.

Abstract: A shipboard mounted apparatus for the retrieval of air vehicles, including remotely piloted, or automonous, unmanned vehicles, which includes a deployable lifting device such as a ram-air parachute which is secured through a tow line to the ship traveling upwind therebelow. A capturing device such as a ribbon parachute which may be annular is also movably secured to the tow line immediately below the ram-air parachute and may include a homing beacon therein such that capture of an air vehicle is achieved by it traveling into and collapsing this ribbon parachute. A winch is secured to the ship therebelow and is attached to the lower end of the tow line to control the inward and outward movement of the extended tow line. Once an air vehicle is captured in the ribbon parachute, the tow line is pulled in by the winch allowing the collapsed ribbon parachute and the captured air vehicle to be drawn into the ship to thereby be received by a landing net preferably of an open mesh nylon webbing.

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing and retrieving objects from space. A tethered grappling unit having deployable arms with catching ropes and Velcro hook strips at the ends thereof is spun and propelled towards the target. On impact, the catching ropes envelope the target and each other. The grappling unit is then reeled in and engages a catching collar containing braking plates to despin the target.

Abstract: A load moving system, for moving articles such as a helicopter (18) form a port hangar (19a) to a starboard hangar (19b) or vice versa, wherein four trolleys (2 and 13) run on two rails (R) and are cabled to two after winches (3) and two forward winches (14). Vertical roller fairlands (12) act as cable runners. Two control positions (4 and 15) are provided from which the system may be operated.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for maneuvering helicopters on the deck of a ship. According to the invention, the helicopter, whose landing gear comprises at least one swivelling wheel, is maneuvered between a take-off and landing area and a garage area on the deck of a ship with the aid of a guide carriage, moving in a guide rail and connected to a fitting on the helicopter by a telescopic rod or a cable, as well as a guide bar engaged by a roller in the rail and hooked by a fork joint on the axle of the swivelling wheels of the helicopter. When the helicopter is displaced towards the garage area by traction on a towing cable hooked at the front of the helicopter on the rear of which is hooked a retaining cable maintained tensioned, the helicopter automatically and progressively aligns itself on the axis of the rail due to the guide bar. The invention is more particularly applicable to flight decks of ships, platforms, etc.

Abstract: An aircraft handling system, particularly applicable to helicopters on board ship, said system incorporating a plurality of hydraulic winches for effecting movement of an aircraft from a first position to a second position; and secondary restraining mechanism preferably including hydraulically-actuated constant tension reels for controlling movement of an aircraft from said first position to said second position in order to prevent lateral movement or toppling of the aircraft.

Abstract: A stores handling apparatus for moving and positioning stores relative a parked aircraft to facilitate loading thereof comprises a beam member (21) having releasable coupling means (22) near each end for attachment of at least one stores carrying trolley (23) and so that each trolley projects substantially parallel to the beam member. Means such as rollers (24) or wheels (33) provide for movement of the beam member along a surface, and guide means (25) are adapted in operation for engagement with guide means (39) formed in a trackway (38) on the surface.In operation, the stores handling apparatus is used in combination with an aircraft moving apparatus operable to align an aircraft on the trackway and, preferably, of a type comprising a trolley (50) movable along the same trackway.The apparatus and system of this invention is particularly suited for use in the moving and positioning of stores relative an aircraft parked on the deck of a ship.

Abstract: A mooring system for controlling an aerostat. The mooring system can be easily aligned with the prevailing wind direction while the aerostat is flying or when moored. The mooring system can either be a fixed, permanent ground installation or a mobile installation. All winches required to control the aerostat during flight and to secure the aerostat to the mooring system are powered from the same source. A nose receptacle is included as part of the mooring system to allow the aerostat to carry a heavier payload. The mooring system includes a main winch system to control flight of the aerostat and close haul and nose line winches to aid in securing the aerostat.

Abstract: A mooring device for use, particularly in the mooring of an aircraft such as a helicopter on the deck of a ship includes a grid having an upper surface adapted for engagement by a harpoon carried by the aircraft. The grid comprises a plurality of substantially identical elements and retaining means secured to the deck and adapted to retain the elements in juxtaposed relationship. In one embodiment the elements are generally rectangular in plan and have an upper surface provided with both full and half apertures arranged so that when in said juxtaposed relationship, the elements combine to provide a generally continuous apertured upper surface.

