Apparatus and method for introducing liquids into aircraft

Abstract

An apparatus is proposed for introducing a liquid, preferably water, into an aircraft, preferably an airplane. [Solution] The apparatus comprises at least one immersed body having at least one water intake and one or both of a means for generating gas bubbles to at least partially envelop the immersed body and a means for at least partially generating a gas film on the immersed body.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for introducing liquid into an aircraft, a mounting kit, and an aircraft, as well as a method for introducing liquid into an aircraft. [Background technology]

[0002] From the prior art, devices and methods for introducing liquids into aircraft are known. WO 2005 / 023363 A1 discloses a device for filling the water tanks of an airplane during flight. The device comprises a self-propelled torpedo with a scoop head, an aileron and a rudder, as well as a power cable, a tow rope and a supply hose with a water tank. The torpedo can be controlled from the airplane and water can be filled into the water tank by means of the hose. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] French Patent Publication No. 512775 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A disadvantage of the prior art is that in most cases it takes a long time to fill the water tanks on the plane. In order to lower the device and tow it in the water, the aircraft must fly at a very slow speed. Also, the device lowered in the water either significantly reduces the speed of the plane or high energy must be applied to tow the device in the water. A further disadvantage of the devices known from the prior art is that they can only be used on a small number of types of planes, since they need to fly relatively close to the water surface. In fact, the known prior art has proven to be impractical, since self-propelled torpedoes do not reach the speed of the plane and therefore do not sufficiently relieve the drive of the plane.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device and an improved method for taking in liquids on an aircraft. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device which allows for a rapid supply of liquid, in particular water, to a water tank on board an aircraft. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method which allows for the replenishment of liquids from a safe altitude to an aircraft. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method which allows for the towing of the device in water areas with as little energy input as possible, thus ensuring as high a flight safety as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a device for taking in liquids onto an aircraft, comprising at least one immersion body having at least one water intake and at least one means for generating at least one air bubble for at least partially enveloping the immersion body.

[0007] The subject matter also relates to a method for introducing liquid into an aircraft, the method comprising the steps of: - providing the above-mentioned device; - connecting the device to a water tank on board the aircraft; - lowering the apparatus into a body of water during flight of the aircraft so that the apparatus is at least partially submerged in the body of water; - taking in water from a body of water via a water intake of an immersion body of the device; The problem is solved by a method comprising:

[0008] This problem is also solved according to the invention by the use of the above-described device for loading liquids onto an aircraft.

[0009] This problem is also solved according to the invention by a mounting kit for an aircraft, which comprises a device as described above and at least one water tank.

[0010] This problem is also solved according to the invention by an aircraft comprising a device as described above and at least one water tank. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus for capturing liquid from a body of water. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] A device for taking in a liquid, preferably water, into an aircraft, preferably an airplane, is proposed, the device comprising at least one immersion body having at least one water intake, the immersion body also comprising at least one means for generating at least one gas bubble for at least partially enveloping the immersion body and / or at least one means for generating at least partially a gas film on the immersion body.

[0013] Although forest fires and large fires are a natural part of environmental conditions in many parts of the world, they are an increasing threat to nature and society. In recent decades, global warming has increased the frequency and intensity of forest fires, causing them to spread over a wider area and last longer. Southern Europe, the Arctic, the Amazon region, Australia, and the United States are examples where wildfires in 2019 were much larger than ever before, directly causing human suffering, severe air pollution, property damage, and loss of wildlife and natural areas. Moreover, forest fires are responsible for about 8 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year, which are added to global carbon dioxide emissions from industry, transportation, and households, and are also responsible for long-term health damage from smoke inhalation. Reducing the impact of fires therefore has a major impact on our society.

[0014] Better methods and greater capacity are needed to fight forest and large fires, including aerial firefighting, which is often the only option in large forested areas lacking infrastructure.

[0015] There are two categories of firefighting aircraft: amphibious scoop loaders such as the Canadair CL415, and non-amphibious aircraft that must be refilled with water and extinguishing agents at airports. The CL415 is no longer manufactured by Bombardier, and the existing fleet is aging. Non-amphibious aircraft are less effective as firefighting aircraft because they must return to the airport to refill with water after each drop, and they only drop an average of one water drop per hour.

[0016] The proposed system will allow an average of five drops per hour, which represents a significant increase in aerial firefighting capacity and at the same time a significant reduction in firefighting costs, as there will be no need to purchase special firefighting aircraft to achieve this capacity.

[0017] Planes and helicopters each have their advantages and disadvantages, but they are needed together to combat the growing threat of forest fires. The device can be used with both helicopters and planes.

[0018] The mounting kit, especially designed as a pallet-based "roll-on, roll-off" system, is preferably equipped with at least one water tank and a device for changing the role between transport and firefighting aircraft within a few hours.

