Abstract: An example release mechanism for an ejection jack includes a locking mechanism disposed about an axis. A pivotable first leg is connected to a pivotable second leg by a crossbar. A blocking pin is rotatably connected to the first leg and the second leg such that the locking mechanism abuts the blocking pin. A first solenoid includes a first rod abutting one of the first leg or the second leg. The first rod extends a first distance perpendicular to the axis and is configured to exert a first force to push the first leg and second leg away from the solenoid. The first leg and second leg are configured to pivot away from the first solenoid such that the blocking pin no longer abuts the locking mechanism.

Abstract: An environmental control system includes a higher pressure tap to be associated with a higher compression location in a main compressor section associated with a gas turbine engine. A lower pressure tap is associated with a lower pressure location, which is at a lower pressure than the higher pressure location. The lower pressure tap communicates to a first passage leading to a downstream outlet and a second passage leading into a compressor section of a turbocompressor. The higher pressure tap leads into the turbine section of the turbocompressor such that air in the higher pressure tap drives the turbine section to in turn drive the compressor section of the turbocompressor. A combined outlet of the compressor section of the turbocompressor and the turbine section intermix and pass downstream to be delivered to an aircraft use.

Abstract: An example inlet duct screen assembly includes a grid portion including a plurality of apertures and a frame portion circumscribing the grid portion. The grid portion and the frame portion are formed from a single sheet of material.

Abstract: A transfer tube including a tube member extends from a first end to a second end through an intermediate portion having an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface has an outside diameter. A flange is mounted at one of the first and second ends of the tube member. The flange includes a flange body extending from a first end portion to a second end portion through an intermediate section having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines an inside diameter. The outside diameter of the tube member is between about 0.010-inch (0.0254-cm) and about 0.030-inch (0.0762-cm) smaller than the inside diameter of the flange.

Abstract: A mount yoke assembly comprises a first main hanger bracket and a first anchor bracket. The first main hanger bracket includes a first receiving portion for a first auxiliary power unit (APU) mount with first and second hanger arms. The first hanger arm includes a first hanger flange extending proximate a distal end of the first hanger arm. The first anchor bracket includes a first plurality of anchor holes and a first anchor flange. The first plurality of anchor holes are disposed substantially along a length of the first anchor bracket for securing the mount yoke assembly to a component of an APU assembly. The first anchor flange extends from the first anchor bracket for hingeably securing the first anchor bracket to the first main hanger bracket.

Abstract: In combination, an aircraft and a rotatively combined electrical power/generator and hydraulic motor/pump configured to provide either hydraulic power from electrical power, or electrical power from hydraulic power, installed in said aircraft.

Abstract: An environmental control system including an upstream assembly supplying outside air to a rotary system of an aircraft, the air not having passed through a propulsion engine of the aircraft, and wherein the rotary system includes a rotary shaft, a power turbine, a compressor and a cold turbine, and wherein the upstream supply assembly is connected to an inlet of the compressor mounted with the rotary shaft that is rotated by the power turbine and wherein the shaft is supplied with compressed gas from the compressor toward the cold turbine.

Abstract: An auxiliary power unit is composed of a gas turbine engine, a gearbox, and a gearbox driven generator. A mount bracket is mechanically attached to the gearbox. The bracket is for connecting to an aircraft strut system. The aircraft strut system connects to the aircraft structure. The mount bracket has an upper mechanical attachment point and a lower mechanical attachment point to the gearbox. The gearbox includes an oil reservoir, and the lower attachment point is beneath the oil level within the oil reservoir such that said lower attachment point will be cooled by oil in the oil reservoir.

Abstract: Device for mechanically decoupled retention of components perfused by hot gas in an aircraft, with a coupling member for coupling to a component emitting hot gas and to a component accepting hot gas, with a holder, with a flange, and with a bellows, the holder being fittable to a housing or frame connected to the component emitting hot gas, the bellows being fastened by one end to the flange and by the other end to the holder, and the coupling member being fastened to the flange. By virtue of the device, both an angular misalignment and radial and axial positional misalignment can be equalized.

