Abstract: A pressure bulkhead for a fuselage of an aircraft is configured for bounding a fuselage interior relative to an external environment. The pressure bulkhead includes a flat skin configured to span a cross-section of the fuselage and having a cavity disposed at a core region of the skin. The core region is radially bounded by a ring element. A plurality of radial stiffeners extend on the skin and provide stabilization of the skin. Each radial stiffener is fixed at an end to the ring element. A reinforcement element extends over the ring element.

Abstract: An energy absorbing system may include a structure formed of an inner face sheet and an outer face sheet and having a core positioned therebetween. The structure may have a leading edge. An impact member formed of a plastically deformable material may be positioned with the inner face sheet within an area of the leading edge. The impact member may absorb energy from an impact of a projectile with the leading edge and redistributing the energy of the impact to the structure.

Abstract: A system and method for an aircraft (10) that provides an IR decoy (12) for an incoming missile (18) to track instead of an engine (14) of the aircraft (10) is disclosed. The IR decoy (12) is deployed during or just after take off, and prior to landing to provide a signature (16) for any incoming missile (18). The IR decoy (12) provides a heat source (16) that has a higher radiant intensity than the hottest heat source on the aircraft (10), which is typically the engine (14), thereby providing a more attractive heat source for the missile (18). In another embodiment, a warning system (20) for an aircraft (10) detects an incoming missile (18), and deploys IR decoy (12) and creates an engine mask (22) by injecting an additive into the exhaust stream of the engine (14), thereby obscuring the radiation emanating from the engine (14).

Abstract: A nose cone formed from a shape memory alloy (SMA) having a recoverable strain of at least 2% collapses about the dome for storage, deploys at launch to protect the sensor dome and reduce drag during atmospheric flight and is shed to allow sensing for terminal maneuvers. The SMA is shape-set at elevated temperatures in its Austenite phase with a memorized shape having a radius of curvature greater than that of the sensor dome to reduce aerodynamic drag. The temperature is reduced and the SMA collapsed to conform to the curvature of the sensor dome within the recoverable strain for storage. A first mechanism is configured to return the collapsed SMA to its memorized shape at launch or prior to going supersonic. In one embodiment, the SMA is stored below its Martensite finish temperature in a temperature-induced Martensite phase in which case the mechanism heats the SMA above the Austenite finish temperature to return the material to its memorized shape.

Abstract: An extendable device for providing radiation occlusion and/or aero-thermal protection is disclosed. In various representative aspects, the present invention generally includes an extendable collar and a flexure configured to provide elastic properties (e.g., to facilitate stowage and/or deployment with respect to conformational disposition of the flexure). The flexure is coupled to a collar and is also coupled to the housing of an optical device.

Abstract: A method of protecting individuals entering or exiting an aircraft is provided. The method includes prior to the individuals entering or exiting the aircraft, removably attaching an entryway head guard to a frame of an entryway of the aircraft to protect the individuals entering or exiting the aircraft, the entryway head guard comprising a main body made of a protective material, wherein the main body has a contour that complements the frame of the aircraft passenger entryway such that the entryway head guard is configured to fit against the frame. The method further provides that after the individuals enter or exit the aircraft, removing the entryway head guard from the door of the aircraft.

Abstract: A pressure bulkhead for an aerospace fuselage includes a bulkhead main portion having an approximately flat shape in unloaded state; and a frame supporting and connecting said bulkhead main portion to the fuselage; wherein said bulkhead main portion includes an airtight structure having a reticular component.