[0019] The apparatus having the water tank is preferably easily installed as a mounting kit on current and future conventional transport and troop transport aircraft within about two hours. Water can be collected by the apparatus during flight over a body of water. The apparatus is preferably designed as a mission instrument and preferably does not require structural modifications to the aircraft.

[0020] The device is preferably used in conjunction with a water tank, which preferably comprises a tubular frame in which the anti-rolling tanks are mounted. Preferably, several water tanks can be linked together to achieve the desired total water volume that can be carried on the aircraft. This design allows the device to be optimally adapted to the conditions of the respective aircraft.

[0021] Advantageously, in contrast to concepts known from the prior art, the uptake of water can also take place at wave heights of more than 1.5 m, in particular because the immersed body is not only guided over the water surface. For example, the immersed body can be lowered in flight by means of a hose and / or a device for deployment and stowing in the water body. Water flows into the immersed body and fills the tanks on board the aircraft through the hose. Preferably, no pump is required for this operation, since the water is transported to the water tanks by the sufficiently large dynamic pressure of the water due to the towing of the immersed body in the water body.

[0022] The proposed device is advantageous in that it minimizes the resistance of the water to the immersed body so that the thrust available for the operation of each aircraft, preferably an airplane, is sufficient to tow the immersed body through a body of water at operating speeds of from about 100 km / h to about 300 km / h, preferably from about 150 km / h to about 250 km / h, more preferably from about 160 km / h to about 250 km / h.

[0023] When the term "about" is used in the context of the present invention in connection with a value, or a range of values, or a directional indicator such as "on the contrary", this should be understood as giving a tolerance that a person skilled in the art would normally consider in the field, in particular a tolerance of ±20%, preferably ±10%, more preferably ±5%. Insofar as different value ranges, e.g. preferred value ranges and more preferred value ranges, are specified in the present invention, the lower and upper limits of the different value ranges can be combined with each other.

[0024] The device preferably comprises a hose, more preferably arranged at the upper end of the immersion body. The hose is preferably a fluid connection between the immersion body and a water tank locatable on board the aircraft.

[0025] In one embodiment, the immersion body comprises a sword. In one embodiment, the immersion body comprises a sword, the sword having a longitudinal extension with an upper end and a lower end. In one embodiment, preferably depending on the center of gravity of the device, the longitudinal extension of the sword is tilted backward or forward in the direction of movement relative to the horizontal when the device is used as intended, and is oriented at an angle other than 90°, preferably from about 20° to about 75°, more preferably from about 30° to about 60°.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the lancet is designed to be streamlined or hydrodynamically optimal in cross section. Preferably, the lancet is designed to be wedge or teardrop shaped in cross section.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the immersion body comprises at least one torpedo shaped portion. The torpedo shaped portion preferably comprises a torpedo body. More preferably, the torpedo body is approximately an ellipsoid, and is given by the equation (x / (l / 2)) where x and y are the spatial coordinates, l is the length of the torpedo body and d is the maximum diameter of the torpedo body. 2 +(y / (d / 2)) 2.4 It is preferable that it can be roughly described by =1.

[0028] The torpedo-shaped portion is preferably located at the lower end of the sword portion.

[0029] The terms "down" and "up" in the sense of the present invention should be understood with respect to the device when it is used as intended. In particular, "up" and "down" are determined by the gravity vector when the device is towed in the body of water. Also, the "bow" and "stern" of the device, preferably the immersion body, are defined by the direction of movement, in particular the bow determining the forward part in the direction of movement of the device and the stern determining the rear part in the direction of movement of the device. The direction of movement is the direction in which the device is towed in the body of water. Preferably, the direction of movement is the flight direction of the aircraft.

[0030] The apparatus comprises an immersion body, which is preferably capable of being at least partially immersed in or towed through the body of water.

[0031] In one embodiment, the immersed body comprises at least one water tube. Preferably, the immersed body comprises a plurality of water tubes. Advantageously, the arrangement of the one or more water tubes can influence the center of gravity of the device, more preferably the immersed body, so that it can be towed in a stable position in the body of water. Preferably, the sword and / or the torpedo-shaped part comprises one or more water tubes. In one embodiment, the immersed body or the sword and / or the torpedo-shaped part is / are divided into a plurality of water-conducting compartments, each of which is preferably a water tube. In one embodiment, at least one water tube has at least one backflow flap. Advantageously, the backflow flap prevents water from flowing back when the immersed body at least partially leaves the body of water, for example when breaking through a wave trough. In one embodiment, the backflow flap is designed to be releasable, in particular to open when the immersed body is stowed in the aircraft, for example for emptying or winding up the hose.

