MODULAR PAYLOAD AIRFRAME SECTION

Abstract

A modular payload airframe section for an aircraft airframe is disclosed. The modular payload airframe section comprises: a storage volume for receiving a payload; a releasable fixation means for releasably affixing the modular payload airframe section to an airframe of the aircraft; and wherein the modular payload airframe section forms at least part of a nose-cone of the aircraft airframe when affixed thereto.

Claims

1. A modular payload airframe section for an aircraft airframe, comprising: a storage volume for receiving a payload; a releasable fixation means for releasably affixing the modular payload airframe section to an airframe of the aircraft; and wherein the modular payload airframe section forms at least part of a nose-cone of the aircraft airframe when affixed thereto.

2. The modular payload airframe section of claim 1, wherein the releasable fixation means comprises one or more male members arranged for engagement with one or more female members comprised in the airframe of the aircraft.

3. The modular payload section of any preceding claim, comprising one or more alignment pin cavities, each cavity being arranged to receive an alignment pin comprised in the aircraft airframe, to facilitate alignment of the modular payload airframe with the aircraft airframe when affixing the modular payload airframe section to the aircraft airframe.

4. The modular payload airframe section of any preceding claim, comprising a hollow nose-cone and wherein the storage volume is formed at least partly within the hollow nose-cone.

5. The modular payload airframe section of claim 4, wherein the modular payload airframe section tapers to an apex at a first end to define the nose-cone, and is configured with the releasable fixation means at a second end located opposite the first end.

6. The modular payload airframe section of claim 5, comprising a projection extending axially from the second end and forming a stepped profile with the nose-cone when viewed in a plane extending parallel to a lengthwise axis of the nose-cone, the projection being arranged in use to form a lap joint with a complementary shaped projection extending from a fuselage section of the aircraft airframe.

7. The modular payload airframe section of claim 6, wherein the projection extending axially from the second end is arranged in use to form the lap joint by underlying the complementary shaped projection extending from the fuselage section of the aircraft airframe.

8. The modular payload airframe section of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the stepped profile defines three contact surfaces for engagement with the complementary shaped projection extending from the fuselage section of the aircraft airframe.

9. The modular payload airframe section of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the projection comprises at least one of the one or more alignment pin cavities.

10. The modular payload airframe section of any preceding claim, wherein the modular payload airframe section is dimensioned to form an aerodynamically smooth junction with the aircraft airframe when affixed thereto.

11. The modular payload airframe section of any preceding claim, comprising a fuel tank engageable with a fuel system of the aircraft airframe.

12. The modular payload airframe section of claim 11, comprising a refueling wand affixed to the exterior of the modular payload airframe section.

13. The modular payload airframe section of any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a Disaster Relief Module for Medical Transport (DRA-M).

14. The modular payload airframe section of any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising surveillance equipment.

15. The modular payload airframe section of any one of claims 1 to 10 and claim 14, comprising one or more image capture devices.

16. The modular payload airframe section of claim 15, wherein the one or more image capture devices comprise at least one video camera.

17. The modular payload airframe section of claim 15 or 16, wherein the image capture device is configured to image any one or more of the following types of electromagnetic radiation: a. infrared; b. ultraviolet; c. x-rays; and d. microwaves.

18. The modular payload airframe section of any one of claims 1 to 10 and claims 13 to 17, comprising an aerial relay station.

19. The modular payload airframe section of any one of claims 1 to 10 and claims 13 to 18, comprising a radar module.

20. The modular payload airframe section of any one of claims 1 to 10 and claims 13 to 19, comprising a LIDAR module.

21. The modular payload airframe section of any one of claims 1 to 10 and claims 13 to 20, comprising a chemical dispenser module configured to spray the chemical on underlying terrain in use.

22. The modular payload airframe section of claim 21, wherein the chemical is any one of a fertilizer and a de-icer.

23. The modular payload airframe section of any preceding claim, comprising a cockpit arranged to accommodate a pilot.

24. The modular payload airframe section of any preceding claim, wherein the modular payload airframe section is configured for use with a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft frame.

25. The modular payload airframe section of claim 24, wherein the VTOL aircraft frame is the airframe of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

26. An aircraft comprising the modular payload airframe section of any one of claims 1 to 25.

27. The aircraft of claim 26, wherein the aircraft is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

28. The aircraft of claim 27, wherein the VTOL aircraft comprises two or more pairs of lift rotors, and one or more axial thrusters.