Abstract: A flight vehicle includes a fuselage and a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine is coupled to the fuselage to provide thrust when air surrounding the flight vehicle is admitted to the gas turbine engine and combusted with fuel. The flight vehicle further includes a generator coupled to the gas turbine engine to provide power to equipment included in the vehicle.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application is directed to a unique method for powering one or more critical loads in an aircraft. Another embodiment is a unique apparatus for powering one or more critical loads upon failure of one or more engines. Other embodiments include unique methods, systems, devices, and apparatus' for powering power loads in an aircraft. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: An on-board supply system (10) for use in an aircraft comprises a fuel cell unit (20) for generating electrical energy and heat energy, and at least one consumer system (100). The fuel cell unit (20) is designed to release heat energy in the form of hot air, and the consumer system (100) is designed to absorb the electrical energy and the heat energy in the form of hot air. The fuel cell unit (20) can comprise at least one low-temperature (LT) fuel cell (30) and at least one high-temperature (HT) fuel cell (40), which can both (30, 40) be designed to be regulated to their respective operating temperature in operation by means of air cooling, and an air cooling inlet (44) of the HT fuel cell (40) can be connected in fluid communication with an air cooling outlet (36) of the LT fuel cell (30).

Abstract: A ram air turbine assembly includes a preferentially located mass that modifies the resonance frequency of the assembly so that vibration is reduced to desired levels. The example mass can be fixed in a specific location on the ram air turbine or can be deployable once the ram air turbine is moved to an operating position.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique aircraft. Another embodiment is a unique external pod for an aircraft. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for aircraft and external pods for aircraft. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric power supply circuit (1) for a turbojet engine nacelle including at least one electric generator (2) mechanically connected to the shaft of a turbojet engine, said generator being capable of directly supplying electric power to a first electric power device other than a simple monitoring or supervising unit, characterized in that said generator is capable of directly supplying electric power to at least one second electric power device other than a monitoring or supervising unit, as well as to a nacelle including such an electric circuit.

Abstract: The invention concerns an aircraft comprising a cockpit situated outside the nose of the aircraft. The cockpit is situated in a lower part of a fin, the latter advantageously extending to a front end of the aircraft. Preferably, the aircraft has a lancet-shaped nose.

Abstract: An oil flow management system reduces the amount of oil directed from an aircraft engine to the environment outside of the aircraft, even when the aircraft is in inverted flight. This decreases the amount of oil that becomes attached to exterior surfaces of the aircraft fuselage. A gaseous mixture including air and oil is directed from the aircraft engine to a separator, which separate the mixture into a gaseous component and an oil component. The oil component is directed from the separator to a reservoir via a unidirectional valve. When in a first orientation, the unidirectional valve allows oil to flow from the separator to the reservoir. However, when in a second orientation, the unidirectional valve blocks oil from flowing from the reservoir to the separator.

Abstract: A hybrid power plant (5) for an aircraft (1) comprises at least: a hybrid drive system (37) having a main on-board electricity network (16) and an auxiliary electricity network (34); and a selective adaptation interface (38) arranged to enable electrical energy to be exchanged selectively between the main and auxiliary electricity networks (16; 34). At least one engine and a hybrid drive auxiliary electrical machine (7, 31) are mechanically connected to a transmission (8); said machine (7) being electrically connected to at least one auxiliary electrical bus (36) in parallel with at least one auxiliary device for delivering electric charge.

Abstract: An aircraft auxiliary power unit assembly includes an aircraft skin that provides a cavity. It is secured to a structure in an assembled condition and it provides an opening. An auxiliary power unit is arranged within the cavity and is secured to the structure. The aircraft skin substantially covers the auxiliary power unit in the assembled condition. An inlet duct that is removable is secured within the opening and is selectively connected to the auxiliary power unit between the installed and service positions. The installed and service positions are with the aircraft skin in the assembled condition.

Abstract: An aircraft (1) having a rotary wing (2) and at least one main gearbox (5) for driving rotation of said rotary wing (2), said aircraft (1) having a first main engine (11) and a second main engine (12) driving said main gearbox (5), said aircraft (1) being provided with a main regulation system (15) regulating the first main engine (11) and the second main engine (12) in application of a setpoint that is variable. A secondary engine (21) is also capable of driving said main gearbox (5), said aircraft (1) having a secondary regulation system (25) that regulates the secondary engine (21) in application of a setpoint that is constant and that is independent of said main regulation system (15).