[0032] In particular, the at least one water pipe preferably opens into at least one water intake at one side. More preferably, the water pipe is connected in fluid communication with a hose. In particular, the immersion body preferably comprises a plurality of water intakes. More preferably, one or both of the sword and torpedo sections each comprise at least one, preferably a plurality of water intakes. The at least one water intake is preferably arranged at the bow of the immersion body. Advantageously, the water intakes are arranged on the immersion body such that the normal vector of the water intake points in the direction of movement. The at least one water intake can also be arranged at a side of the immersion body.

[0033] The immersed body of the device according to the invention comprises one or both of means for generating at least one gas bubble for at least partially enveloping or covering the immersed body and means for at least partially generating a gas film on the immersed body. Preferably, the at least one means for generating at least one gas bubble or gas film allows the generation of one or more gas bubbles which adhere to the immersed body or pass by the immersed body and thus cover it. Preferably, a plurality of gas bubbles can be formed which adhere to the immersed body or pass by the immersed body and thus cover it. If a plurality or a large number of gas bubbles join together to form a gas bubble, the gas bubble at least partially envelops or covers the immersed body. Partially enveloping the immersed body is preferably understood to mean covering at least a part of the immersed body with one or more gas bubbles. At low towing speeds, in particular at towing speeds below about 35 m / s or at towing speeds at which supercavitation does not yet occur, it is preferred that the means for generating at least one bubble can generate a plurality of bubbles that pass by the immersed body or that attach to the immersed body and cover the immersed body. The bubble or bubbles act as a separating agent between the water and the immersed body, which is advantageous in that the flow resistance of the immersed body in the water body is reduced. At high towing speeds, in particular at speeds higher than about 35 m / s, it is preferred that the at least one bubble can be formed by the at least one means for generating at least one bubble, and that the at least one bubble surrounds the immersed body from bow to stern. It is preferred that only one bubble surrounds the immersed body from the bow, more preferably from the at least one means for generating at least one bubble at the bow, to the stern.

[0034] In one embodiment, the at least one means for generating at least one gas bubble to at least partially envelop the immersed body or the at least one means for generating a gas film at least partially on the immersed body comprises at least one exhaust port. In one embodiment, the immersed body has at least one exhaust port. The exhaust port is connected to the atmosphere or to a compressed air generator by one or more air pipes.

[0035] In one embodiment, at least one exhaust outlet is designed as a Venturi nozzle. It is preferred that a number of exhaust outlets, more preferably all of them, are designed as Venturi nozzles. It is preferred that the exhaust direction, more preferably the normal vector of the exhaust outlet on the plane defined by the exhaust outlets, is directed approximately aft of the immersed body, more preferably approximately against the direction of movement. Advantageously, in this way, energetically favorable atmospheric air can be used to generate at least one air bubble at least partially around the immersed body, preferably without the use of compressed air generators.

[0036] In one embodiment, the air inlet of the air pipe of the device is arranged so that when the device is used as intended, it is located above the water surface of the body of water. More preferably, the air inlet direction, more preferably the normal vector of the air inlet on the plane defined by the air inlet, is approximately oriented in the direction of movement. According to this advantageous embodiment, the dynamic pressure of the air flowing towards the device during towing can be used to generate at least one air bubble at least partially around the immersed body. In one embodiment, the device is arranged with an air inlet having a normal vector in the direction of movement and an exhaust or venturi nozzle in communication with the air inlet and having a normal vector opposite to the direction of movement.

[0037] In one embodiment, the lance includes at least one exhaust port. In another embodiment, the torpedo portion includes at least one exhaust port. In another embodiment, the lance and the torpedo portion include exhaust ports.

[0038] In another embodiment, the at least one exhaust outlet is arranged behind the at least one water intake in the direction of movement of the device, which is advantageous in that way air flowing out of the exhaust outlet is prevented from being sucked in through the water intake.

[0039] In another embodiment, a plurality of water inlets and exhaust ports are provided. One or both of the inlets and exhaust ports are preferably arranged at the bow of the immersion body. In one embodiment, the immersion body comprises a bow, and at least one water inlet and at least one exhaust port are arranged at the bow. In another embodiment of the device, a plurality of exhaust ports are arranged along the bow in the longitudinal extension of the device. In another embodiment, at least one, preferably a plurality of exhaust ports are arranged on the sides of the immersion body, preferably on one or both of the sword and torpedo sections.

[0040] In another embodiment, the immersion body or one or both of the sword and torpedo sections comprises at least one air conducting means. In one embodiment, the at least one air conducting means connects an air inlet to an exhaust port. In another embodiment, the at least one air conducting means connects an air pressure generator to an exhaust port.

[0041] In one embodiment, the at least one means for generating at least one gas bubble for at least partially enveloping the immersion body comprises at least one cavitator. In one embodiment, the immersion body comprises at least one cavitator.

