Aircraft capture and transportation system

Abstract

In order to achieve all the purposes mentioned above and that will emerge from the detailed description below, the present invention is related to an aircraft capture and transportation system (1 ) comprising at least one capture car (50) with at least one holder capable of being connected to at least one probe on the helicopter to enable the safe landing or take-off of aircraft on marine vessels and to transfer them to a safe area on the marine vessel, having at least one track configured on the marine vessel (100) to allow movement of said capture car (50). Accordingly, its novelty is that it comprises at least one traverse winch (83) connected to the capture car (50) by means of at least one rope to provide movement of the capture car (50), it comprises at least one power unit (81 ) providing drive to said traverse winch (83), it comprises at least one variable displacement power regulated pump to automatically adjust the pressure according to the counterload, and it comprises at least one image processing unit (10) allowing the capture car to follow the helicopter by calculating the instantaneous position of the aircraft.

Description

[0001] AIRCRAFT CAPTURE AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to an aircraft capture and transportation system for safely landing or taking off aircraft on a marine vessel and transporting them to a safe area on the marine vessel.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] The ASIST system is used to facilitate the landing and take-off of helicopters on board, safely secure them, and optimize helicopter operations on a moving ship. ASIST is typically found on large naval ships, particularly on ships such as amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers. With ASIST, helicopters can be transported to a desired location on the ship they land on and stored securely.

[0006] In the literature, the United States document reference no. US5687930A is related the systems and components useful in the landing of airborne craft. The object of the invention is to introduce an improved system suitable for transferring from a remote landing area to a proximate position reciprocally on the deck of the ship in a controlled manner. The system of the invention discloses a system developed for assisting the landing of a helicopter and for securing a helicopter carrying a probe in the landing position upon landing on the deck of a ship. In said system, a reciprocal housing adjacent to the landing area of the helicopter comprises an upwardly directed light sensor for sensing light. The housing has a shock absorber and sensing means for contacting a probe or other projection extending from the helicopter on the exterior of the helicopter when the helicopter has landed on the deck of the ship. The sensing means extends along the housing to move the housing back and forth towards and away from the landing. There are securing means on the housing carrying the safety means to secure the housing to the probe or protrusion on the helicopter.

[0007] Fixed speed variable displacement pumps are used in the ASIST System. This leads to a complex design of the hydraulic manifold and the need to use a reduction gear in the motor. Therefore, the efficiency decreases and extra costs arise. As a result, all the above-mentioned problems have made it imperative to make an innovation in the relevant technical field.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to a HAY AT system for eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantages and bringing new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0010] An object of the invention is to introduce a HAY AT system allowing aircraft to safely land and take off from a marine vessel and transport it to a safe area.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to introduce an aircraft capture and transportation system in which the need for a reduction gear is eliminated.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to introduce an aircraft capture and transportation system for automatically adjusting the pressure against the counterload.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to introduce an aircraft capture and transportation system capable of instantly following the system feedback on the screens via touch screens.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to introduce an aircraft capture and transportation system capable of continuing to function in emergencies or power failures.

[0015] In order to achieve all the purposes mentioned above and that will emerge from the detailed description below, the present invention is related to an aircraft capture and transportation system comprising at least one capture car with at least one holder capable of being connected to at least one probe on the helicopter to enable the safe landing or take-off of aircraft on marine vessels and to transfer them to a safe area on the marine vessel, having at least one track configured on the marine vessel to allow movement of said capture car. Accordingly, its novelty is that it comprises at least one traverse winch connected to the capture car by means of at least one rope to provide movement of the capture car, it comprises at least one power unit providing drive to said traverse winch, it comprises at least one variable displacement power regulated pump to automatically adjust the pressure according to the counterload, and it comprises at least one image processing unit allowing the capture car to follow the helicopter by calculating the instantaneous position of the aircraft. Thus, efficiency can be increased.

[0016] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one stopper configured at at least one end of the track for restricting and damping the movement of the capture car. Thus, in case the capture car reaches the ends of the track, its movement can be damped.

