This invention, the Motor-wing Gimbal Aircraft (MGA) is an aerial vehicle and waterborne craft. It launches and lands vertically from the ground and water. In flight, it transitions from vertical, hovering and forward flight to horizontal flight. The MGA embodies multiple configurations and arrangements of motor-wings, propulsion systems and hybrid engine combinations. The MGA uses a fly-by-light system for flight maneuvering and controlling the motorized multi-axis gimbal cockpit. The MGA uses cellular communications together with the Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigation, collision avoidance and restricted airspace avoidance. The MGA uses visible lights to signal its elevation and flight maneuvers. The MGA is constructed of modular apparatuses and assemblies that are interchangeable and work in concert to power and maneuver the vehicle. This invention includes: the method of construction, the method of control, the method of visual light signaling, the method of electronic mapping of airspace (EMA) and the method of navigation. This invention includes flight operation applications and military applications.

A shrouded pipe formed from inner and outer pipe sections, the inner pipe section having an outwardly projecting flange joining the outer pipe section, and the outer pipe section having an inwardly projecting flange joining the inner pipe section, an annular volume between the inner and outer pipe sections providing a secondary fluid path. The flanges control axial position of the inner pipe section. By providing one flange which extends radially outwardly and one which extends radially inwardly, assembly is possible of the shrouded pipe by inserting the inner pipe section into the outer pipe section, without modification of the outer pipe section or inner pipe section. The first and second flanges ensure no unwanted contact between the inner and outer pipe sections, and therefore to prevent damage to the primary fluid path. The first and second flanges ensure good load distribution between the inner and outer pipe sections.

A method of manufacturing a shrouded pipe comprising an inner pipe section for providing a primary fluid path and an outer pipe section for enclosing the inner pipe section to provide a secondary fluid path. The method includes opening the outer pipe section by separating first and second longitudinal edges which split the outer pipe section along a longitudinal line, assembling the outer pipe section with the inner pipe section by passing the inner pipe section between the separated first and second longitudinal edges, and closing the outer pipe section by bringing the first and second longitudinal edges together and joining the first and second longitudinal edges together. An advantage of this method is that close manufacturing tolerances can be achieved without a complex or difficult assembly process.

A shrouded valve assembly includes a valve with a valve pipe and a valve channel. A valve member in the valve channel can regulate flow of fluid through the valve channel. A valve shroud provides a valve shroud chamber. First and second shrouded pipe assemblies are on opposite sides of the valve, each including a pipe in fluid communication with a respective end of the valve channel, and a pipe shroud providing a pipe shroud chamber. Each pipe shroud chamber is in fluid communication with a respective end of the valve shroud chamber. The pipe assemblies are connected to the valve shroud by first and second connections and to the valve by third and fourth connections, the fourth connection more flexible than both the first connection and the second connection. Load passes between the pipe assemblies via the valve shroud rather than via the valve, protecting the valve from damage.

A shrouded valve assembly including a valve, valve pipe and valve channel. A valve member can regulate flow of fluid through the valve channel. A valve shroud provides a valve shroud chamber and includes first and second valve shroud members fixed via valve shroud member flanges. An actuator shaft passes through the valve shroud and the valve pipe to the valve member and can move to operate the valve member to regulate flow of fluid through the valve channel. The actuator shaft extends in an actuator shaft direction passing through the valve shroud and the valve pipe. The valve shroud flanges meet at a valve shroud interface inclined at an acute angle to the actuator shaft direction. The actuator shaft passes through the first valve shroud member and not the second valve shroud member, enabling the valve to be inspected by disassembling this interface without disassembling the valve shroud members.

A fuel pipe assembly is disclosed including a connector having a socket and a lug arrangement extending from the socket, a pipe having a first end portion adapted to fit within the socket, and a retainer having first and second parts which together form a collar configured to retain a pipe. The retainer has an open condition in which a pipe is insertable, and a closed condition. The retainer also has a channel arranged, in the closed condition, to capture the lug arrangement.

A fluid line adapted to contain a pressurized fluid imposing loads on the line that vary along its length comprises a tube formed of a fiber reinforced plastic, wherein the fibers are locally tailored along the length of the tube to meet local load requirements. The tube is consolidated within a volumetric chamber having separate, individually controlled chamber compartments for respectively consolidating different segments of the tube.

The present application relates to a fuel flow system. In particular, the application relates to a fuel flow system for an aircraft. The fuel flow system has a fuel conduit having a fuel inflow and a fuel outflow along which a fuel/water mix is configured to flow from the fuel inflow to the fuel outflow. The fuel conduit is fluidly communicable with a fuel tank. A peripheral conduit surrounds at least part of the fuel conduit. A water-permeable member is disposed between the fuel conduit and the peripheral conduit. The water-permeable member enables water from the fuel/water mix to flow through the water-permeable member from the fuel conduit into the peripheral conduit, but at least substantially prevents liquid fuel from the fuel/water mix from doing so.

A fuel manifold adapted to communicate with at least one fuel tank of an aircraft is presented. The manifold defines an enclosure adapted to be filled with fuel and to have an internal pressure P1 higher than the internal pressure P2 of the fuel tank. The enclosure includes at least one ceiling and at least one side wall provided with overflow holes adapted to communicate with the fuel tank. The manifold includes a mechanism for discharging an air pocket, trapped between the ceiling and the level of the overflow holes, to the fuel tank.

A vessel designed for enclosing at least one sensor is arranged within a fuel tank. The vessel is provided with a fuel inlet connected to a refuelling arrangement of the tank, and with through-holes for the fuel to exit the vessel to the tank or to enter the vessel from the tank. It allows that measurement results which are provided by the sensor during a refuelling operation relate to the fuel currently admitted into the tank, separately from the fuel initially contained in the tank before the refuelling operation has started.