[0042] A cavitator in the sense of the present invention is a means, preferably a geometric configuration of the device, more preferably of the immersion body. In particular when the device is towed in the water body, the pressure drops behind the cavitator in the direction of movement, for example by the formation of vortices. When the device is towed in the water body, the cavitator preferably generates cavitation. More preferably, from a given speed, the cavitator can generate supercavitation.

[0043] Cavitation in the sense of the present invention should be understood to mean that the pressure behind the cavitator drops significantly, especially due to a displacement pulse, and the liquid changes into the gas phase according to a phase diagram. Cavitation is known to cause significant damage to the body during cavitation. When supercavitation is reached, the situation is different. When the immersed body reaches a critical speed, a certain pressure drop occurs in the part of the immersed body located below the water surface, which results in the generation of a completely enveloping cavitation bubble or a gas film that is at least partially present on the immersed body or a bubble that is at least partially present around the immersed body. This preferably occurs at speeds of about 160 km / h or about 45 m / s or more. The geometry of the cavitator can be used, for example, to set a defined speed at which cavitation occurs and / or the stability of the cavitation bubble. In one embodiment, the cavitator has a planar or flat shape in the front, preferably viewed in cross section. In another embodiment, the cavitator has a conical or circular shape in the front, preferably viewed in cross section. The cavitator preferably forms a recess in which a pressure drop can be created.

[0044] In one embodiment, the immersion body comprises at least one line cavitator and / or one point cavitator. In one embodiment, at least one cavitator on the sword is designed as at least one line cavitator and / or at least one cavitator on the torpedo is designed as at least one point cavitator. In one embodiment, the sword comprises at least one line cavitator and / or the torpedo comprises one point cavitator. The line cavitator can be, for example, a geometric arrangement extending over the longitudinal extension of the immersion body or sword, in particular from top to bottom. The point cavitator can, for example, have a rotationally symmetrical design.

[0045] In one embodiment, the geometry of at least one cavitator is variable. Preferably, the geometry of at least one cavitator is variable depending on the speed at which the device or immersion body is towed through the body of water. In one embodiment, the inlet surface of the cavitator is variable between a cone, a sphere, or a pyramid to an approximately flat surface. Preferably, the geometry of the inlet surface is variable by a mechanism, more preferably in response to sensor data reflecting in particular the speed of the immersion body in the body of water. More preferably, the geometry of the inlet surface is variable by the dynamic pressure applied by the water as the immersion body is towed through the body of water.

[0046] Preferably, the at least one cavitator is arranged in the direction of movement behind the at least one water intake. In one embodiment, the at least one exhaust port is arranged in the direction of movement behind the cavitator. This is advantageous in that it can be used for ventilated cavitation, preferably for ventilated supercavitation. In ventilated cavitation, gas or air can be introduced into the cavitation bubbles or the cavitation bubbles can be induced by gas or air exiting the exhaust port. Preferably, ventilated cavitation produces bubbles at least partially around the immersed body or produces a gas film at least partially on the immersed body. It is also advantageous in that the immersed body can produce bubbles similar to those in the case of non-ventilated supercavitation with ventilated cavitation, especially at high flight speeds.

[0047] Depending on the geometric configuration of the immersed body, supercavitation may occur at flight speeds of, for example, about 45 m / s to about 60 m / s. The immersed body is at least partially enveloped in supercavitation bubbles, and in some embodiments of the immersed body, the force applied by the aircraft to tow the device is not significantly reduced by supercavitation. In one embodiment, at high speeds, for example about 90 m / s, the force required to overcome the frictional resistance of an immersed body at least partially immersed in a body of water is less than at flight speeds of about 45 m / s to about 60 m / s. However, the drag force continues to increase as the dynamic pressure increases with increasing speed. On the other hand, ventilated cavitation has the advantage that the drag coefficient can be significantly reduced compared to non-ventilated supercavitation even at low flight speeds, for example, about 25 m / s to about 80 m / s, preferably about 35 m / s to about 80 m / s, more preferably about 45 m / s to about 80 m / s, and more preferably about 60 m / s to about 80 m / s.

[0048] In one embodiment, the amount of air introduced into the cavitation bubble can be reduced or completely eliminated after a stable cavitation bubble is reached. Once the cavitation bubble is generated, in one embodiment, it can remain without further air supply. In one embodiment, the air supply can be regulated or controlled by a valve in the air tube. In particular, the air supply can be controlled depending on the flight speed. In another embodiment, the air supply is controlled such that air is blown into the cavitation bubble at a flight speed of about 45 m / s to about 90 m / s, preferably about 60 m / s to about 80 m / s. The amount of air is preferably controlled depending on the flight speed. In another embodiment, the air supply is stopped at a flight speed of about 80 m / s to about 90 m / s, preferably about 85 m / s to about 90 m / s, more preferably about 90 m / s.