29. The aircraft of any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the VTOL aircraft is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

30. An aircraft fuselage configured to receive the modular payload airframe section of any one of claims 1 to 25.

31. The aircraft fuselage of claim 30, wherein the fuselage is a fuselage of a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

32. A method of forming an airframe of an aircraft, the method comprising: providing a main fuselage section representing a portion of an aircraft fuselage; providing a modular payload airframe section having a storage volume for receiving a payload; bringing the main fuselage section and the modular payload airframe section together at a mutual interface; and releasably locking the two sections securely, such that the modular payload airframe section forms at least part of a nose-cone of the aircraft airframe.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary modular payload section mounted to an example airframe (shown dash-lined), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0035] FIG. 2 is a top view of the modular payload section mounted to the example airframe of FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 3 is a side view of the modular payload section mounted to the example airframe of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0037] FIGS. 4 through 9 are side views of alternative exemplary payload modules, each exemplary payload being configured to provide a different functionality, and each mounted to the airframe of FIG. 1, wherein:

[0038] FIG. 4 depicts an extended range Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) or geographical survey payload module;

[0039] FIG. 5 depicts a communications array station/relay payload module section;

[0040] FIG. 6 depicts a multiple bay supply delivery payload module section;

[0041] FIG. 7 depicts a filming payload module section for professional high-speed filming;

[0042] FIG. 8 depicts a stretcher transport payload module section for use in trauma, medivac, and DRA scenarios; and

[0043] FIG. 9 depicts a fuel range extending/transport/refueling payload module section;

[0044] FIG. 10a is a side view of an exemplary payload module depicting the mating faces;

[0045] FIG. 10b is a perspective view of the exemplary payload module of FIG. 10a;

[0046] FIG. 11 is a top view of a portion of the airframe of FIG. 1, depicting alignment pins configured to engage with a modular payload section;

[0047] FIG. 12 is a side view of the alignment pins of FIG. 11;

[0048] FIG. 13 is an isometric perspective view of the alignment pins of FIG. 11, and also shows a latch pin retaining pocket, the alignment pins and latch pin retaining pocket are not shown to scale and are disproportionately sized for clarity purposes only;

[0049] FIG. 14 is a plan view of an exemplary latch assembly adopted in embodiments of the invention, in it's ready to engage position;

[0050] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the exemplary latch assembly of FIG. 14, in its first stage of engagement (first 90 degrees of clockwise rotation) position;

[0051] FIG. 16 is a plan view of the exemplary latch assembly of FIGS. 14 and 15, shown in its engaged position, in which the latch handle itself is pressed into its respective flight position pocket; and

[0052] FIG. 17 is a plan view of an exemplary VTOL aircraft comprising the modular payload section of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] A modular payload airframe section 1 is shown in FIG. 1, comprising a main payload fuselage section 2, comprising a releasable fixation means for releasably affixing the payload airframe section to a VTOL airframe 4. The fixation means may comprise a multi-point locking mechanism system 3, which is dimensioned according to connecting surface areas matched to the mating VTOL airframe 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the modular payload airframe section is shaped as a nose-cone, and when affixed to the VTOL airframe 4 defines the aircraft's nose-cone. In particular, the modular payload airframe section tapers to an apex at a first end defining the nose-cone, and is configured with the releasable fixations means at a second end located opposite the first end.

[0054] The nose-cone may be at least partially hollow, such that a storage volume may be formed at least partly within it. This enables a payload to be stored therein.

[0055] The exemplary VTOL aircraft frame 4 is shown for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be appreciated that the modular payload airframe section 1 could be affixed to any type of airframe, and is not restricted for use with VTOL type aircraft. In this regard the illustrated VTOL aircraft airframe 4 is not to be construed as limiting. The illustrated VTOL airframe 4 comprises a main fuselage, a right and left main wing section, and a horizontal stabilizer and a vertical stabilizer. Mounted to each wing are two lift rotor housings, which are each arranged to house a lift rotor, which in operation generate the lift required for vertical take-off. The VTOL aircraft airframe 4 may also be arranged to comprise one or more forward thrusters (not shown) which drive the aircraft in a forwards direction.

[0056] The main payload section 2 may be stored and positioned for attachment, initially loaded and or unloaded, and/or otherwise secured while not attached to the VTOL airframe 4 via a transfer cradle frame (not shown). The transfer cradle frame (not shown) may be moved about via any known power-assisted cargo moving device, tractor or pusher, or lifted via conventional fork truck or similar cargo moving vehicle, including mobile or overhead cranes.

