A method for three-redundant delivery of an external store for a trainer aircraft

Abstract

The application discloses a method for three-redundancy delivery of external hanging objects of a trainer, and the method comprises a normal delivery mode and a backup delivery mode. When the normal delivery mode is invalid, the backup delivery mode can be selected. The normal delivery mode is completed by an airborne sensor, a fire control computer, a display control system, an armament switch of a cockpit, a delivery button of a driving rod, a hanger and the like. The backup delivery mode is completed by the fire control computer, the display control system, the armament switch of the cockpit, the delivery button of the driving rod, the hanger and the like. The method has the advantages of reasonable design and feasibility, and can meet the needs of pilots in various situations, ensure safe delivery of the external hanging objects and guarantee flight safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aircraft weapon systems technology, specifically, it relates to a method for triple redundancy deployment of external stores by a trainer aircraft. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the release of external stores on trainer aircraft is divided into two methods: normal release and emergency release. Normal release refers to the onboard fire control computer performing fire control calculations in real time and executing the release mission when the release conditions are met. Emergency release refers to the release of all external stores when a critical system of the aircraft fails, such as during takeoff when the engine fails and all external stores need to be released in an emergency. If an external store (weapon) malfunctions or its normal deployment fails at a particular hardpoint, individual deployment of that store cannot be achieved. For example, the control method in patent ZL 201922172605.X only allows for emergency deployment when normal deployment fails, simultaneously deploying functional external stores from symmetrical hardpoints. Furthermore, because the emergency deployment function is implemented via an emergency deployment knob, an emergency deployment button, and control circuitry, the number of settings on the emergency deployment knob is limited. Setting too many settings would obstruct the pilot's view and easily lead to misoperation. Therefore, it is only suitable for trainer aircraft with a limited number of hardpoints. With the increasing number of hardpoints and multi-rack configurations on trainer aircraft (typically 13 or more), the emergency deployment knob can no longer accommodate the increased number of settings required. Therefore, a new method is needed to achieve the aforementioned functionality. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned prior art, the purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, adapt to the needs of reality, and provide a triple-redundant method for dropping external stores on trainer aircraft in order to solve the problem of pilots being able to drop the corresponding external stores in a timely manner when airborne equipment failure, line failure or aircraft accidents occur, so as to ensure the safe release of external stores and guarantee flight safety.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows: a method for triple-redundant external payload delivery on a trainer aircraft. The method includes a normal delivery mode and a backup delivery mode. When the normal delivery mode is invalid, the backup delivery mode can be selected. The normal delivery mode is completed by airborne sensors, a fire control computer, a display and control system, a cockpit ordnance switch, a release button on the control stick, and a pylon. The cockpit ordnance switch and the control stick release button are hard-interlocked with the normal delivery circuit of the fire control computer. Specifically, in the normal delivery mode: a weapon is selected at a specific pylon on the display and control system. After the pilot maneuvers the aircraft into the attack zone, the cockpit ordnance switch is activated, and the attack is initiated according to the attack route. At this time, the fire control computer receives data from the airborne sensors and performs real-time fire control calculations. When the fire control calculation is successful and the weapon is ready, the "launch" button on the control stick is pressed. The fire control computer outputs a normal delivery command to the pylon located at that pylon to execute the delivery task. Two seconds after the delivery signal is sent, the fire control computer checks whether the weapon presence signal is valid. If valid... If the system reports a fault in the hardpoint, indicating an abnormal weapon deployment, a backup deployment will be considered. If this is ineffective, the weapon symbol and code for that hardpoint will be cleared, and the normal weapon deployment will be completed. The backup deployment mode is controlled by the fire control computer, display and control system, cockpit ordnance switch, control stick deployment button, and hardpoint. The cockpit ordnance switch and control stick deployment button are hard-interlocked with the backup deployment circuit of the fire control computer. The backup deployment mode is as follows: Select the hardpoint to be deployed on the backup deployment screen of the display and control system. The fire control computer will enable the selected hardpoint. The pilot will turn on the cockpit ordnance switch. When the external stores are ready, the pilot will press the "launch" button on the control stick. The fire control computer will output a deployment signal to the ammunition hook on the hardpoint. The ammunition hook will open to complete the deployment of the external stores. Two seconds after the deployment signal is sent, the fire control computer will check whether the external store presence signal is valid. If valid, the system will report a fault in the hardpoint, indicating an abnormal backup deployment of the external stores. If invalid, the external store symbol and code for that hardpoint will be cleared, and the backup deployment of the external stores will be completed.