[0049] In another embodiment, higher flight speeds provide an increased amount of air for ventilation cavitation.

[0050] In one embodiment, the immersion body has a flight stabilizer. In particular, the flight stabilizer is designed as a wing. In particular, the immersion body is kept in a stable position in the air by the flight stabilizer while being lowered from the aircraft into the water body. Advantageously, the flight stabilizer ensures a safe immersion of the immersion body into the water body. The flight stabilizer is preferably attached to the sword body. In one embodiment, the flight stabilizer is attached to the torpedo body. The flight stabilizer is preferably attached to a part of the device that is not immersed in the water body when used as intended. The flight stabilizer is preferably deployable and foldable. Advantageously, the flight stabilizer is folded when the device is retrieved into the aircraft.

[0051] In one embodiment, the immersion body comprises at least one rudder, more preferably one rudder on one side, even more preferably about two rudder on one side. The at least one rudder is preferably arranged on the torpedo-shaped part. In another embodiment, the at least one rudder is arranged on the sword part. In another embodiment, the rudder is foldable and deployable and / or storable or extendable. The rudder can preferably be stored in the torpedo-shaped part. Advantageously, the rudder can be stored during descent or immersion in the water body so that it is not damaged during immersion. The immersion depth of the immersion body in the water body can preferably be controlled or adjusted by the rudder.

[0052] In one embodiment, at least one immersion protrusion is arranged on the immersion body. The immersion protrusion ensures a defined immersion of the immersion body in the water body. The immersion protrusion can have a blade or torpedo shape and / or is preferably equipped with a pendulum rudder. In particular, the immersion protrusion is arranged below the immersion body. More preferably, the immersion protrusion can be at least partially retracted into the immersion body. More preferably, the extension length of the immersion protrusion can be controlled. In particular, the immersion protrusion can be retracted into the immersion body or can shorten the distance to the immersion body after the immersion body has been immersed. The immersion protrusion is preferably arranged below the torpedo shape.

[0053] In one embodiment of the device, the device comprises an airbag to prevent damage or loss of the device in case of collision with an object in the body of water. Advantageously, the airbag is inflated when the device collides or is in danger of colliding with an object in the body of water, such as a drifting object. This can prevent or at least reduce damage to both the device and the object. In another embodiment, the device has at least one breaking or breaking point, and when colliding with an object in the body of water, the device breaks away from the aircraft in a defined manner, in particular so as not to endanger the aircraft. In another embodiment, the device is designed to be floatable. In another embodiment, in case of an accident of the device, the float can preferably be inflated automatically. Advantageously, in case of an accident, the device is retrieved from the body of water for reuse after repair if necessary.

[0054] An exemplary device for taking in liquid from a body of water comprises an immersion body having a sword and a torpedo-shaped section. The sword is, for example, streamlined in cross section, for example teardrop-shaped in cross section. The sword is preferably designed so that its bow is thicker than its stern. By means of one or more water intakes located at the bow of the immersion body, water is, for example, directed to three compartments in the immersion body and is forced into the water tank on board the aircraft through a hose with a diameter of about 0.15 m at the upper end of the device. This advantageously allows about 10 tons of water to be delivered to the water tank on board the aircraft in about 30 seconds at a flight speed of about 115 knots or about 60 m / s and a flight altitude of about 30 m above the water body.

[0055] The sword section comprises, for example, a water intake extending along the longitudinal extension of the sword section at the bow. The water intake is preferably arranged only in the area of ​​the sword section that is below the water surface when the device is used as intended. For example, the line cavitator is provided on both sides of the water intake at the bow and extends from top to bottom along the longitudinal extension of the sword section. When the device is towed in the water body at a speed of about 60 m / s or more, supercavitation bubbles are generated that at least partially envelop the immersed body. This reduces the flow resistance coefficient of the device compared to a device without supercavitation. This significantly reduces the energy required to tow the device in the water body. In particular, the reduction in flow resistance achieved in this way allows the device to be towed in the water body at a speed of about 60 m / s or more.

[0056] The device has an exhaust port that can blow air in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the device. For example, the exhaust port is arranged behind the line cavitator in the direction of movement. In order to quickly form and stabilize the supercavitation bubbles, the air is blown from the exhaust port in a direction opposite to the direction of movement. For example, if the speed of the aircraft is not sufficient to directly form the supercavitation bubbles at least partially around the immersed body during immersion, the air blown from the exhaust port may at least partially form bubbles around the immersed body or may at least partially form a gas film on the immersed body, thereby reducing the flow resistance.

