Air Drop Rack Assembly for Individual Payload Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air drop systems require simultaneous launch of all payloads from a single location, are not reusable, and pose hazards to the launch site due to disposable structures and non-recoverable frames.
Innovation Solution
An air drop rack assembly with a forward and aft part mounted to the cargo compartment and ramp of a cargo aircraft, allowing individualized launch of payloads through aligned C-channels and reusable skidboards that separate from the payload post-launch, preventing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a one-time use frame is used to launch multiple payloads simultaneously, then all payloads can be launched at the same location expeditiously, but the frame is not recoverable and poses a hazard to inhabitants below
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple individual launch positions, each capable of independently launching a single payload. This segmentation allows selective launch of individual payloads while leaving the frame intact for subsequent uses, eliminating the hazard of disposable frames while maintaining launch efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed to be recovered and reused rather than discarded after a single use. The invention enables the frame to be retained in the cargo compartment for multiple launch operations, eliminating the need for disposable frames and the associated hazards to inhabitants below.
2Productivity
If a one-time use frame is used for air drop, then all payloads can be launched at the same location, but all cruise missiles could be lost if a problem arises in the launch
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into individual launch positions, allowing each payload to be launched independently. This segmentation means that if a problem occurs during launch of one payload, other payloads can still be launched successfully, improving overall reliability while maintaining launch efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed to be recovered and reused for subsequent launch operations. This recoverability ensures that the launch system remains operational and can be used for multiple missions, improving reliability compared to disposable frames where the entire system is lost if a problem occurs.
3Ease of operation
If the rack parts are spaced apart during transport, then the aircraft can be configured for launch, but the launch channel is not continuous
Solution Approach 1:
The rack parts are designed to move between spaced-apart positions during transport and aligned positions during launch. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different operational modes, providing ease of operation for aircraft configuration while achieving continuous launch channel alignment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack parts are pre-configured in spaced-apart positions for easy loading and transport. When launch is required, the parts are quickly moved into aligned positions to create a continuous launch channel. This preliminary configuration simplifies operation while enabling continuous launch capability when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables individualized launch of payloads at desired locations, reduces hazards by being reusable, and minimizes debris at the launch site, with efficient deployment using minimal altitude.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate spring which urges the cruise missile away from the skidboard
Implementation Method 2
the spring separates the skidboard and the ballast weight causes the released skidboard to drop vertically
Data Source
AI summary
An air drop rack assembly is mounted within the cargo compartment of a cargo aircraft and has a forward part secured to the load deck and an aft part secured to the aircraft cargo ramp. The rack parts have rollers in conveyor assemblies mounted between C-channels which engage skidboards which support smaller aircraft such as gliders or cruise missiles. When the ramp is up two rack parts are tilted with respect to each other. At payload drop, ramp is deployed to bring the rack part conveyor assemblies into alignment. Although the aligned rack parts are spaced apart, when the cargo aircraft is tilted upwardly, the individual payloads on skidboards are discharged out the aircraft aft opening. Cruise missiles or bombs may be supported on a skidboard with a deformable surface, a forward ballast weight, and a spring, such that once launched the skidboard is pushed away from the payload.