The present invention relates to an autonomous, multi-use, subterranean aircraft pull-through system that connects with an aircraft arriving at the ramp pick-up point and transits through the terminal building, in a unidirectional movement, where the aircraft is serviced, then disconnects from the aircraft at the ramp release point. The autonomous, subterranean aircraft pull-through system receives multiple aircraft in a row, with rows adjacent to each other, where aircraft are nose to tail, and side by side, occupying the smallest footprint in the industry. The autonomous, subterranean aircraft pull-through system is remotely controlled and operates autonomously in a subterranean manner to assist in servicing the aircraft. The system helps to speed up the aircraft handling component of airside operations, improve safety, reduce emissions, and the cost factors borne by both airports and airlines. The autonomous, subterranean aircraft pull-through system design is versatile in handling all code A-F (ICAO) aircraft.

Methods and apparatus for performing repair operations using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The methods are enabled by equipping the UAV with tools for rapidly repairing a large structure or object (e.g., an aircraft or a wind turbine blade) that is not easily accessible to maintenance personnel. A plurality of tools are available for robotic selection and placement at the repair site. The tools are designed to perform respective repair operations in sequence in accordance with a specified repair plan, which plan may take into account the results of a previously performed UAV-enabled inspection.

A base station is disclosed that is configured for use with a UAV. The base station includes: an enclosure with an outer housing that defines a roof section and an inner housing that is connected to the outer housing; one or more heating elements that are supported by the enclosure and which are configured to heat the roof section; one or more fiducials that are supported by the enclosure; an illumination system that is supported by the enclosure and which is configured to illuminate the one or more fiducials; and a visualization system that is supported by the enclosure.

A method and system for automating the de-icing/anti-icing of an aircraft that includes the generation of a treatment plan that incudes input from at least one weather source. The treatment plan may then be reviewed by a pilot to any updates. After being finalized, the treatment plan is distributed to at least one de-icing vehicle to perform the de-icing/anti-icing of the aircraft. During execution of the de-icing/anti-icing, real-time updates may be provided by the system to the pilot of the aircraft.

A method and system for automating the de-icing/anti-icing of an aircraft that includes the generation of a treatment plan that incudes input from at least one weather source. The treatment plan may then be reviewed by a pilot to any updates. After being finalized, the treatment plan is distributed to at least one de-icing vehicle to perform the de-icing/anti-icing of the aircraft. During execution of the de-icing/anti-icing, real-time updates may be provided by the system to the pilot of the aircraft.

A method for repairing a composite structure, includes creating a repair cavity in a composite structure, placing foamable media in the repair cavity, placing a replacement skin over the repair cavity, and expanding the foamable media placed in the repair cavity.

A method for repairing a composite structure, includes creating a repair cavity in a composite structure, placing foamable media in the repair cavity, placing a replacement skin over the repair cavity, and expanding the foamable media placed in the repair cavity.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatus, systems, computer program products for transferring a performance of a procedure found in technical documentation for an item via an interactive electronic technical manual system (IETM) configured to provide electronic and credentialed access to the technical documentation. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising: providing the steps of the procedure in an order in which the steps are to be carried out; and while a user is participating in the performance of the procedure: causing a particular step that is being carried out to be highlighted; receiving input of a selection of a transfer mechanism and in response: causing an indication to be displayed between the particular step and a next step to be carried out identifying where the performance has been suspended; providing a transfer window displaying transfer information; and recording the transfer information and an identifier for the indication.

Nuclear Aircraft Transportation System “KARAVAN” with its components is represented by a group of inventions in the technical and organizational relations. The main and basic invention is Nuclear Aircraft Transportation System “KARAVAN” (NATS). This invention includes two other ones: Aircraft Thrust Nuclear Power Plant, (ATNPP), which in turn includes—Thermal Power Cycle of ATNPP, (TPC ATNPP). In addition, the represented group of inventions is made up of two more inventions: Maintenance System of ATNPP, (MS ATNPP) and Emergency Response System of NATSK, (ERS NATSK).

The concept of practical implementation of the presented group of inventions involves the fact that ATNPP, which is a large unmanned drone aircraft “Tiagach”, supplies the aero-train composed of a number of passenger liners and cargo transport planes using electric motors with traction electric energy in the air.

The power supply of such an aero-train is based on the onboard Nuclear Power Plant of the aircraft “Tiagach”. In this case, the transmission of electric power to the towed electric aircraft of the aero-train is carried out by means of electric split feeders and cables, connecting and disconnecting of which between airplanes of the aero-train is carried out in the air, by analogy with refueling of airplanes in the air with JP fuel.

During the flight of the aero-train on a logistically optimized route, electric airplanes can detach from and attach to the aero-train, taking off and landing along the flight route of the aero-train using their own electric accumulators. In addition, extra ATNPP may be included in the aero-train during its flight, if it is necessary to increase the thrust. At the same time, due to the use of nuclear power, such ATNPP can remain in the air for a conditionally indefinite period of time.

The invention is aimed at creating cost-effective air freight and passenger traffic.

An assembly for removing a bushing is provided including a mandrel having a size and shape similar to the bushing and a receiver having a hollow interior cavity. A fastener extends through an opening formed in both the mandrel and the receiver. A socket attachment has a first opening configured to removably couple to a first end of the fastener and a second opening configured to removably couple to a torque delivery tool. A biasing mechanism arranged adjacent a second end of the fastener is configured to generate a biasing force to drive the mandrel against a bushing in response to a coupling of the socket attachment and the fastener.