[0005] Furthermore, airborne sensors include inertial navigation sensors and atmospheric sensors.

[0006] Furthermore, in the backup deployment mode, under the backup deployment screen of the display and control system, select one or more deployment points to be deployed.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes an emergency drop mode, which is activated by the fire control computer, the emergency drop knob and button in the cockpit, and the pylon. The emergency drop knob and button are hard-interlocked with the emergency drop circuit of the fire control computer. Specifically, in the emergency drop mode, when the emergency drop knob in the cockpit is selected to the corresponding position, the fire control computer determines that the landing gear is retracted. The pilot presses the emergency drop button, and the fire control computer outputs a drop signal to the bomb hook on the pylon located at the corresponding hardpoint. The bomb hook opens to complete the emergency drop process of the external stores. Two seconds after the drop signal is sent, the fire control computer collects whether the external store presence signal is valid. If valid, it reports a fault at that hardpoint and an abnormal emergency drop; if invalid, it clears the external store symbol and code at that hardpoint, and the emergency drop of the external stores is completed.

[0008] Furthermore, the emergency deployment knob in the cockpit has two selectable settings: "Full" and "External Fuel Tank".

[0009] Furthermore, the emergency drop modes include auxiliary fuel tank emergency drop and full external stores emergency drop. When the emergency drop knob in the cockpit is selected, the corresponding operation will be performed. When the "full" position is selected, the operation of full external stores emergency drop will be performed. Specifically, when the fire control computer determines that the landing gear is retracted, the pilot presses the emergency drop button. The fire control computer outputs a drop signal to the bomb hooks located on all hardpoints. The bomb hooks open to complete the emergency drop process of the external stores. Two seconds after the drop signal is sent, the fire control computer collects whether the external store presence signal is valid. If valid, it reports a malfunction of the hardpoint and an emergency drop anomaly. If invalid, it clears the external store symbol and code of the hardpoint and completes the emergency drop of the external stores. When the "auxiliary fuel tank" position is selected, the operation of auxiliary fuel tank emergency drop will be performed. Specifically, when the fire control computer determines that the landing gear is retracted, the pilot presses the emergency drop button. The fire control computer outputs a drop signal to the bomb hooks located on the hardpoints with only auxiliary fuel tank hardpoints. The bomb hooks open to complete the emergency drop process of the auxiliary fuel tank.

[0010] Furthermore, emergency deployments are generally carried out by issuing deployment signals in a sequence from the outside to the inside of the deployment points, with a certain time interval set, to ensure the safety of the deployment.

[0011] Furthermore, the external attachments include weapons and auxiliary fuel tanks.

[0012] In this invention, the emergency delivery mode of all external attachments can be specifically defined as emergency delivery of all bombs, emergency delivery of all rockets, and emergency delivery of all missiles. Emergency delivery of all bombs, emergency delivery of all rockets, and emergency delivery of all missiles are collectively referred to as emergency delivery of all weapons. The specific emergency delivery of all external attachments can be determined according to the specific type of external attachments.

[0013] This invention addresses the safety concerns of trainer aircraft by designing a triple-redundant external stores deployment control method. This method enables three independent modes: normal deployment, backup deployment, and emergency deployment. A malfunction in one mode does not affect the others. Specifically, normal deployment is performed according to the fire control computer's calculations; backup deployment, in case of an anomaly in normal deployment, deploys external stores to a single hardpoint; and emergency deployment allows for the deployment of all external stores and auxiliary fuel tanks in unexpected situations. This design significantly improves the safety of trainer aircraft and is considered highly efficient.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are: the invention is reasonably and feasible in design, meets the needs of pilots in various situations, ensures the safe deployment of external stores, and guarantees flight safety. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a sequence diagram showing the normal deployment of the conventional bomb of this invention; Figure 2 This is a sequence diagram for the backup deployment of the weapon of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a timing diagram for the emergency deployment of the external attachments of this invention. Implementation