Abstract: An example auxiliary power unit air inlet assembly includes a noise attenuating component disposed within a conduit. The conduit is configured to communicate a first flow of fluid to an auxiliary power unit. A second flow of fluid is communicated to the noise attenuating component. The second flow of fluid limits formation of ice in the conduit. The first flow of fluid is different than the second flow of fluid.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique aircraft. Another embodiment is a unique aircraft propulsion system. Still another embodiment is a unique system for taxiing an aircraft without starting one or more main aircraft propulsion engines. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for aircraft taxiing and propulsion systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: In order to generate an efficient aerodynamic braking force, whatever the speed of a vehicle such as an airplane flying in the air, the method includes a step for the production of energy by the vehicle, a step of storage of the energy produced and a step of utilization of such energy to drive a propeller which generates a force opposing the forward motion of the vehicle. Energy is produced by using the displacement of the vehicle with respect to air using a propeller driving a generator, or using the displacement with respect to the ground, using wheels driving a generator, or using generators driven by motors of the vehicle. The energy can be stored in the pneumatic, electric or kinetic form and the generation and driving means are selected according to the technology used for the storage means.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique aircraft. Another embodiment is a unique propulsion system for an aircraft. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for aircraft and aircraft propulsion systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique aircraft. Another embodiment is a unique aircraft propulsion system. Still another embodiment is a unique system for taxiing an aircraft without starting one or more main aircraft propulsion engines. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for aircraft taxiing and propulsion systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: An aircraft auxiliary power unit (APU) flexible and fireproof drainage device including a bellows which receives leakage fluids from an APU engine; a drain pipe which transfers leakage fluids outside the aircraft from the bellows, and a support piece surrounding the drain pipe. The bellows connects the APU engine with the drain pipe. The support piece provides stability to the bellows and the drain pipe.

Abstract: A ducted ram air turbine may be used to drive a generator to provide power to an aircraft. The ducted ram air turbine may be used in a pod attached to the aircraft, where the pod is fully powered, cooled and lubricated by devices attached to the ram air turbine. A gearbox may be deployed to control the speed of the turbine for driving various pumps and the like. The speed of the turbine may be controlled by inlet and exit actuators driving inlet and exit doors.

Abstract: A power distribution system for an aircraft having at least one engine includes at least one torque transmission means that is movably held and is connected to at least one shaft of the engine and extends from the shaft of the engine to an interior region of the aircraft fuselage, and at an end pointing away from the engine has at least one interface for introducing a torque. At the interface of the torque transmission means it is possible both to operate mechanical and to start the engine. Consequently in the aircraft it is possible to essentially do without converting mechanical energy to electrical energy and the subsequent use of electrical energy for generating mechanical power. This is particularly favorable in the case of twin-engine commercial aircraft that are used on short hauls.

Abstract: A ram air turbine assembly is provided including a release cable coupled at a first end to a turbine release pin and coupled at a second end to a release lever. Aluminum tubing surrounds a portion of the release cable. An upper cable bracket supports the aluminum tubing adjacent the first end of the release cable. A lower cable bracket supports the aluminum tubing adjacent the second end of the release cable. The lower cable bracket includes a threaded bushing having an axial bore for receiving the release cable. The threaded bushing is in direct contact with an end fitting coupled to the aluminum tubing.

Abstract: A wheel drive system for an aircraft that features at least one electric motor and at least one fuel cell as energy source for the electric motor, wherein the electric motor is coupleable to at least one wheel of at least one landing gear of the aircraft. The wheel drive system reduces the fuel consumption and lowers the emission of CO2 and pollutants—primarily carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons. Persons, vehicles and other aircraft furthermore are not endangered by a jet blast while the aircraft is taxiing because the main engines do not have to be started until the take-off and landing strip is reached. The operation of the wheel drive system furthermore leads to a reduced noise pollution.