Abstract: In a commercial aircraft with a main deck (2) and a lower deck (5, 6), at least one passenger cabin (16, 16?) is also provided on the lower deck. The fuselage diameter lies on the order of a wide-body aircraft, and an energy-absorbing deformation structure (22, 23, 24) is arranged underneath the lower deck cabin. The invention proposes to arrange the wings (7) on the aircraft fuselage in accordance with the shoulder wing configuration, and to arrange the landing gear (10) outside on the fuselage such that the landing gear bays are spaced apart from one another by a certain distance that is defined by the positioning of the bottom longeron spars (9). This may provide that the lower deck volume situated underneath the main deck can be optimally utilized for payloads. The lower deck areas may also be interconnected in such a way that a significant useful width of the passage between the landing gear bays is achieved.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for adjusting nitrogen and oxygen concentrations within regions of an aircraft. The method includes separating nitrogen from ambient air onboard an aircraft thereby establishing a high-concentration nitrogen supply and then dispensing high-concentration nitrogen from the supply to a fire-susceptible, non-habitable region of the aircraft where the high-concentration nitrogen is reservoired thereby decreasing the capability for the atmosphere therein to support combustion. Oxygen is also separated from the ambient air thereby establishing a high-concentration oxygen supply that is dispensed to an occupant cabin of the aircraft thereby increasing the level of oxygen concentration within the cabin to a level greater than the naturally occurring concentration of oxygen at the experienced internal cabin pressure.

Abstract: The design and attachment of an insulation package near the fuselage structure to protect the cabin region of an aircraft against fire acting on the insulation package from outside the aircraft environment, thus clearly facilitating evacuation of the passengers from the vehicle. The insulation package arrangement may comprise several fuselage insulation packages of an elongated form. These packages may adjoin the aircraft fuselage structure in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. They may be completely enclosed by a burn-through-proof foil which is arranged in a space enclosed by interior paneling and by the panels of the outer skin.

Abstract: An aircraft pressure bulkhead electrical connector comprising a first connection terminal proximate at least one side of the electrical connector and a pressure seal arranged to maintain an applied air pressure differential across the electrical connector in use.

Abstract: A method of forming a heat shield that involves thermally stabilizing a plurality of phenolic microspheres; mixing the thermally stabilized phenolic microspheres with a phenolic resin to form a phenolic ablative material; compressing the phenolic ablative material into a honeycomb core; and allowing the phenolic ablative material to cure.

Abstract: A pressurized bulkhead or panel for an aircraft includes an energy absorbing skin that deforms in response to an object strike that imparts at least a threshold amount of impact energy to the skin. The skin may be configured as a dome or a lofted panel that is essentially free of rigid stiffeners and non-deformable reinforcement members that would otherwise hinder the flexible characteristics of the skin. The skin may be formed from a monolithic one-piece material, such as metal of composites, and may include various integrally formed reinforcing features.

Abstract: An erosion shield for an aircraft window includes an annular band having a radially outer brim and a radially inner clip. The shield is sized to cover a composite window frame having an outer rim and an inner sash around a central aperture in which is mounted a window pane. The clip is asymmetrical around the central aperture to protect the sash and permit assembly of the shield thereto.

Abstract: A vortex-generating device is presented to reduce a thermal exposure of an aircraft to hot exhaust gases discharged from an aircraft engine. The engine also discharges cold air from a fan of the engine. The aircraft engine may be coupled to the aircraft via a support mast located on a main wing. A portion of the support mast of an aircraft engine is located near a hot gas flow being discharged from the engine. The vortex-generating device is positioned on a surface of the support mast. The device generates a vortex which crosses the hot gases and prevents the hot gas flow from reaching a heat sensitive portion of the support mast. This device is adaptable to the operating conditions of an already-built aircraft without any notable increased weight.

Abstract: A safety system for reducing the impact energy of a container for an aircraft includes an aircraft cargo hold with at least one safety wall; an accommodation device; and at least one airbag. The accommodation device can be affixed to the safety wall, wherein the accommodation device is designed to accommodate the at least one airbag. In the case of a movement of the container, the at least one airbag can be activated so that air can be injected into the airbag so that some of the impact energy of the container can be absorbed by the at least one activated airbag, with the remaining forces then being distributed over an area of the at least one safety wall.

Abstract: A bird collision prevention device with a plurality of circular interior support members with decreasing diameters concentrically disposed along an axis, a plurality of outer ribs welded tangentially to the circular interior support members forming a like conical shape mesh body, a plurality of bolts or latches securable to the circular interior support member with the largest diameter and the cowling, and wherein the mesh body is secured to the cowling of the turbine engine enabling a tapered end of the mesh body to extend away from the turbine engine.