[0017] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said track is partially in C-form. Thus, the derailment of the capture car can be prevented.

[0018] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said control console comprises at least one touch screen. This ensures ease of use and provides the operator with instant and continuous information about the system.

[0019] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one tension control unit for rope and cable tension control. Thus, it can be ensured that the cables and ropes are kept at the desired tension continuously.

[0020] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one reference mark configured on the marine vessel to guide the pilot. Thus, landing can be facilitated and the installation of the system on the ship is also facilitated.

[0021] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one rotation pulley and at least one guiding pulley connected to at least one cable and at least one rope. Thus, the guiding and movement of cables and ropes is made possible.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a representative isometric view of the HAY AT system of the invention provided on a marine vessel.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In this detailed description, the aircraft capture and transportation system (1 ) of the invention is explained by way of example only for a better understanding of the subject, which shall not create any limiting effect. From now on, the aircraft capture and transportation system (1 ) will be referred to as the HAY AT system (1 ).

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a representative isometric view of the HAY AT system (1 ) of the invention provided on the marine vessel (100). The HAY AT system (1 ) enables aircraft such as helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles that can land on the marine vessel (100) to be used in marine vessel to land safely on the marine vessel (100) and transport them to the desired area. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the aircraft is a helicopter. In order to achieve this, the HAY AT system (1 ) comprises at least one track system (40). Said track system (40) is configured on the marine vessel (100). The track system (40) allows the helicopter to be transported to desired positions on the marine vessel (100). The track system (40) comprises at least one track. The track is C-shaped with corners. Tracks are manufactured by casting method. In this way, the bending operations required by the 'J' profiles in the ASIST System can be eliminated. The track length is 30 meters in the preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0026] The track system (40) comprises at least one track band (41 ). Said track band (41 ) is resistant to the friction that may occur between the track and the capture car (50) and prevents wear. The track system (40) comprises at least one track channel seal (42).

[0027] The HAY AT system (1 ) comprises at least one image processing unit (10). Said image processing unit (10) is configured on the marine vessel (100). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the number of image processing units (10) is two and is located on the starboard and port of the aft side of the marine vessel (100). The image processing unit (10) comprises at least one camera. The image processing unit (10) can instantly detect the position of the helicopter. In order to achieve this, the lasers in the helicopter can be detected by cameras and the location can be calculated instantly.

[0028] The image processing unit (10) not only receives the image, but also processes the image and sends information to the system processing unit regarding the location of the helicopter and the probe in 3D space. For this reason, the need to send the image via fiberoptic cables in the present art has been eliminated. The HAY AT system (1 ) comprises at least one capture car (50). Said capture car (50) is configured to move back and forth on the track. The helicopter lands in alignment with the capture car (50), completing its landing on the marine vessel (100). As the position of the helicopter changes on the deck during landing, the image processing unit (10) detects the instantaneous position of the helicopter and the capture car (50) instantaneously follows the helicopter.

[0029] When the helicopter lands on the deck, the capture car (50) captures and secures the helicopter. And then, it ensures that the aircraft is taken to the desired position. The helicopter comprises at least one probe, allowing it to be captured. Said probe is a cylindrical metal.

[0030] The capture car (50) comprises at least one sensor. The capture car (50) comprises at least one gripper to ensure capture by means of said sensor. Said gripper holds the probe on the helicopter when it lands on the marine vessel (100). The gripper is hookshaped. The gripper can move back and forth on the capture car (50) along an axis perpendicular to the track. In the event that the helicopter needs to land on a marine vessel (100) that is lurching left and right in difficult conditions, the image processing unit (10) continuously determines the position of the helicopter in space, and the capture car (50) can follow the helicopter on the track. In other words, if the helicopter is assumed to move forward due to weather conditions, this movement is followed instantaneously by the image processing unit (10), and the capture car (50) moves forward to coincide vertically with the helicopter. When the helicopter lands, the helicopter is locked with the capture car (50) and can remain secured on the marine vessel (100) with the help of its wheels.