Abstract: Systems and methods of independent power generation are disclosed. A particular system includes an aircraft having at least one engine and a plurality of independent power units. Each power unit of the plurality of independent power units generates electricity independently of the at least one engine. The plurality of independent power units include at least a first independent power unit that generates first electricity having a first set of electrical characteristics and a second independent power unit that generates second electricity having a second set of electrical characteristics concurrently with the first power unit generating the first electricity. The first set of electrical characteristics is different than the second set of electrical characteristics.

Abstract: A method for generating hydraulic power in an aircraft, the aircraft having a drive system comprising at least one transmission shaft connected to a power control unit, the power control unit having an electric motor and a hydraulic displacement machine connected to a differential gear unit for driving a common output shaft. The method includes switching the hydraulic displacement machine into a pump mode, arresting the output shaft, rotating the electric motor such that the hydraulic displacement machine is driven due to the arrested output shaft and supplying the fluid flow into a hydraulic system. A drive system of an aircraft may thereby be used for either moving control surfaces or for generating hydraulic power in an aircraft. This hydraulic power may be used to cover hydraulic load peaks during aircraft operation or to power hydraulic devices without the need of additional hydraulic power generation components.

Abstract: Aircraft are provided with a pair of auxiliary power units (APUs) adjacently mounted in parallel relative to one another within the tail cone section of the aircraft's fuselage. In some embodiments, the APUs are mounted generally vertically adjacent to one another. Alternatively, the APUs may be mounted generally horizontally adjacent to one another. The aircraft fuselage may include a pair of downwardly and outwardly oriented strakes adjacent the tail cone having lower edges which establish a maximum take-off pitch angle of the fuselage and define a spatial zone therebetween. The APUs are positioned within such a spatial zone defined between the strakes so that the maximum take-off pitch angle is not required to be changed when modifying an existing single APU aircraft with dual APUs.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel cell system includes a fuel cell which has an oxidant inlet for supplying an oxygen-containing medium to the fuel cell. An oxidant supply line has a first end which is connected to the oxidant inlet of the fuel cell. A second end of the oxidant supply line is connectable to a used air outlet of a cabin of the aircraft. A heat exchanger is located in the oxidant supply line and thermally couples the oxygen-containing medium flowing through the oxidant supply line and a second medium flowing through an air conditioning process air line of an air conditioning unit, the heat exchanger being located downstream of a cabin air compressor in the air conditioning process air line.

Abstract: A rotary-wing aircraft includes a retractable port movable between a closed position and an open position to selectively control flow of combustion gases into a bypass passage to change a power distribution between a rotor system and a secondary propulsion system.

Abstract: An electrical power unit provides electrical power to an electrical component on-board an aircraft. The electrical power unit includes a hydrogen generation system configured to be positioned on-board the aircraft. The hydrogen generation system is further configured to generate hydrogen using a reaction between water and metal. The electrical power unit also includes a fuel cell configured to be positioned on-board the aircraft. The fuel cell is operatively connected to the hydrogen generation system such that the fuel cell receives hydrogen from the hydrogen generation system. The fuel cell is further configured to generate electrical power from the hydrogen received from the hydrogen generation system and to be electrically connected to the electrical component for supplying the component with electrical power.

Abstract: An exhaust silencer assembly includes an exhaust duct and an exhaust silencer. The exhaust silencer is disposed about the exhaust duct and has a plurality of solid baffles and at least one perforated baffle The exhaust silencer assembly is disposed downstream of an auxiliary power unit and at least partially attenuates the downstream noise of the combustion gases that result from operation of the auxiliary power unit. In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of solid baffles is disposed to extend axially between generally radially extending solid baffles, perforated baffle(s), or partially perforated baffles. The axially extending solid baffle allows for cavity depth variation in the silencer to optimize tuning of particular frequencies from the auxiliary power unit.

Abstract: My invention is a helicopter having a front electric anti-torque rotor for the purpose of having a mechanically driven pusher propeller at the rear for increasing forward speed. Speed has been a limiting factor in vertical flight. Various designs have been conceived by people around the world to make helicopters go faster. My design is a high speed single rotor helicopter design that uses a gas-electric hybrid front electric anti-torque rotor system to allow for a mechanically driven pusher propeller at the rear. As the helicopter goes forward, the front electric anti-torque gives control and the mechanically driven pusher propeller at the rear gives increased forward speed. The intent of the design is to make a high speed single rotor helicopter design.