Abstract: An airfoil for use on a high speed, jet powered airborne mobile platform and secured to an exterior surface of said mobile platform at a location so as to be disposed within a boundary layer during flight of the mobile platform. The airfoil produces a peak Mach number for airflow over a longitudinal centerline of said airfoil that is no greater than about Mach 1.2 when said mobile platform is moving at a speed of about Mach 0.85 with a relative constant Mach number flow over a region defined as at least an approximate 20% length of maximum thickness of said airfoil. The airfoil also has a pressure distribution (Cp) that is positive at a trailing edge thereof.

Abstract: A fairing suitable for enclosing a component mounted on an exterior surface of a mobile platform, and more particularly on an outer surface of a high speed mobile platform such as a jet aircraft or an aerospace vehicle. The fairing provides aggressive closure angles for optimum RF performance when used to house an antenna that is scanned to varying azimuth and elevation angles. The fairing further provides low aerodynamic drag, is scalable to enclose components having wide ranging dimensions, and provides attached flow with minimum separation of airflow thereover for airflows experienced by high speed jet aircraft, and reduces or eliminates RF reflections within the fairing from the RF beam of the antenna.

Abstract: A fireproof, bi-directional decompression panel includes a frame member and a pressure relief panel member that is releasably retained to the frame member to removably cover a decompression vent opening of an aircraft partition, such as a sidewall of an aircraft cargo compartment. During a decompression event, the pressure relief panel member is released bi-directionally in either of two opposing directions from the frame member when a predetermined pressure differential exists across the partition. The decompression panel assembly is fire resistant, and has reduced weight and fewer parts than prior conventional decompression panel assemblies.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a guard for protecting an aircraft cargo door during loading and unloading of cargo is provided, comprising a panel member adapted for covering at least a portion of an external skin of the cargo door, and one or more attachments for holding the panel member adjacent to the cargo door in use. Advantageously, the panel member is adapted to protect at least a portion of the external skin of the cargo door from being damaged during loading and unloading of cargo. In this respect, the panel member may be adapted to cover the portion of the external skin of the cargo door most prone to being damaged.

Abstract: A debris deflector includes a bracket and a horizontal blade assembly. The bracket is to secure the debris deflector to an aft side of a landing gear assembly. The horizontal blade assembly is secured to the bracket. The horizontal blade assembly includes a blade and flap. The blade has a forward blade edge, blade body, and trailing blade edge. The forward blade edge is configured for placement aft of a tire for the landing gear assembly. The blade body extends outward from the forward blade edge substantially parallel to a road surface. The flap is secured to the trailing blade edge and extends from the trailing blade edge generally rearward and downward from the trailing edge.

Abstract: A windscreen frame, and a method of production for a windscreen frame, designed to hold a windscreen in an opening in a wall, the frame including at least one upper horizontal frame section element, at least one lower horizontal frame section element and at least one vertical mounting, characterized in that it is a single unit in composite material.

Abstract: A heat shield includes a ceramic composite heat shield panel having a generally concave first surface and a generally convex second surface and a pair of thickened panel edge portions provided in the heat shield panel. A heat shield assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An aircraft forward pressure bulkhead and an aircraft crown panel are described herein. The forward pressure bulkhead includes a malleable and deformable dome that is configured to “catch” foreign objects, such as birds. The dome is intentionally designed to deform in response to a foreign object strike that imparts at least a threshold amount of impact energy to the bulkhead. The dome is free of rigid stiffeners and non-deformable reinforcement members that would otherwise hinder the flexible characteristic of the dome. Practical embodiments of the bulkhead utilize fewer parts, are less heavy, and are less expensive than traditional bulkheads that utilize rigid stiffeners. The crown panel has similar compliant characteristics. The crown panel is designed to simultaneously deform and deflect in response to foreign object impacts such as birds and hail. The crown panel is formed from a monolithic one-piece material, such as aluminum, and various reinforcing features are integrally formed in the material.

Abstract: An energy absorbing system may include a structure formed of an inner face sheet and an outer face sheet and having a core positioned therebetween. The structure may have a leading edge. An impact member formed of a plastically deformable material may be positioned with the inner face sheet within an area of the leading edge. The impact member may absorb energy from an impact of a projectile with the leading edge and redistributing the energy of the impact to the structure.