[0057] The torpedo-shaped section comprises a torpedo-shaped body, for example located at the lower end of the sword section, with a point cavitator, preferably designed rotationally symmetrically, located on the bow side. For example, an exhaust port is also located behind the point cavitator in the direction of travel, so that air can be blown out of the exhaust port in the opposite direction to the direction of travel. Forward of the point cavitator in the direction of travel, a water intake is provided, for example connected to the compartment.

[0058] The immersion depth of the immersion body can be controlled or adjusted by two pendulum rudders on either side of the torpedo-shaped section.

[0059] In one embodiment, the device comprises a distance measuring device capable of determining at least one immersion depth of the immersed body in the body of water and / or the wave height of the body of water. The distance measuring device preferably comprises, for example, at least one of a radar device, a lidar device and a barometric pressure measuring device. In another embodiment, the distance measuring device comprises a pressure sensor for determining the water pressure at the immersed body and / or the immersed projection. The distance measuring device preferably scans the water surface in the direction of movement. More preferably, the pendulum rudder of the immersed body is controlled by the data determined by the distance measuring device. Advantageously, the immersion depth of the immersed body can be adjusted by the distance measuring device depending on the wave height, preferably dynamically adapted to changing conditions.

[0060] Preferably, the immersion projection is arranged below the torpedo-shaped portion. The immersion projection supports the immersion body when it is immersed in the water body. Advantageously, the immersion projection can be retracted or telescopically fitted into the immersion body. Preferably, the immersion projection comprises at least one pendulum rudder.

[0061] Also provided is a method of introducing liquid into an aircraft, comprising the steps of: - providing the above-mentioned device; - connecting the device to a water tank on board the aircraft; - lowering the apparatus into a body of water during flight of the aircraft so that the apparatus is at least partially submerged in the body of water; - taking in water from a body of water through a water intake of an immersion body of the device; A method comprising the steps of:

[0062] In one embodiment, the device would be connected to a deployment and stowage device that would be lowered from an aircraft and retrieved after filling the water tanks.

[0063] In one embodiment, an air bubble is generated at least partially around the immersion body by at least one means for generating at least one air bubble, preferably designed as described above.

[0064] In one embodiment, air pressure is applied to the device such that air flows out of the exhaust port and the immersion body of the device, particularly immersed in the body of water, is at least partially enveloped in air. In one embodiment, the device is towed by an aircraft such that dynamic pressure at the air inlet blows air out of the exhaust port connected to the air inlet, particularly immersed in the body of water, at least partially enveloped in air. In one embodiment, air is sucked out of the exhaust port by the Venturi effect, particularly immersed in the body of water, at least partially enveloped in air. In another embodiment, both dynamic pressure and Venturi effect are used to blow air out of the exhaust port.

[0065] In one embodiment, the immersed body is towed through the body of water at such a high speed that cavitation, preferably supercavitation, is induced on the immersed body. In one embodiment, supercavitation is induced on the immersed body immersed in the body of water by at least one cavitator. Preferably, the immersed body is at least partially enveloped by one supercavitation bubble.

[0066] In one embodiment, ventilation cavitation is induced by air. Preferably, air is blown into a developing or existing cavitation bubble. More preferably, air is blown through at least one exhaust port in a direction generally towards the aft of the immersed body. More preferably, air is blown through at least one exhaust port in a direction generally towards the movement of the immersed body. More preferably, air is blown through at least one exhaust port perpendicular to the direction of movement, for example at a side of the immersed body. More preferably, the cavitation bubble is stabilized by air from the at least one exhaust port.

[0067] In one embodiment, during the immersion process of the immersion body, the extended immersion prong is immersed approximately first. When the device is lowered into the water body, it is preferable that the immersion prong is immersed into the water first. The pendulum rudder can be set to a small angle of attack, preferably about 0.5° to about 10°, preferably about 2° to about 5°, so that the device is pulled into the water body. Due to the small angle of attack of the pendulum rudder, the immersion body is subjected to no or only a small moment, especially a pitching moment, when it is immersed. Therefore, the immersion body can be immersed into the water body with almost no tilt. The approximately horizontal immersion of the immersion body preferably prevents the hose from twisting on the immersion body, and more preferably prevents sudden forces and force vectors that the pilot cannot predict from being applied to the aircraft. The immersion prong can also be used to take the immersion body out of the water body. The pendulum rudder of the immersion prong can be set so that the immersion body rises out of the water body. Preferably, the flotation can be achieved by a pendulum rudder on the immersion body, more preferably at least until the pendulum rudder of the immersion body is just below the water surface. In one embodiment, further flotation is then achieved by the immersion projection. In another embodiment, the immersion body then rises sufficiently out of the water to be lifted up to or retrieved into the aircraft. The immersion body can then be retrieved into the aircraft. Preferably, the immersion projection is retracted into the immersion body after the immersion body has been immersed. In another embodiment, the immersion projection is retracted into the immersion body before the device is retrieved into the aircraft.