[0016] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Example 1

[0017] Taking a conventional bomb as an example, this invention provides a method for triple-redundant external payload delivery by a trainer aircraft. This method includes three modes: normal delivery mode, backup delivery mode, and emergency delivery mode. 1) Normal Deployment Mode like Figure 1As shown, when the aircraft is on the ground (i.e., wheel-mounted), the bombs are mounted on the pylons, the aircraft is powered on, and the bomb loading is performed on the display and control system screen. After loading is complete, the bomb release procedure is selected, such as the bomb type, quantity, and release method. If the bomb release procedure type matches the bomb type at the current pylon, the bomb symbol and code at the pylon are displayed; otherwise, the bomb symbol and code are not displayed, and the fire control computer will enable the bomb at the current pylon. After the pilot maneuvers the aircraft into the attack zone, the cockpit ordnance switch is activated, and the attack is initiated according to the attack route. At this time, the fire control computer receives data from atmospheric, inertial navigation, and other sensors and performs fire control calculations in real time. When the fire control calculation has a solution... Once the bomb is ready (the conditions for bomb readiness are: current hardpoint valid, landing gear retracted, and ordnance switch active), the pilot presses the "launch" button on the control stick. The fire control computer outputs a release signal to the bomb hook on the corresponding hardpoint. The bomb hook opens, and the bomb drops, completing the bomb release process. Two seconds after the release signal is sent, the fire control computer checks if the bomb presence signal is valid. If valid, the current hardpoint displays a bomb malfunction, reports the malfunction, selects the next hardpoint, and considers backup release if the normal bomb release is abnormal. If invalid, the current hardpoint does not display the bomb symbol and code, clears the bomb symbol and code for that hardpoint, and the normal bomb release is completed. 2) Backup Deployment Mode If the normal delivery mode is ineffective, you can select the backup delivery mode, such as... Figure 2 As shown, on the backup deployment screen of the display and control system, select the hardpoint to be deployed (one or more hardpoints are allowed). The fire control computer will enable the selected hardpoint, and the pilot will turn on the ordnance switch in the cockpit. When the external stores are ready (the conditions for the external stores to be ready are: the selected hardpoint is enabled, the landing gear is retracted, and the ordnance switch is enabled), the pilot presses the "launch" button on the control stick. The fire control computer outputs the deployment signal to the bomb hook on the corresponding hardpoint. The bomb hook opens and the external stores fall, completing the deployment process. Two seconds after the deployment signal is sent, the fire control computer collects whether the external store presence signal is valid. If valid, the current hardpoint displays an external store malfunction and reports the hardpoint malfunction, indicating an abnormal backup deployment of the external stores. If invalid, the current hardpoint does not display the external store symbol and code. Clearing the external store symbol and code of the hardpoint completes the backup deployment of the external stores. 3) Emergency Deployment Mode Emergency deployment modes include auxiliary fuel tank emergency deployment and full external stores emergency deployment. Selecting the appropriate setting on the emergency deployment knob in the cockpit will execute the corresponding operation, such as... Figure 3As shown, when "All" is selected, the fire control computer determines that the landing gear is retracted. When the pilot presses the emergency release button, the fire control computer outputs a release signal to the bomb hooks on all hardpoints. The bomb hooks open and the external stores fall, completing the emergency release process. Emergency releases are generally sent out in order from the outside to the inside of the hardpoints at certain time intervals to ensure the safety of the release. Two seconds after the release signal is sent out, the fire control computer collects whether the external store presence signal is valid. If valid, the current hardpoint displays an external store malfunction and reports the malfunction, indicating an abnormal emergency release. If invalid, the current hardpoint does not display the external store symbol and code, and the external store symbol and code for that hardpoint are cleared, thus completing the emergency release. When the auxiliary fuel tank emergency release is selected, the fire control computer determines that the landing gear is retracted. When the pilot presses the emergency release button, the fire control computer outputs a release signal to the hardpoint with only the auxiliary fuel tank hardpoint. The bomb hooks on the hardpoints open and complete the emergency release process of the auxiliary fuel tank.