Abstract: A composite heat shield includes a ceramic composite heat shield body comprising a pair of generally spaced-apart heat shield side panels, a heat shield bottom panel extending between the heat shield side panels and having a heat exposure surface, a heat shield top panel extending between the heat shield side panels in spaced-apart relationship with respect to the heat shield bottom panel and having at least one heat shield surface and at least one heat shield cavity defined between the heat shield bottom panel and the heat shield top panel.

Abstract: An impulse-absorbing structural component, particularly for an aircraft, has an impulse-absorbing layer and a covering layer applied thereto. The impulse-absorbing layer is made of a material that has a higher capacity for elongation at its breaking point than does the covering layer, and has a regular pattern of elevations and depressions. If a mass impacts on the covering layer, an intercept bag forms in the impulse-absorbing layer, and absorbs the kinetic energy of the mass. Viewed in the direction of the spread of the intercept bag, the structural component has structure beyond the impulse-absorbing layer, such that the formation of the intercept bag can take place without further interaction with the structural component.

Abstract: A reusable bumper (10) for a rotorcraft (1) suitable for protecting a rear end (3) of said rotorcraft (1). The bumper (10) comprises a resilient outer shell (20) forming a first chamber (11) having a resilient inner shell (30) placed therein and forming a second chamber (12), said outer shell (20) having at least one main orifice (21), said inner shell (30) being provided with management means (50) for managing the pressure that exists inside said second chamber (12) and suitable for enabling said pressure to increase up to a predetermined threshold in order to inform the pilot that the bumper (10) has made contact with the ground (S), and then to enable said pressure to drop in order to absorb energy resulting from said contact.

Abstract: An aircraft fuselage has at least one reinforcement frame (13), at least one crossbar (14) and at least one energy-absorbing structural element (2) that includes a compression beam (21) having a longitudinal axis Z and oriented substantially in the direction of compression forces to be absorbed upon an impact, the compression beam being attached at a first end (213) thereof to the crossbar (14) and at a second end (214) thereof to the reinforcement frame (13). The compression beam (21) is attached at least one of its ends (213, 214) via a shoulder bracket (22), wherein the shoulder bracket further has the function of cutting the compression beam (21) in case of an impact.

Abstract: A method for reducing the turnaround time of an aircraft having at least one self-propelled undercarriage wheel comprising the step of: moving the aircraft to a required location using at least one self-propelled undercarriage wheel; wherein thrust equipment, (e.g. turbines) are turned on only when needed for takeoff or prior to landing, and are turned off until takeoff or after landing; whereby departing equipment, arriving equipment, and turnaround equipment are not at risk from operating thrust equipment, (e.g. turbines). An apparatus for reducing the turnaround time of an aircraft is disclosed comprising a control unit for facilitating voice communication between a pilot and ground staff.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a composite stringer. A method is used for manufacturing a hollow composite stringer. Foam is formed with a mandrel installed into the foam. A composite material and the foam is laid up onto a tool in a form of a stringer. The composite material and the foam in the form of the stringer is cured to form a cured stringer. The mandrel from the foam is removed to form the hollow composite stringer.

Abstract: An energy absorbing apparatus and system for leading edge structures includes an impact member, such as a “bird-band”, of a plastically deformable material of a predetermined configuration positioned with the structure in an area of the leading edge of the structure to absorb energy of an impact of a projectile with the leading edge of the structure, and to redistribute the energy of the impact to the structure, and can break up the projectile, and can increase the impact area. The structure can have one or more sheet members, such as a single sheet, or an inner face sheet and an outer face sheet with a core positioned between the inner face sheet and the outer face sheet. One or more impact members of the plastically deformable material can be positioned with one or more of the single sheet, the inner face sheet, the outer face sheet or the core.