[0031] The HAY AT system (1 ) comprises at least one drive group (80). Said drive group (80) provides the drive required by the capture car (50). The drive group (80) comprises at least one traverse winch (83). There is at least one rope connected to said traverse winch (83). Said rope is connected to the capture car (50) to provides its movement on the track. The rope is manufactured from metal material. In alternative embodiments, the rope can also be a chain. The traverse winch (83) comprises at least two drums. At least one of the said drums winds and unloads the wire rope, and at least another winds and unloads the cable. Said cable transmits the required electricity to the capture car (50). Said cable and rope allow the movement of the capture car (50) and thanks to the drums, the cable and rope can be fed or rewound while the capture car (50) is moving back and forth.

[0032] The drive group (80) comprises at least one power unit (81 ). Said power unit (81 ) comprises at least one manifold and at least one pneumatic pump. The power unit (81 ) provides the power required by the traverse winch (83). The power unit (81 ) is essentially a hydraulic power unit. The power unit (81 ) comprises at least one circular hydraulic pump. Thus, very high torque can be obtained at very low speeds. Therefore, the desired power can be achieved with a smaller motor, which reduces weight and cost. Since a reduction gear is not needed, the efficiency and life cycle of the system increases. Thanks to the use of a radial piston hydromotor, installation and maintenance are simplified.

[0033] Variable displacement power regulated pump is used in the HAY AT system (1 ). The design of the hydraulic manifold required as a result of automatic adjustment of the pressure according to the counterload has been simplified. Thanks to the pneumatic pump added as a spare, the system can operate in case of emergency or power loss, with the air fed from the compressed air system available on the ship. Thanks to the use of titanium sheet plate type cooler, heat transfer efficiency is increased and leakages are prevented. There is at least one backup element on the HAY AT system (1 ) allowing it to continue to operate according to different risk situations. When the control console (60) is not operating, the hydraulic unit (81 ) is controlled via the unit; in case of power failure, the systems are activated by at least one pneumatic connection, and in the absence of compressed air, the system is used in a limited way by means of at least one hand pump.

[0034] The drive group (80) comprises at least one motor starter unit (84). Said motor starter unit (84) ensures the operation of the power unit (81 ).

[0035] The drive group (80) comprises at least one system processing unit (82). Said system processing unit (82) is the main processing unit managing and controlling the operations in the HAY AT system (1 ).

[0036] The drive group (80) comprises at least one tension control unit (85). Said tension control unit (85) provides rope and cable tension control. In this way, the cables and ropes adapt to the capture car (50) continuously moving back and forth. The HAY AT system (1 ) comprises at least one reference mark (20). The reference mark (20) is located on the marine vessel (100) and provides guidance during the system installation. The reference mark (20) is circular in shape and is provided on the marine vessel (100) to surround the capture car (50).

[0037] The HAY AT system (1 ) includes at least one aft end module (30). Said aft end module (30) is provided in the aft part of the marine vessel (100). The aft end module (30) is configured at at least one end of the track. The aft end module (30) comprises at least one stopper (31 ). Said stopper (31 ) is provided at at least one end of the track, allowing the capture car (50) to stop after reaching the said end of the track. The stopper (31 ) also has a damping feature. This makes it possible to damp the capture car (50) in case it reaches the end of the track.

[0038] The aft end module (30) comprises at least one rotation pulley (32). Said rotation pulley (32) is the pulley on which the rope configured to provide movement is wound.

[0039] The HAY AT system (1 ) comprises at least one bow end module (70). Said bow end module (70) is provided in the bow part of the marine vessel (100). The bow end module

[0040] (70) is provided at at least one other end of the track. The bow end module (70) comprises at least one stopper (31 ). Said stopper (31 ) prevents the derailment of the capture car (30), as mentioned in the aft end module (50).

[0041] The bow end module (70) comprises at least one guiding pulley (71 ). Said guiding pulley

[0042] (71 ) ensures that the cables or rope remain in the correct position within the track. The rope is provided such that it is endless between the traverse winch (83), the guiding pulley (71 ) and the rotation pulley (32). Thus, the rope is in an endless loop and movement is made possible. In other words, the rope operates on both sides.