[0018] In this embodiment, the external attachments in the emergency deployment mode (full external attachment deployment) and the backup deployment mode are both bombs and auxiliary fuel tanks. Example 2

[0019] Taking rockets as an example, this invention provides a method for triple-redundant external payload delivery of a trainer aircraft. This method includes three modes: normal delivery mode, backup delivery mode, and emergency delivery mode. 1) Normal Deployment Mode like Figure 1As shown, when the aircraft is on the ground (i.e., wheel-mounted), the rockets are mounted on the pylons, the aircraft is powered on, and the rocket loading is performed on the display and control system screen. After loading is complete, the rocket release procedure is selected, such as the rocket type, quantity, and release method. If the rocket release procedure type matches the rocket type of the current pylon, the rocket symbol and code for the pylon are displayed; otherwise, the rocket symbol and code are not displayed, and the fire control computer will enable the rockets at the current pylon. After the pilot maneuvers the aircraft into the attack zone, the ordnance switch in the cockpit will be activated, and the attack will proceed according to the attack route. At this time, the fire control computer receives data from atmospheric, inertial navigation, and other sensors and performs fire control calculations in real time. When the fire control calculation has a solution... Once the rocket is ready (the conditions for rocket readiness are: current hardpoint valid, landing gear retracted, and ordnance switch active), the pilot presses the "launch" button on the control stick. The fire control computer outputs a release signal to the bomb hook on the corresponding hardpoint. The bomb hook opens, and the rocket drops, completing the rocket release process. Two seconds after the release signal is sent, the fire control computer checks the validity of the rocket presence signal. If valid, the current hardpoint displays a rocket malfunction, reports the malfunction, selects the next hardpoint, and considers backup release if the rocket release is abnormal. If invalid, the current hardpoint does not display the rocket symbol and code, clears the rocket symbol and code for that hardpoint, and the rocket release is completed normally. 2) Backup Deployment Mode If the normal delivery mode is ineffective, you can select the backup delivery mode, such as... Figure 2 As shown, on the backup deployment screen of the display and control system, select the hardpoint to be deployed (one or more hardpoints are allowed). The fire control computer will enable the selected hardpoint, and the pilot will turn on the ordnance switch in the cockpit. When the external stores are ready (the conditions for the external stores to be ready are: the selected hardpoint is enabled, the landing gear is retracted, and the ordnance switch is enabled), the pilot presses the "launch" button on the control stick. The fire control computer outputs the deployment signal to the bomb hook on the corresponding hardpoint. The bomb hook opens and the external stores fall, completing the deployment process. Two seconds after the deployment signal is sent, the fire control computer collects whether the external store presence signal is valid. If valid, the current hardpoint displays an external store malfunction and reports the hardpoint malfunction, indicating an abnormal backup deployment of the external stores. If invalid, the current hardpoint does not display the external store symbol and code. Clearing the external store symbol and code of the hardpoint completes the backup deployment of the external stores. 3) Emergency Deployment Mode Emergency deployment modes include auxiliary fuel tank emergency deployment and full external stores emergency deployment. Selecting the appropriate setting on the emergency deployment knob in the cockpit will execute the corresponding operation, such as... Figure 3As shown, when "All" is selected, the fire control computer determines that the landing gear is retracted. When the pilot presses the emergency release button, the fire control computer outputs a release signal to the bomb hooks on all hardpoints. The bomb hooks open and the external stores fall, completing the emergency release process. Emergency releases are generally sent out in order from the outside to the inside of the hardpoints at certain time intervals to ensure the safety of the release. Two seconds after the release signal is sent out, the fire control computer collects whether the external store presence signal is valid. If valid, the current hardpoint displays an external store malfunction and reports the malfunction, indicating an abnormal emergency release. If invalid, the current hardpoint does not display the external store symbol and code, and the external store symbol and code for that hardpoint are cleared, thus completing the emergency release. When the auxiliary fuel tank emergency release is selected, the fire control computer determines that the landing gear is retracted. When the pilot presses the emergency release button, the fire control computer outputs a release signal to the hardpoint with only the auxiliary fuel tank hardpoint. The bomb hooks on the hardpoints open and complete the emergency release process of the auxiliary fuel tank.

