Aircraft Control Interrupt Mechanism for Hijack Defense
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing aircraft control during hijackings or pilot incapacitation do not effectively disable on-board pilot operations in non-fly-by-wire aircraft, failing to ensure secure remote control transfer in all types of aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that receive an emergency signal to disconnect on-board pilot control devices from mechanical actuators and connect them to an alternate source, such as an autopilot or remote pilot, using various mechanical and electrical interrupting mechanisms to prevent on-board influence on the aircraft's flight path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical connections (rods, levers, cables) are used to transmit control signals in non-fly-by-wire aircraft, then pilot control can be mechanically transmitted to actuators, but the control system cannot be easily disabled or transferred to remote control in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into separate controllable components (throttle, mixture, carburetor heat, propeller controls) with individual interruptible links for each. This allows selective disabling of pilot control over specific functions while maintaining overall system integrity and enabling gradual transfer of control to remote operators.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary control system is introduced between the pilot's mechanical controls and the aircraft actuators. This intermediary layer includes solenoids, valves, and switching mechanisms that can redirect control signals from onboard pilots to remote operators without requiring complete system redesign.
2Reliability
If all control devices are mechanically connected to actuators for direct pilot control, then the aircraft responds immediately to pilot inputs, but disabling pilot control in hijacking situations becomes difficult and incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates preliminary action by pre-positioning interruptible links and switching mechanisms in the control system before emergencies occur. These components are designed and installed in advance to enable rapid disabling of pilot control and transfer to remote operation when hijacking or emergency situations arise.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical control connections are partially replaced with electromechanical systems including solenoids, electrically actuated valves, and electronically controlled switches. This substitution allows control signals to be interrupted or redirected through electrical means while maintaining mechanical actuation at the final control points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fly-by-wire electronic control systems are used, then pilot control can be easily disabled by interrupting electronic signals, but this solution does not apply to the majority of non-fly-by-wire aircraft with mechanical control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates universal components and design features that can be applied across different aircraft types, whether fly-by-wire or mechanical. The interruptible links and switching mechanisms are designed to work with various control devices (throttles, mixtures, propellers, carburetor heats) making the system adaptable to multiple aircraft configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary control layer is introduced that can bridge mechanical and electronic control systems. This intermediary includes electrical switches, solenoids, and control valves that can be integrated into existing mechanical control systems to provide electronic interruption capability without complete system replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed for disabling on-board pilot operation of an aircraft and transferring aircraft operation to an alternate source of control. The aircraft has at least one manually actuated control device for controlling at least one mechanical actuator, with the actuator causing movement of an aircraft attitude control surface or an aircraft engine throttle. The control device is mechanically connected to the actuator(s). The alternate source of control may be one or more of an autopilot, a flight control system and an off-aircraft human pilot. The method and apparatus for disabling on-board pilot operation provides for (a) receiving a signal indicative of an emergency condition requiring the disabling of on-board pilot control of the aircraft; (b) disconnecting the one or more control devices from their respective actuator(s) in response to the receipt of the emergency condition signal; and (c) connecting the actuator(s) to the alternate source of control.