Abstract: Invention includes the concept and design necessary to protect transport aircraft from catastrophic failure as the result of an on board explosive or ballistic event. Concept is to protect the flight operation personnel and flight control systems from inoperable damage resulting from an on-board event defined by the FAA NPRM Docket Number 2006-26722, Notice Number 06-09 and subsequent FAA NPRM filings. Concept uses aircraft interior linings, bulkheads, interior components and commodities to shield and protect the cockpit and fight control systems from operating failure caused by an on-board explosive or ballistic event. The linings, commodities and bulkheads will be redesigned and replace existing linings and bulkheads using a combination of newly designed and developed composite ballistic materials and designs, including high strength reinforced fiber sheets with ballistic resistant core materials.

Abstract: A structural wing-fuselage component for connecting two aerofoils to a fuselage section of an aircraft includes: a first wing shell component for the first wing and a second wing shell component for the second wing, with each component being made in a single piece and comprising a shell component on the wing side and a shell component on the fuselage side, where each shell component on the fuselage side comprises coupling parts and recesses in each case situated between the coupling parts, where in the installed state the coupling parts and the recesses of the shell component on the fuselage side for the first wing and of the shell component on the fuselage side for the second wing interlock, and where at least two coupling parts at their ends pointing away from the shell component on the wing side each comprises an extension part, a partially cylindrical fuselage shell component whose supporting rims include recesses which are engaged by the extension parts of the first wing shell components.

Abstract: Provided is a fire protection device for an aircraft or spacecraft. The fire protection device is provided with a fireproof bulkhead and an adjusting device, by means of which the fireproof bulkhead can be adjusted from a ventilating position I into a screening position II. This may prevent a stream of smoke and heat from penetrating into the cabin when there is a fire underneath the fuselage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag system for aircraft, intended to protect crew and passengers. The system comprises: inflatable cushions; a supply of air from individual tanks, communal tanks and the aircraft APU; a connection to the landing gear and the altimeter; a manual switch; an approach and contact sensor enabling automatic activation; electric lines, electrovalves and air ducts. The system also includes a second version which is activated using electrochemical batteries which operate on the basis of sharp deceleration.

Abstract: An extendable device for providing radiation occlusion and/or aero-thermal protection is disclosed. In various representative aspects, the present invention generally includes an extendable collar and a flexure configured to provide elastic properties (e.g., to facilitate stowage and/or deployment with respect to conformational disposition of the flexure). The flexure is coupled to a collar and is also coupled to the housing of an optical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aircraft firewall (12) separating first and second compartments (1 and 2) of the aircraft, the first compartment (1) containing a plurality of elements. The firewall (12) is provided with a first wall (3) inserted in the structure (5) of the aircraft and having a first surface (3?) facing the first compartment (1), and the firewall (12) is provided with regulator elements (4, 13) for maintaining the maximum temperature of the first surface (3?) of the first wall (3) at a predetermined temperature value lower than the self-combustion temperature of the elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a curved rear pressure bulkhead (1) made of a composite material, comprising three layers: an outer layer (2) and an inner layer (3) symmetrical with one another, which are made of a fiber laminate, and the intermediate layer or core (4) made of a lightweight material. With such a sandwich-type shape, the resulting bulkhead (1) is able to withstand the bending loads coming from the strain. and pressurization of the fuselage without having to increase its stiffness by means of using some type of stiffener. The bulkhead (1) comprises a ring (6) that is attached to the ends of the sandwich. shape. This ring (6) is split into several parts (8) to facilitate the assembly of the bulkhead (1) made of composite material to the fuselage skin (5).

Abstract: In one of the embodiments of the disclosure, there is provided an aircraft insulation system and method for providing fire penetration resistance and/or thermal and acoustic protection. The aircraft insulation system comprises one or more insulation blankets, each having an inboard side and an outboard side. The aircraft insulation system further comprises a fire penetration resistant cover material having a heat seal adhesive, wherein the fire penetration resistant cover material covers the outboard side of the one or more insulation blankets. The aircraft insulation system further comprises an insulation cover film having a heat seal adhesive, wherein the insulation cover film covers the inboard side of the one or more insulation blankets. The aircraft insulation system further comprises a thermal heat seal that joins the fire penetration resistant cover material and the insulation cover film together to form a continuous insulation blanket assembly.