[0020] In this embodiment, the external payloads in the full external payload emergency deployment mode and the external payloads in the backup deployment mode are both rockets and auxiliary fuel tanks. Example 3

[0021] Taking missiles as an example, this invention provides a method for triple-redundant external payload delivery on a trainer aircraft. This method includes three modes: normal delivery mode, backup delivery mode, and emergency delivery mode. 1) Normal Deployment Mode like Figure 1As shown, when the aircraft is on the ground (i.e., wheel-mounted), the missiles are mounted on the pylons, the aircraft is powered on, and bomb loading is performed on the display and control system screen. After loading is complete, the missile release procedure is selected, such as the missile type, quantity, and release method. If the missile release procedure type matches the missile type at the current pylon, the missile symbol and code at the pylon are displayed; otherwise, the missile symbol and code are not displayed, and the fire control computer will enable the missile at the current pylon. After the pilot maneuvers the aircraft into the attack zone, the cockpit ordnance switch is activated, and the attack is initiated according to the attack route. At this time, the fire control computer receives data from atmospheric, inertial navigation, and other sensors and performs fire control calculations in real time. When the fire control calculation has a solution... Once the missile is ready (the conditions for missile readiness are: current hardpoint valid, landing gear retracted, and ordnance switch active), the pilot presses the "launch" button on the control stick. The fire control computer outputs a release signal to the missile hook on the corresponding hardpoint. The missile hook opens, and the missile drops, completing the missile release process. Two seconds after the release signal is sent, the fire control computer checks the validity of the missile presence signal. If valid, the current hardpoint displays a missile malfunction, reports the malfunction, selects the next hardpoint, and considers backup release if the missile release is abnormal. If invalid, the current hardpoint does not display the missile symbol and code, clears the missile symbol and code for that hardpoint, and the missile release is completed normally. 2) Backup Deployment Mode If the normal delivery mode is ineffective, you can select the backup delivery mode, such as... Figure 2 As shown, on the backup deployment screen of the display and control system, select the hardpoint to be deployed (one or more hardpoints are allowed). The fire control computer will enable the selected hardpoint, and the pilot will turn on the ordnance switch in the cockpit. When the external stores are ready (the conditions for the external stores to be ready are: the selected hardpoint is enabled, the landing gear is retracted, and the ordnance switch is enabled), the pilot presses the "launch" button on the control stick. The fire control computer outputs the deployment signal to the bomb hook on the corresponding hardpoint. The bomb hook opens and the external stores fall, completing the deployment process. Two seconds after the deployment signal is sent, the fire control computer collects whether the external store presence signal is valid. If valid, the current hardpoint displays an external store malfunction and reports the hardpoint malfunction, indicating an abnormal backup deployment of the external stores. If invalid, the current hardpoint does not display the external store symbol and code. Clearing the external store symbol and code of the hardpoint completes the backup deployment of the external stores. 3) Emergency Deployment Mode Emergency deployment modes include auxiliary fuel tank emergency deployment and full external stores emergency deployment. Selecting the appropriate setting on the emergency deployment knob in the cockpit will execute the corresponding operation, such as... Figure 3As shown, when "All" is selected, the fire control computer determines that the landing gear is retracted. When the pilot presses the emergency release button, the fire control computer outputs a release signal to the bomb hooks on all hardpoints. The bomb hooks open and the external stores fall, completing the emergency release process. Emergency releases are generally sent out in order from the outside to the inside of the hardpoints at certain time intervals to ensure the safety of the release. Two seconds after the release signal is sent out, the fire control computer collects whether the external store presence signal is valid. If valid, the current hardpoint displays an external store malfunction and reports the malfunction, indicating an abnormal emergency release. If invalid, the current hardpoint does not display the external store symbol and code, and the external store symbol and code for that hardpoint are cleared, thus completing the emergency release. When the auxiliary fuel tank emergency release is selected, the fire control computer determines that the landing gear is retracted. When the pilot presses the emergency release button, the fire control computer outputs a release signal to the hardpoint with only the auxiliary fuel tank hardpoint. The bomb hooks on the hardpoints open and complete the emergency release process of the auxiliary fuel tank.