[0043] The HAY AT system (1 ) comprises at least one control console (60). The HAY AT system (1 ) can be controlled remotely via said control console (60). The control console (60) comprises at least one touch screen. With said touch screens, system feedback can be received instantly on the screens. User inputs are given by button and joystick. Test systems and user manuals and maintenance operation cards can also be displayed on the displays. The HAY AT system (1 ) comprises at least one isolation transformer (90). Said isolation transformer (90) is designed as the first point of electrical connection with the ship. Thus, the HAY AT system (1 ) is isolated in the electrical system of the ship.

[0044] 24 VDC voltage is designed to be taken separately from the ship, the reason for this is that when the ship's power is cut off, the system control is provided with 24 V, which is the control voltage, and the capture car (50) can continue to be used using pneumatic connections.

[0045] In order to protect analog signals and to read them easily, the cores that transmit these signals are enclosed in the cable.

[0046] In the light of all of the described, the invention operates as follows: As soon as the nose of the helicopter crosses the aft of the ship, the lasers on the helicopter are captured by the image processing unit (10) and the position of the helicopter in space is calculated. Depending on the movement of the helicopter, the capture car (50) also moves on the track. When the helicopter lands on the marine vessel (100), the gripper in the capture car (50) captures the probe in the helicopter. The helicopter is then evacuated from the deck as the capture car (50) proceeds to the safe zone, the hangar.

[0047] Therefore, with the HAY AT system (1 ), the pressure against the counterload is automatically adjusted. For this reason, the required hydraulic system has been simplified. By providing the drive of the traverse winch

[0048] (83) by means of a hydraulic motor, high torque is obtained and there is no need for the use of a reduction gear. Efficiency is increased due to the absence of a reduction gear.

[0049] The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be limited to what is described for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can produce similar embodiments in the light of what is explained above, without deviating from the main theme of the invention. REFERENCE NUMERALS GIVEN IN THE DRAWING

[0050] 1 Aircraft Capture and Transportation System

[0051] 10 Image processing unit

[0052] 20 Reference Mark

[0053] 30 Aft End Module

[0054] 31 Stopper

[0055] 32 Rotation Pulley

[0056] 40 T rack System

[0057] 41 Track Band

[0058] 42 Track Channel Seal

[0059] 50 Capture Car

[0060] 60 Control Console

[0061] 70 Bow End Module

[0062] 71 Guiding Pulley

[0063] 80 Drive Group

[0064] 81 Power Unit

[0065] 82 System Processing Unit

[0066] 83 Traverse Winch

[0067] 84 Motor Starter Unit

[0068] 85 Tension Control Unit

[0069] 90 Isolation Transformer

[0070] 100 Marine Vessel

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An aircraft capture and transportation system (1 ) comprising at least one capture car (50) with at least one holder capable of being connected to at least one probe on the helicopter to enable the safe landing or take-off of aircraft on marine vessels and to transfer them to a safe area on the marine vessel, having at least one track configured on the marine vessel (100) to allow movement of said capture car (50), characterized by comprising at least one traverse winch (83) connected to the capture car (50) by means of at least one rope to provide movement of the capture car (50), comprising at least one power unit (81 ) providing drive to said traverse winch (83), comprising at least one variable displacement power regulated pump to automatically adjust the pressure according to the counterload, and comprising at least one image processing unit (10) allowing the capture car to follow the helicopter by calculating the instantaneous position of the aircraft.

2. An aircraft capture and transportation system (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one stopper (31 ) configured at at least one end of the track for restricting and damping the movement of the capture car (50).

3. An aircraft capture and transportation system (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said track is partially in C-form.

4. An aircraft capture and transportation system (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said control console (60) comprises at least one touch screen.

5. An aircraft capture and transportation system (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one tension control unit (85) for rope and cable tension control.

6. An aircraft capture and transportation system (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one reference mark (20) located on the marine vessel (100) and providing guidance during the system installation.An aircraft capture and transportation system (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one rotation pulley (32) and at least one guiding pulley (71) connected to at least one cable and at least one rope.

Images