[0057] The payload section 2 may be provided with a plethora of different functionalities to fulfill various different mission specifications. Non-limiting examples of these encapsulated mission specific payloads and or designed functions include: fuel tank expansion as shown in FIG. 9, whereby a refueling wand 7 may be retractable and or repositionable in order to accommodate many methods of refueling or fuel delivery; Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission equipment (depicted in FIG. 4); Communication Array Expansion (including temporary aerial relaying stations) such as shown in FIG. 5, and Swarming Aircraft Intranet Enhancement; Rapid Situational Awareness and Assessment via Tracking, HiR/IR Video, LiDAR equipment and the like; Coordinated Relay and Tagging Operations for military, border patrol, coast guard, police, air rescue, disaster relief and other humanitarian efforts; Aerial Mine Detection; Forest Fire Monitoring as well as added action; Maritime Security including oil rig and anti-piracy; Actual injured personnel stretcher 6 transport (FIG. 8); also Agricultural assessment and fertilizer/treatment applications; Major de-icing operations and other chemical down-spray applications, just to name a few specific examples of the module flexibility and functionality that can be had from one major airframe with such interchangeable payload modules. FIGS. 4 through 9 depict a few of the envisaged, but by no means complete list of specific payload section configurations.

[0058] The payload fuselage section 2 may be stored, transported in, and moved about via an associated transfer cradle frame (not shown) onsite, when not affixed to a complementary VTOL airframe. For initial loading and or alternate transfers it is envisaged that skyhook lifting points may be used, to enable the payload fuselage section 2 to be moved between different transfer cradle frames, and or moved directly to a receiving or host VTOL airframe 4 for fixation. Different payload fuselage section models may be designed for fixation to different airframe types.

[0059] The payload fuselage section 2 completes the forward/nose-cone section of the host airframe 4, and also serves to enhance slipstream flows. In certain embodiments, the aerodynamic shape of the payload fuselage section 2 is designed to eliminate additional parasitic drag that is associated with typical interchangeable cargo pod type systems or the like.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the payload fuselage section 2 may comprise alignment connect points provided to facilitate the alignment of the payload fuselage section 2 with the aircraft airframe 4. The alignment may be achieved by specially designed and tapered centering pins 10 that facilitate the initial alignment, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. In certain embodiments, it is envisaged that the centering pins 10 are provided on the airframe 10 and are received in complimentary shaped cavities located in the payload fuselage section 2. In certain embodiments the pins may be approximately 35 mm in length. Once the pins 10 are engaged in their corresponding cavities then the payload fuselage section 2 may be fixated to the corresponding airframe 4 via fixation means, which fixation means may comprise one or more male members configured for mating with one or more complimentary female members located in the airframe 4. In certain embodiments, the fixation means may comprise several, at least six, latches 3 located in the payload fuselage section 2, and arranged to fasten the payload fuselage section 2 to the aircraft airframe 4.

[0061] In certain embodiments the alignment pins 10 may be part of the bulkhead structure of the airframe 4 as opposed to only being adhered to the outer shell areas. Furthermore, structural webbing and reinforcement may surround each alignment pin 10 and may even be tied to inner surfaces of the shell for overall optimization of load distribution, and improvement of the rigidity of the alignment pins 10. Once all of the pins 10 are fully engaged in their respective cavities, then the latches 3 are operated turn-cam style to engage load-bearing fingers 12 with receiving pin-pockets 11 located on the aircraft airframe 4. FIG. 13 shows an exploded close-up view of a typical receiving pin pocket 11 for reference. Each latch finger 12 rotates into and engages a counterpart pin-pocket 11 and as the respective turning handle 13 is rotated into the closed position. In the closed position, the turning handle 13 is pushed into a spring retained pocket 14. Once snapped into the retaining pocket 14, the latch handle 3 lies flush or very slightly below the outer surface of the payload fuselage assembly, in order to reduce drag. In certain embodiments, the general sequence for the latching procedure may be: turn the latch handle 13 a first 90 degrees clockwise to reveal and set the latching finger 12; followed by turning the latch handle 13 again, another 90 degrees clockwise to draw the latch finger 12 and mating fuselage sections tightly together; and finally, pushing the latch handle into the retaining pocket 14 where it is snapped into place for flight. This sequence is depicted in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16.