[0022] In this embodiment, the external stores in the emergency deployment mode (full external stores emergency deployment) and the backup deployment mode are both missiles and auxiliary fuel tanks. Example 4

[0023] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this invention provides a method for triple-redundant deployment of external stores by a trainer aircraft. This method includes three modes: normal deployment mode, backup deployment mode, and emergency deployment mode. 1) Normal Deployment Mode like Figure 1As shown, when the aircraft is on the ground (i.e., wheel-mounted), the weapons are mounted on the pylons, the aircraft is powered on, and the weapons are loaded on the display and control system screen. After loading, the weapon release procedure is selected, such as weapon type, quantity, and release method. If the weapon release procedure type matches the weapon type of the current pylon, the weapon symbol and code of the pylon are displayed; if they do not match, the weapon symbol and code are not displayed, and the fire control computer will enable the weapon of the current pylon. After the pilot maneuvers the aircraft into the attack zone, the ordnance switch in the cockpit will be activated, and the attack will proceed according to the attack route. At this time, the fire control computer receives data from atmospheric, inertial navigation, and other sensors to perform fire control calculations in real time. When the fire control calculation has a solution and Once the weapon is ready (the conditions for weapon readiness are: current hardpoint valid, landing gear retracted, and ordnance switch active), the pilot presses the "launch" button on the control stick. The fire control computer outputs a release signal to the bomb hook on the corresponding hardpoint. The bomb hook opens, and the weapon drops, completing the weapon release process. Two seconds after the release signal is sent, the fire control computer checks the validity of the external stores presence signal. If valid, the current hardpoint displays a weapon malfunction, reports the malfunction, selects the next hardpoint, and considers backup release if the weapon release is abnormal. If invalid, the current hardpoint does not display the weapon symbol and code, clears the weapon symbol and code for that hardpoint, and the weapon release is completed normally. 2) Backup Deployment Mode If the normal delivery mode is ineffective, you can select the backup delivery mode, such as... Figure 2 As shown, on the backup deployment screen of the display and control system, select the hardpoint to be deployed (one or more hardpoints are allowed). The fire control computer will enable the selected hardpoint, and the pilot will turn on the ordnance switch in the cockpit. When the external stores are ready (the conditions for the external stores to be ready are: the selected hardpoint is enabled, the landing gear is retracted, and the ordnance switch is enabled), the pilot presses the "launch" button on the control stick. The fire control computer outputs the deployment signal to the bomb hook on the corresponding hardpoint. The bomb hook opens and the external stores fall, completing the deployment process. Two seconds after the deployment signal is sent, the fire control computer collects whether the external store presence signal is valid. If valid, the current hardpoint displays an external store malfunction and reports the hardpoint malfunction, indicating an abnormal backup deployment of the external stores. If invalid, the current hardpoint does not display the external store symbol and code. Clearing the external store symbol and code of the hardpoint completes the backup deployment of the external stores. 3) Emergency Deployment Mode Emergency deployment modes include auxiliary fuel tank emergency deployment and full external stores emergency deployment. Selecting the appropriate setting on the emergency deployment knob in the cockpit will execute the corresponding operation, such as... Figure 3As shown, when "All" is selected, the fire control computer determines that the landing gear is retracted. When the pilot presses the emergency release button, the fire control computer outputs a release signal to the bomb hooks on all hardpoints. The bomb hooks open and the external stores fall, completing the emergency release process. Emergency releases are generally sent out in order from the outside to the inside of the hardpoints at certain time intervals to ensure the safety of the release. Two seconds after the release signal is sent out, the fire control computer collects whether the external store presence signal is valid. If valid, the current hardpoint displays an external store malfunction and reports the malfunction, indicating an abnormal emergency release. If invalid, the current hardpoint does not display the external store symbol and code, and the external store symbol and code for that hardpoint are cleared, thus completing the emergency release. When the auxiliary fuel tank emergency release is selected, the fire control computer determines that the landing gear is retracted. When the pilot presses the emergency release button, the fire control computer outputs a release signal to the hardpoint with only the auxiliary fuel tank hardpoint. The bomb hooks on the hardpoints open and complete the emergency release process of the auxiliary fuel tank.

[0024] In this embodiment, the external attachments in the emergency deployment mode (full external attachments) and the backup deployment mode both include weapons, auxiliary fuel tanks, and other external attachments.

[0025] In this invention, compared with the normal deployment mode, the backup deployment mode does not require the selection of weapon deployment procedures and does not perform fire control calculations.