Abstract: This invention provides a fuselage of an aircraft or space vehicle with a fuselage section having an outer skin, wherein at least the outer skin of the fuselage section consists of a glass-fibre reinforced aluminium laminate to form a safety zone for passengers in the event of a fire.

Abstract: An aircraft forward pressure bulkhead as described herein includes a malleable and deformable dome that is configured to “catch” foreign objects, such as birds. The dome is intentionally designed to deform in response to a foreign object strike that imparts at least a threshold amount of impact energy to the bulkhead. The dome is free of rigid stiffeners and non-deformable reinforcement members that would otherwise hinder the flexible characteristic of the dome. Practical embodiments of the bulkhead utilize fewer parts, are less heavy, and are less expensive than traditional bulkheads that utilize rigid stiffeners.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for a gas turbine engine includes a catalytic device for treating fuel to increase the usable cooling capability of an endothermic fuel. The catalytic device operates to treat and decompose components within in the fuel to render the fuel non-coking beyond 250° F. The catalytic device includes material that initiates reactions, and decomposition of coke forming components within the fuel to non-coke forming components within the fuel.

Abstract: Aircraft systems having baffle seals with low coefficients of friction and methods of assembling aircraft systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an aircraft system includes: (a) an aircraft baffle; (b) an aircraft cowl separated from the aircraft baffle by a gap, the aircraft cowl having a contact surface; and (c) a flexible aircraft baffle seal extending from the aircraft baffle to the aircraft cowl to seal the gap, the aircraft baffle seal having a contact side for contacting the contact surface of the aircraft cowl, the contact side having a kinetic coefficient of friction that is not more than 0.4, the aircraft baffle seal comprising an elastomer sheet and a laminate, the laminate being the contact side.

Abstract: A forward pressure bulkhead for aircraft includes an energy dissipating material layer, a metallic or nonmetallic inboard skin with a porous filler material positioned within said layers. The energy and load distribution layer redistributes and disperses energy of impacts and penetrations. The porous filler material is a material having ligaments that collapse resulting in a densification of the porous filler material in response to impact loading or a compression force sufficient to cause failure of the combined assembly.

Abstract: Aircraft empennage structures have impact resistance satisfying transport aircraft certification requirements (for example, FAR part 25 and/or other international certification requirements). The structures may be specifically embodied in leading edge structures that are preferably in the form of one-piece components formed from fiber-reinforced composite materials (e.g., reinforcement fibers such as glass fibers, aramid fibers and/or carbon fibers embedded in a polymeric matrix such as an epoxy resin). The leading edge structures will most preferably include an arcuate skin and longitudinally extending internal reinforcement which is generally Y-shaped and includes a planar rib element and a pair of planar divergent reinforcement arms. The rib element may be positioned so as to be coplanar with a longitudinal bisecting plane of the leading edge structure.

Abstract: Protection panel (3) for an aircraft suitable for being associated with at least a portion of the surface to be protected, consisting of a plurality of layers associated with each other made of aramid fibre in which at least one of said layers consists of an aramid fibre or unidirectional fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a leading edge mobile flap (16) for a main wing of an aircraft, this flap including an aerodynamic skin (18) that has a bird impact-sensitive frontal area (24), and a rear skin (28) integral with the aerodynamic skin (18), the flap also comprising a plurality of ribs (34) spaced out along a leading edge longitudinal direction (X?). According to the invention, the flap additionally includes, between two directly consecutive ribs, a single rigid bird trajectory-deflecting wall (42) anchored to the skins (18, 28). Furthermore, in a cross-section taken along any plane orthogonal to the direction (X?), the wall (42) forms with a geometric chord (26) of the flap an angle (?1) with a value of less than 45°.

Abstract: A wire-strike system (1) including; a wire cutter with at least one pair of electrodes (5, 6), electrically insulated from each other and mounted to an outer surface of an aircraft (2). The electrodes (5, 6) being connectable to a power source (11) capable of generating an electrical potential difference between the electrodes (5, 6) and in the event of a wire-strike, supplying a short-circuit current flow through a portion of the wire connecting both electrodes (5, 6).