Abstract: A hybrid power distribution system for an aircraft generates hydraulic power from one of a plurality of power sources based on which power source provides energy most efficiently. Power sources includes an electric power distribution bus that distributes electrical energy onboard the aircraft, a pneumatic distribution channel that distributes pneumatic energy onboard the aircraft, and mechanical power provided by one or more engines associated with the aircraft.

Abstract: An electric power generation system employs a thermoelectric generator placed between an aircraft inner skin and an aircraft outer skin. The thermoelectric generator is configured to utilize a thermal differential between the inner and outer skin to generate electricity. An electrical interface is provided for access to the electricity generated by said thermoelectric generator.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a ram air turbine includes a hydraulic pump having a high pressure fluid outlet port, a housing, a pivot post arranged to pass through the housing and defining a mechanical pivot relative to the housing about an axis, a transfer tube positioned between the high pressure fluid outlet port of the hydraulic pump and a port in the housing for the high pressure fluid outlet path, and seal elements positioned at or near opposite ends of the transfer tube. A fluid inlet path and a high pressure fluid outlet path pass through the housing and the pivot post. The transfer tube has a crowned end.

Abstract: A ram air turbine system includes an actuator having a threaded portion, a rod having a threaded region at or near one end and an eyelet at an opposite end, and a bushing. The bushing has a first thread engaged with the threaded portion of the actuator, and a second thread engaged with the threaded region of the rod, such that an actuation force can be transmitted between the actuator and the rod through the bushing. The first and second threads of the bushing have different pitches.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed in which an aircraft landing system is at least partly primarily powered by power provided by a ram air turbine (RAT).

Abstract: An example ram air turbine drive shaft assembly includes a drive shaft that rotates about an axis to drive a hydraulic pump and a generator. The drive shaft has an interruption that redirects a fluid flowing from the hydraulic pump to the generator when the drive shaft is rotated.

Abstract: A rotary wing aircraft propulsion system includes an engine, a heat exchanger cooling a fluid from the engine and a thermoelectric generator in thermal communication with the fluid to generate electrical power. The thermoelectric generator provides electrical power to at least one aircraft component.

Abstract: An aircraft auxiliary power unit assembly includes an aircraft skin that provides a cavity. It is secured to a structure in an assembled condition and it provides an opening. An auxiliary power unit is arranged within the cavity and is secured to the structure. The aircraft skin substantially covers the auxiliary power unit in the assembled condition. An inlet duct that is removable is secured within the opening and is selectively connected to the auxiliary power unit between the installed and service positions. The installed and service positions are with the aircraft skin in the assembled condition.

Abstract: According to the invention, a rear portion of a fuselage of an aircraft contains a fuel cell system, and the aircraft further includes a rear cone which is removably mounted relative to the rear portion of the fuselage so as to form an extension thereof. The rear cone is shaped as a fuel tank for the fuel cell system contained in the rear portion of the fuselage. The rear cone includes at least one housing extending into the fuel tank and configured to receive at least one projecting slide extending from the rear portion of the fuselage.

Abstract: An assembly and method for providing buffer air and/or ventilation air within a gas turbine engine, the assembly includes an accessory gearbox and a centrifugal compressor. The accessory gearbox is connected to a driven shaft of the gas turbine engine. The centrifugal compressor is driven by the accessory gearbox during operation of the gas turbine engine to receive and compress a bleed air to produce the buffer air and/or the ventilation air. The buffer air and/or the ventilation air is communicated within the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aircraft having an auxiliary power system, the auxiliary power system, including: a reciprocating engine having an air inlet and an exhaust system; a compressed air source for providing compressed air to the air inlet; and, an electrical generator for providing electrical power.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a platform, a battery system, a power generation system, a number of charging stations, and a controller. The platform is configured to house a number of unmanned aerial vehicles. The power generation system is connected to the battery system. The power generation system is configured to generate electrical energy from an environment in which the platform is located, and store the electrical energy in the battery system. The number of charging stations is connected to the battery system. The controller is connected to the battery system and is configured to receive sensor data from the number of unmanned aerial vehicles, generate information from the sensor data, and send the information to a remote location.