[0026] In this invention, external stores include weapons, auxiliary fuel tanks, and other external stores. Weapons include bombs, rockets, and missiles. The three release modes—normal release mode, backup release mode, and emergency release mode—can each carry different external stores or the same external stores. The three modes are independent of each other, and a failure in any one mode does not affect the others. The normal release mode is used for weapon release, while the backup release mode and emergency release mode are used for external stores release. The emergency release mode for all external stores includes emergency release of all weapons, emergency release of auxiliary fuel tanks, and emergency release of other external stores. Emergency release of all weapons can specifically be emergency release of all bombs, emergency release of all rockets, emergency release of all missiles, etc. The specific emergency release of all external stores can be determined according to the specific type of external stores.

[0027] In this invention, the normal deployment mode is accomplished by airborne sensors, a fire control computer, a display and control system, a cockpit ordnance switch, a deployment button on the control stick, and the pylons. A weapon is selected for a specific pylon on the display and control system's screen. The fire control computer performs fire control calculations based on data from airborne sensors (inertial navigation, atmospheric, etc.). When a solution is found and the weapon is ready, pressing the "launch" button on the control stick sends a normal deployment command to the pylon to execute the deployment task. The backup deployment mode is also accomplished by the fire control computer, display and control system, a cockpit ordnance switch, a deployment button on the control stick, and the pylons. Compared to the normal deployment mode, the backup deployment mode does not perform fire control calculations. Its main application scenario is: a weapon (missile) at a specific pylon fails to launch after pressing the "launch" button on the control stick. This could be due to a wiring fault or a malfunction in the fire control computer's normal deployment module. For guided weapons, it could be a malfunction of the weapon itself. If the pilot cannot determine which stage of the weapon malfunction is present (such as thermal battery activation failure, engine ignition failure, etc.), and the pilot believes that the weapon needs to be jettisoned and landing with the weapon is not possible, i.e., when the normal release mode is abnormal, the backup release mode is used to release the external stores on a single hardpoint, ensuring flight safety and avoiding the need to use the emergency release mode, which would waste weapons on symmetrical hardpoints. The emergency release mode is completed by the fire control computer, the emergency release knob and button in the cockpit, and the pylons. The main application scenarios are: 1) After the aircraft enters the combat area with external fuel tanks, it needs to jettison the external fuel tanks to reduce flight weight; 2) When the aircraft encounters enemy aircraft and needs to perform evasive maneuvers, it needs to immediately jettison the external fuel tanks to reduce the impact of the external fuel tanks on the aircraft's maneuverability, enabling the aircraft to maneuver quickly and avoid enemy aircraft and incoming missiles; 3) When the aircraft is fully loaded with external stores and the power plant fails, such as a single engine failure causing insufficient power, all external stores need to be jettisoned quickly.

[0028] This invention presents a triple-redundant external payload deployment control method. In normal deployment mode, a hardware switch, deployment button, and the fire control computer's normal deployment circuit are hard-locked. Deployment is only completed when the fire control computer has a solution, and pressing the "launch" button completes the deployment. In backup deployment mode, the hardware switch, deployment button, and the fire control computer's backup deployment circuit are hard-locked. Deployment is completed by pressing the "launch" button without requiring the fire control computer to calculate a solution. In emergency deployment mode, an emergency deployment knob and button are hard-locked to the fire control computer's emergency deployment circuit. Rotating the emergency deployment knob selects the deployment level and performs the corresponding operation, while pressing the emergency deployment button completes the deployment. These three deployment modes are independent of each other, with inconsistent judgment conditions. A malfunction in any one mode does not affect the others, ensuring the safe deployment of external payloads and guaranteeing flight safety.