Abstract: A tethered aerostat mooring apparatus for launching, maintaining aloft, and docking an aerostat that is readily foldable for ease of transport, and mounted such that the entire structure rotates on one axis to permit weather vaning of a deployed aerostat, and includes a flying sheave that rotates on an axis perpendicular to the first axis such that movement of the aerostat in azimuth maintains alignment with the fairlead of the sheave, thus providing ease of operation regardless of the dynamic movement of the aerostat.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a trolley movable along a trackway on the deck. A vertically extendable and retractable probe is carried by a laterally movable mounting structure adjacent one end of the trolley and has an upper end arranged for location in an engagement provided beneath the helicopter fuselage. The probe is power operated and is arranged to be capable of selectively applying a downward force on the helicopter when the probe is located in the engagement, and a locking device is provided to selectively lock the probe mounting structure in a centralized position on the trolley. In one described embodiment, the apparatus is particularly adapted for use with a harpoon type deck-lock system.

Abstract: A traverser and traversing system for traversing a helicopter having a tricycle undercarriage with a nose wheel as for example, the Sea Lynx, and a helicopter having a rear wheel, as for example, a Sea King, is provided, for traversing the helicopter from its landing on a ship's deck to the hangar for storage, or in the alternative, from the hangar to its take-off position. The traversing system comprises a traverser, a track on the deck for carrying and guiding the traverser on the deck and control system for controlling the movement of the traverser. The traverser has a low profile for utilization under the helicopter and comprises a base for securing to the track, a cross member carried by the base for mounting the carriage for movement, a control system (including brakes) for controlling the sliding of the carriage to secure the helicopter to the traverser.

Abstract: Manned or remotely piloted Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft is launched or retrieved from a capture drogue carried by an articulated boom. The capture drogue is stabilized in space for retrieval and launch and moves the aircraft to a platform while the drogue-aircraft are stabilized with respect to the platform.

Abstract: A traversing strut and housing system for securing and housing a helicopter aboard a ship. One or more telescoping housing sections are mounted on and movable along a track extending outward from a fixed section. A traverse strut assembly which permits only lateral movement is attached to the end movable section and secures the helicopter to the housing. Once thus secured, the helicopter is rotated to a preferred orientation then moved into its stored position.

Abstract: A mobile aerial support system for use in support of ground operations comprises a helicopter and a mobile helicopter pad. The mobile pad consists of an open, drop-bed trailer adapted to bear and restrain the helicopter, a tractor adapted to pull the trailer with the helicopter mounted thereon, a four wheel drive vehicle adapted to be carried on the trailer adjacent said helicopter, an enclosure mounted on the trailer and tractor containing a complete workshop for maintenance and repair of the helicopter as well as a complete inventory of spare parts and accessories for the helicopter.

Abstract: A deck for landing an arrested RPV has a row of substantially parallel elastic stringers deployed between a pair of open bed trailers. The stringers are attached to longitudinal rails on the trailers and to wind-up winches for tensioning the stringers. A pendant or net is attached across one of the trailers between a pair of stanchions and is connected to energy absorbers on the other trailer for arresting the landing RPV and dropping it down on the deck. Protruding elements of the RPV slide down inbetween the stringers to protect them from damage as the larger body and wing portions are caught on the stringers.

Abstract: A VTOL launching and retrieval system comprising a single stud type primary landing gear and a mechanical arm equipped with a clamping device arranged to take hold of the VTOL while it is held in upright position using its own flight control system and it is either fully airborne or to some extent supported on its stud. The system allows an orderly transfer of the VTOL motion control from that by means of its flight controls to that by means of the mechanical arm which may be of flexible type, allowing to move the VTOL to stabilize in space its grasping digits or to move the VTOL from the landing site to a hangar.

Abstract: A powered remotely piloted vehicle which is not controllable at the low landing speeds necessary for landing on a platform of small area is provided with a para-foil type wing deployable at the beginning of a recovery sequence, and is further provided with a rocket ejectable line which is passed to the landing platform and winched in so that the composite flight vehicle and deployed para-foil wing is drawn towards the platform after the manner of a kite.

Abstract: A device for position stabilization of a take-off and landing platform for aircraft, which comprises a forcibly-guided parallelogram linkage adapted to be rotatably mounted on a mobile carrier, a take-off and landing platform rigidly connected with and parallel to the upper parallelogram part, and an operating device rotatably connected at each end between the carrier and one of the side parts of the parallelogram linkage.