[0068] The use of the immersion projection for the immersion and, more preferably, for the floating of the immersion body is also advantageous in that it is not subjected to pitching moments during either or both of the immersion and floating of the immersion body. When the immersion body enters the water body, an air bubble is formed around the immersed part of the immersion body, preferably in less than one second. A sudden change in the direction or position of the immersion body, such as during pitching, can cause the air bubble to turbulence and possibly cause the air bubble to burst. This can cause a sudden increase in the drag force on the immersion body, which can act on the aircraft or pull the immersion body away from the device. Also, damage to the immersion body due to cavitation can be expected due to the air bubble turbulence.

[0069] In one embodiment, the immersion body is stabilized in flight phase before being at least partially immersed by deployed flight stabilizers, which are preferably deployed when the device is descended from the aircraft and folded up before being retrieved by the aircraft.

[0070] In one embodiment, at least one pendulum rudder is moved to an operating position after the immersion body is at least partially immersed. The position of the immersion body in the body of water is preferably adjusted or stabilized by the pendulum rudder.

[0071] It is also proposed to use the above described device for loading liquids onto aircraft, for example the device can be used to load firefighting water onto aircraft, the device can be used to remove oil and other contaminants from bodies of water, the device can be used to capture contaminated water, for example.

[0072] A mounting kit for an aircraft is proposed, comprising a device as described above and at least one water tank, which in one embodiment is designed as an anti-rolling tank.

[0073] In one embodiment, the mounting kit includes a device for deploying and stowing the device from an aircraft into a body of water and for lifting back onto the aircraft.

[0074] Further proposed is an aircraft comprising the above device and at least one water tank. In one embodiment, the aircraft comprises the above mounting kit. In one embodiment, the aircraft comprises an extendable and / or nestable device for deploying and storing at least one immersion body of the device during flight of the aircraft.

[0075] Further advantageous embodiments can be seen from the following figures. However, the further embodiments shown in the figures should not be interpreted as limiting, rather the features described in the figures can be combined with each other and with the features described above to form further embodiments. It should also be noted that the reference signs given in the description of the figures do not limit the scope of protection of the invention, but merely refer to the embodiments shown in the figures. Figure 1 shows an apparatus for taking liquid from a body of water.

[0076] FIG. 1 shows a device 10 for taking in liquid from a body of water 52. The device 10 comprises an immersion body 12 having a sword section 14 and a torpedo-shaped section 16. The sword section 14 is designed with a streamlined cross section, not shown, for example with a teardrop-shaped cross section. The sword section is preferably designed so that the bow 30 is thicker than the stern 31. By means of one or more water intakes 20.1 arranged at the bow 30, water is directed to a compartment 34 in the immersion body 12 and is forced through a hose 13 with a diameter of about 0.15 m into a water tank, not shown, in the aircraft. This advantageously allows about 10 tons of water to be delivered to the water tank in the aircraft in about 30 seconds at a flight speed of about 115 knots or about 60 m / s and a flight altitude of about 30 m.

[0077] The sword also includes line cavitators extending from top to bottom along the longitudinal extension 15 of the device 10 on both sides of the intake 20.1 at the bow 30. When the device is towed in a water body at a speed of about 60 m / s or more, supercavitation bubbles are generated which at least partially envelop the immersed body 12. This reduces the flow resistance coefficient compared to a device without supercavitation. This significantly reduces the energy consumption when towing the device 10 in the water body 52. ​​In particular, the reduction in flow resistance achieved in this way allows the device 10 to be towed in the water body 52 at a speed of about 60 m / s.

[0078] To rapidly form and stabilize the supercavitation bubbles, air is blown through the exhaust port 22.1 in the opposite direction of the movement 50. For example, if the speed of the aircraft is not sufficient to directly form the supercavitation bubbles at least partially around the immersed body 12 during immersion, the air blown out of the exhaust port 22.1 can at least partially form the bubbles around the immersed body 12, thereby reducing the flow resistance. Even at flight speeds of about 35 m / s to about 90 m / s, ventilation cavitation can occur, which creates bubbles around the immersed body.

[0079] The torpedo section 16, located at the lower end 19 of the sword section 14, has a torpedo shape with a rotationally symmetrically designed point cavitator located on the bow side. The exhaust port 22.2 is also located behind the point cavitator 23 in the direction of travel 50, so that air can be blown out in the opposite direction to the direction of travel. In front of the point cavitator 23 in the direction of travel, there is a water intake 20.2 connected to the section 34.

[0080] By means of two pendulum rudders 42.1, 42.2 on the torpedo-shaped part 16 the immersion depth of the immersed body 12 can be controlled or adjusted. A distance measuring device 58 is provided on the device 10, designed for example as a radar, which determines the immersion depth of the immersed body 12 and thus the waves present in front of the immersed body 12 in the direction of movement. With the aid of the data obtained the pendulum rudders 42.1, 42.2 are controlled in order to keep the immersed body 12 at an optimum immersion depth for liquid uptake and flight safety.