[0029] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments. For example, in the foregoing claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that such information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method for triple-redundant deployment of external stores by a trainer aircraft, characterized in that: The method includes a normal deployment mode and a backup deployment mode. If the normal deployment mode is ineffective, the backup deployment mode can be selected. The normal deployment mode is controlled by airborne sensors, the fire control computer, the display and control system, the cockpit ordnance switch, the deployment button on the control stick, and the pylons. The cockpit ordnance switch and the control stick deployment button are hard-interlocked with the normal deployment circuitry of the fire control computer. Specifically, in the normal deployment mode: the pilot selects a weapon for a specific pylon on the display and control system's screen. After the pilot maneuvers the aircraft into the attack zone, the cockpit ordnance switch is activated, and the attack proceeds according to the attack route. At this time, the fire control computer receives data from the airborne sensors and performs real-time fire control calculations. If the fire control calculation is successful and the weapon status is confirmed, the system will automatically deploy the weapon. When ready, press the "launch" button on the control stick. The fire control computer outputs a normal deployment command to the pylon located at that hardpoint to execute the deployment task. Two seconds after the deployment signal is sent, the fire control computer checks whether the weapon's signal is valid. If valid, it reports a fault at that hardpoint, indicating an abnormal weapon deployment, and considers backup deployment. If invalid, it clears the weapon symbol and code at that hardpoint, thus completing the normal weapon deployment. The backup deployment mode is achieved by the fire control computer, display and control system, cockpit ordnance switch, control stick deployment button, and pylon. The cockpit ordnance switch and control stick deployment button are hard-interlocked with the fire control computer's backup deployment circuitry. The backup deployment mode is as follows: in the display... In the backup deployment screen of the fire control system, the pilot selects the hardpoint to be deployed. The fire control computer will then activate the selected hardpoint. The pilot will turn on the ordnance switch in the cockpit. When the external stores are ready, the pilot presses the "launch" button on the control stick. The fire control computer outputs a deployment signal to the bomb hook on the corresponding hardpoint. The bomb hook opens, completing the deployment process. Two seconds after the deployment signal is sent, the fire control computer checks whether the external store presence signal is valid. If valid, it reports a fault in that hardpoint, indicating an abnormal backup deployment. If invalid, it clears the external store symbol and code for that hardpoint, thus completing the backup deployment. The system also includes an emergency deployment mode, which is controlled by the fire control computer. Once the emergency drop knobs and buttons in the cockpit and the pylons are in place, the emergency drop knobs and buttons are hard-interlocked with the emergency drop circuitry of the fire control computer. The specific emergency drop mode is as follows: when the emergency drop knob in the cockpit is selected to the appropriate position, the fire control computer determines that the landing gear is retracted, the pilot presses the emergency drop button, and the fire control computer outputs a drop signal to the bomb hook on the pylon located at the corresponding hardpoint. The bomb hook opens, completing the emergency drop process of the external stores. Two seconds after the drop signal is sent, the fire control computer collects whether the external store presence signal is valid. If valid, it reports a fault at that hardpoint and an abnormal emergency drop; if invalid, it clears the external store symbol and code at that hardpoint, thus completing the emergency drop of the external stores.

2. The method for triple-redundant deployment of external stores by a trainer aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that: Airborne sensors include inertial navigation sensors and atmospheric sensors.

3. The method for triple-redundant deployment of external stores by a trainer aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that: In backup deployment mode, select one or more deployment points on the backup deployment screen of the display control system.

4. The method for triple-redundant deployment of external stores by a trainer aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The emergency deployment knob in the cockpit has two selectable positions: "Full" and "External Fuel Tank".

5. The method for triple-redundant deployment of external stores by a trainer aircraft according to claim 4, characterized in that: Emergency drop modes include auxiliary fuel tank emergency drop and full external stores emergency drop. Selecting the appropriate position on the emergency drop knob in the cockpit will execute the corresponding operation. When the "Full" position is selected, the full external stores emergency drop operation is performed: The fire control computer determines that the landing gear is retracted, the pilot presses the emergency drop button, and the fire control computer outputs a drop signal to the bomb hooks on all hardpoints. The bomb hooks open, completing the emergency drop process. Two seconds after the drop signal is sent, the fire control computer checks the validity of the external stores presence signal. If valid, it reports a malfunction at that hardpoint and an emergency drop anomaly; if invalid, it clears the external stores symbol and code for that hardpoint, thus completing the emergency drop. When the "Auxiliary Fuel Tank" position is selected, the auxiliary fuel tank emergency drop operation is performed: The fire control computer determines that the landing gear is retracted, the pilot presses the emergency drop button, and the fire control computer outputs a drop signal to the bomb hooks on the hardpoints containing only auxiliary fuel tanks. The bomb hooks open, completing the auxiliary fuel tank emergency drop process.

6. The method for triple-redundant deployment of external stores by a trainer aircraft according to claim 5, characterized in that: Emergency deployment signals are typically sent out from the outside to the inside of the deployment points at regular intervals to ensure the safety of the deployment.

7. The method for triple-redundant deployment of external stores by a trainer aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that: External attachments include weapons and auxiliary fuel tanks.

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