Abstract:
A fluid connection system (320) for fluidly connecting a pair of fluid reservoirs, such as fuel cells (302, 304, 306, 308), includes a bellowed portion (322) surrounding a connection portion (330) through which fluid can flow between the two reservoirs. The bellowed portion (322) allows for relative movement between the two reservoirs without breaking the fluid-tight connection between the two reservoirs. Also, a guard member (340) surrounds at least some of the outer periphery of the bellowed portion (322). The guard member (340) serves as a shield around the fluid-tight connection and bellowed portion (322), and thereby helps prevent damage to the fluid-tight connection in the event of a crash or hard landing.
Abstract:
A rotorcraft (10) includes a fuselage (16) having a fuel tank receiving assembly (24) with a fuel tank (28) positioned therein. The fuel tank (28) including a plurality of interconnected fuel bags operable to contain liquid fuel. A network of straps is disposed about the fuel tank (28) forming a restraint assembly (130; 172; 182; 202). The network of straps includes at least one perimeter strap (132, 134, 136, 138, 140) extending at least partially about at least two fuel bags and at least one surrounding strap (142, 144, 146) extending at least partially about the at least two fuel bags. The at least one perimeter strap (132, 134, 136, 138, 140) has at least two intersections (156, 158) with the at least one surrounding strap (142, 144, 146).
Abstract:
A rotorcraft (10) includes a fuselage (16) having a fuel tank receiving assembly (24) with a fuel tank (28) positioned therein. The fuel tank (28) including a plurality of interconnected fuel bags operable to contain liquid fuel. A network of straps is disposed about the fuel tank (28) forming a restraint assembly (130; 172; 182; 202). The network of straps includes at least one perimeter strap (132, 134, 136, 138, 140) extending at least partially about at least two fuel bags and at least one surrounding strap (142, 144, 146) extending at least partially about the at least two fuel bags. The at least one perimeter strap (132, 134, 136, 138, 140) has at least two intersections (156, 158) with the at least one surrounding strap (142, 144, 146).
Abstract:
The present invention includes an apparatus for preventing aircraft rollover upon a water landing comprising: a deployable first and/or second boom (116, 122) affixed by a first end (117) to the aircraft (100) and capable of deployment substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the aircraft (100); and a first and/or second air bladder (118, 124) attached to a second end of the first and/or second boom (116, 122), wherein the first and/or second air bladders (118, 124) are configured to inflate when an aircraft (100) lands in the water (112), wherein deployment of the first and second boom (116, 122) and air bladder (118, 124) prevents aircraft rollover upon water landing; or a deployable keel (130) affixed by a first end to the aircraft (100) and capable of deployment substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis and opposite a rotor of the aircraft (100) upon a water landing, wherein the keel is sized to prevent aircraft rollover upon deployment; or both.
Abstract:
A fluid connection system (320) for fluidly connecting a pair of fluid reservoirs, such as fuel cells (302, 304, 306, 308), includes a bellowed portion (322) surrounding a connection portion (330) through which fluid can flow between the two reservoirs. The bellowed portion (322) allows for relative movement between the two reservoirs without breaking the fluid-tight connection between the two reservoirs. Also, a guard member (340) surrounds at least some of the outer periphery of the bellowed portion (322). The guard member (340) serves as a shield around the fluid-tight connection and bellowed portion (322), and thereby helps prevent damage to the fluid-tight connection in the event of a crash or hard landing.