[0081] In addition, an immersion protrusion 46 is disposed below the torpedo-shaped portion 16. The immersion protrusion 46 supports the immersion body 12 when it is immersed in the water area 52.

[0082] 1 illustrates in dashed lines an alternative embodiment 11 of device 10 which, when used as intended, can be towed at different angles relative to the horizontal through body of water 52. In particular, the center of gravity of alternative embodiment 11 is different from device 10 depicted in solid lines.

[0083] The proposed device 10 and method for introducing liquids into aircraft, as well as the proposed mounting kit, allow for effective aerial firefighting to be carried out by transport aircraft. The proposed aircraft, which is preferably already equipped with the device from the initial deployment, can achieve high flight speeds when introducing water, allowing for effective firefighting to be carried out. Due to the high flight speed of the provided aircraft, the action radius is significantly increased.

Claims

1. A device (10) for taking in liquids onto an aircraft, comprising at least one immersion body (12) having at least one water intake (20.1, 20.2) and at least one means (21, 22, 23) for generating at least one air bubble to at least partially envelop the immersion body (12).

2. 2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one means for generating bubbles comprises at least one exhaust opening (22.1, 22.2) on the immersion body (12).

3. 2. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the immersion body (12) comprises a sword portion (14), the sword portion (14) having a longitudinal extension (15) with an upper end (18) and a lower end (19).

4. 2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the immersion body (12) comprises at least one torpedo-shaped portion (16).

5. 3. The device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one exhaust opening (22.1, 22.2) is arranged rearward of the at least one intake opening (20.1, 20.2) in the direction of movement (50) of the device (10).

6. 3. The device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that it is provided with a plurality of water intakes (20.1, 20.2) and outlets (22.1, 22.2).

7. 3. The device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the immersion body (12) has a bow (30), and the at least one water intake (20.1, 20.2) and the at least one exhaust (22.1, 22.2) are arranged in the bow (30).

8. 8. The device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that a plurality of exhaust openings (22.1, 22.2) are arranged along the bow (30) in the longitudinal extension (15) of the device (10).

9. 3. The device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one outlet (22.1, 22.2) is designed as a Venturi nozzle.

10. 2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one means for generating bubbles comprises at least one cavitator (21, 23) at least partially around the immersion body (12).

11. 11. The device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one cavitator (21) on the sword portion (14) is designed as a line cavitator and / or at least one cavitator (23) on the torpedo-shaped portion (16) is designed as a point cavitator.

12. 11. Apparatus (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the geometry of said at least one cavitator (21, 23) is variable.

13. 2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the immersion body (12) has a flight stabilizer (40).

14. 2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the immersion body (12) comprises at least one pendulum (42.1, 42.2).

15. 2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one immersion projection (46) is arranged on the immersion body (12).

16. The device (10) of claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a distance measuring device (58) capable of determining at least one of the immersion depth of the immersed body (12) in the body of water (52) and one or both of the wave height of the body of water (52).

17. 2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an airbag to prevent damage in case of collision with an object in a body of water.

18. 1. A method for introducing liquid into an aircraft, comprising: - providing a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 17; - connecting said device (10) to a water tank on board an aircraft; - during flight of the aircraft, lowering the device (10) into a body of water (52) so that it is at least partially submerged in the body of water (52); - taking water from said body of water (52) via the water intakes (20.1, 20.2) of the immersion body (12) of said device (10).

19. 19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that air is applied to the device (10) so that the air flows out of the exhaust openings (22.1, 22.2) and the immersion body (12) of the device (10) immersed in the water body (52) is at least partially surrounded by air bubbles.

20. 19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the air is sucked out of the outlets (22.1, 22.2) by the Venturi effect.

21. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the ventilation cavitation is induced by air.

22. 19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that supercavitation is generated on the immersion body (12) immersed in a body of water (52) by means of at least one cavitator (21, 23).

23. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein when the immersion body (12) is at least partially immersed, the extended immersion projections (46) are immersed first.

24. 19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that before the immersion body (12) is at least partially immersed, the immersion body is stabilized in flight phase by deployed flight stabilizers (40).

25. 19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that at least one pendulum rudder (42.1, 42.2) is moved into an operating position after the immersion body has been at least partially immersed.

26. Use of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 for loading liquids onto an aircraft.

27. A mounting kit for an aircraft, comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and at least one water tank.

28. An aircraft comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and at least one water tank.

29. 29. An aircraft according to claim 28, characterized in that it comprises an extendable device for deploying and storing at least one immersion body (12) of said device (10) during the flight of said aircraft.

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