[0062] In certain embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 10a and 10b, the payload fuselage section 2 comprises a projection 15 extending axially from its back end. In the illustrated embodiment, the payload fuselage section 2 is shaped as a nose-cone. In combination with the payload fuselage section 2, the projection 15 forms a stepped profile when viewed in a plane extending parallel to a lengthwise axis of the payload fuselage section 2. The projection is arranged in use to form a lap joint with a complimentary shaped projection extending from the fuselage section of the airframe 4. Examples of this lap joint configuration are illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 through 9. This stepped profile results advantageously in at least three different mating faces being formed, which are denoted in FIGS. 10a and 10b, and which help to distribute stress over a greater number of surfaces. An advantage associated with this arrangement is that the robustness of each mating area of the main airframe 4 and the payload module 2 is improved. This geometric configuration also results in a more structurally integrated configuration of the payload module 2 and airframe 4 with their respective fuselage sections. This geometric configuration also affords three separated points and two separated directional vectors of force retention. At least four equally spaced (on their respective mating connecting face) upwards oriented latching fingers 12 that secure the payload module 2 in the vertical axis direction of the overall aircraft (hanging load), and at least two other centrally positioned horizontally oriented latching fingers 12 to secure the payload module in the longitudinal axis direction of the aircraft.

[0063] In the certain embodiments as illustrated in the FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 through 9, the projection 15 is arranged in use to form the lap joint by underlying the complementary shaped projection extending from the fuselage section of the aircraft airframe 4.

[0064] In some embodiments, the projection 15 may be reserved for standard fuel cell clearances and may also retain the primary vertically oriented load carrying latch fingers 12. In addition, it may also be utilized as extra space for specific useful loads that may require the additional length provided in this volumetric area.

[0065] In certain embodiments, one or more alignment pin cavities 16 may be comprised in the projection, each pin cavity being dimensioned to receive a complimentary pin 10 comprised on the airframe 4. This is illustrated in FIG. 10b.

[0066] This combination of offset face and multiple stage alignment pins 10, in combination with the perpendicularly oriented latching finger assemblies 12 allows the remaining geometrically symmetrical forward portion of the payload module 2 fuselage to be most open and available to be best utilized for payload cargo. The resulting geometric shape interface also affords a lighter and more rigid mounting structure as opposed to two flat surfaces.

[0067] FIG. 17 illustrates a VTOL aircraft 17 comprising the modular payload airframe section 2. The VTOL aircraft comprises two forward thrusters, including a left side thruster 18 and a right side thruster 19. The thrusters drive motion of the VTOL aircraft 17 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 20. The VTOL aircraft comprises an airframe 4 to which the modular payload airframe section 2 is affixed. The VTOL aircraft 17 comprises a right 20 and a left 21 main wing section. Each wing section comprises a lift rotor housing. The right main wing section 20 comprise a right lift rotor housing 22, and the left main wing section 21 comprises a left lift rotor housing 23. The right lift rotor housing 22 encompasses and retains at least two preferably collective pitch lifting roto assemblies 24, 25, and the left lift rotor housing 23 encompasses and retains at least two preferably collective pitch lifting rotor assemblies 26, 27. The aircraft 17 also comprises a fore and/or an aft mounted horizontal stabilizer 28 and a vertical stabilizer 29, or alternatively the horizontal and vertical stabilizers may be replaced with a form of upward or downward facing V-Tail assembly (not shown). The vertical stabilizer 29 may be mounted and extends upward from an aft station location of the fuselage 30 of the aircraft. The horizontal stabilizer 28 may be mounted to the uppermost portion of the vertical stabilizer 29 forming what is largely known in the art as a T-Tail assembly comprising of both horizontal and vertical stabilizing and control surfaces. The right 20 and left 21 main wing sections extend from respectively the right and left side of the main aircraft fuselage 30. Although preferably gear-driven propellers, the thrusters 18, 19 may be axial jet engine or turbofan, high-bypass type jet engines. Each wing section 20, 21 may also comprise an aileron, such that the right wing section 20 comprises a right aileron 31, and the left wing section 21 comprises a left aileron 32. Each aileron is attached to its respective wing section and is configured to pivot relative to its respective wing section.

[0068] In alternative embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the modular payload airframe section may comprise a cockpit and navigation controls arranged to accommodate a pilot, and in use enables the pilot to navigate the resulting aircraft.

[0069] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention has been described by way of example only, and that a variety of alternative embodiments may be adopted without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. In particular whilst the foregoing embodiments of the invention have been described within the context of use with a VTOL aircraft airframe, it is to be appreciated that the herein described embodiments may be used with any aircraft airframe type.