Abstract:
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to safe arrestment and recovery of an airborne unmanned air vehicle (UAV). Specific embodiments provide a 360 degree capture engagement cage (12) that can recover a UAV approaching from any direction. The systems described herein may be used regardless of wind direction. The systems described herein may also be used as an air-only based system. Other embodiments may be used as including both an upper and lower tether (22) for the engagement cage.
Abstract:
Arresting systems (10) attachable to a tail-hook cable (16) or other device for aircraft arrestment may have a total height of one foot, enabling above-ground installation at the edge of a runway. Arresting tapes (66a, 66b) are provided on horizontally positioned dual tape spools in a brake-in-spool configuration. With a friction disk brake assembly (40a, 40b) enclosed within the hub of each horizontal tape spool (60a, 60b)to control tape deployment by braking spool rotation during aircraft arrestment, overall system height is reduced. By use of disposable single-use spools (60a, 60b), requirement for a tape rewind engine and related mechanisms are avoided. Spool hubs can be keyed to the exterior of a rotatable brake assembly (40a, 40b) portion to facilitate slidable tape spool installation and replacement. Pre-tensioned arresting tapes (66a, 66b) on tape spools (60a, 60b) can be employed for improved tape deployment. Computerized hydraulic brake assembly activation can be employed for controlled aircraft arrestment.
Abstract:
Aircraft arresting beds at ends of runways may be subject to damaging effects of jet blast phenomena. Arresting units for that and other applications and which are resistant to such effects are described, with related methods.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for arresting vehicles or other moving objects are detailed. The systems may be bi-directional, so as to arrest vehicles on either side of a barrier. They additionally may be reset for reuse relatively rapidly following deployment.
Abstract:
A hook cable support assembly (10) is arranged to support a hook cable above a runway surface for arrestment of an aircraft having a tail hook. The operating mechanism of the support assembly is mounted to the detachable cover (14) of an enclosure (12). A cable support block (20) holding the hook cable can be rotated to lower the cable into a runway slot (34) for non-arrested landings and can be depressed downward upon impact by an aircraft wheel. Support block rotation is controlled by a pneumatic cylinder (60) and compression spring (70) combination acting via a four-bar linkage (50). Support block upward recovery following depression is controlled by torsion springs (46). The cylinder and compression and torsion springs are mounted to the lower surface of the cover and function as a self-contained mechanism isolated from mechanical contact with the enclosure. With this cover-mounted configuration, the operating mechanism of the cable support assembly is removable for service or replacement by detachment of the cover.
Abstract:
Addressed are systems and methods for providing to pilots of landing aircraft real-time (or near real-time) information concerning runway conditions and aircraft-stopping performance to be encountered upon landing. The systems and methods contemplate using more objective data than utilized at present and providing the information in automated manner. Information may be obtained by using conventional ground-based runway friction testers or, advantageously, by using air-based equipment such as (but not limited to) unmanned aerospace vehicles (UAVs).
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide cellular phosphate bodies formed using specialized steps to ensure a specific strength range, and specifically a compressive strength less than 100 pounds per square inch. Further embodiments relate to uses for various phosphate ceramics as vehicle arresting systems.
Abstract:
Detailed are systems and techniques for protecting structures from vehicular attack. The systems incorporate deformable materials sufficient to disable or otherwise inhibit certain vehicular traffic yet support weights and weight distributions typically associated with pedestrian or other non-threat traffic. Bodies of deformable materials further may include rigid structures or vehicle-immobilization devices.