Detachable Supply Glider for Ejection Seat Space Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing survival kits in aircraft ejection seats are limited by space constraints and cannot accommodate larger equipment needed for modern conflict zones, and traditional cargo aircraft are detectable and limited in delivery range.
Innovation Solution
A supply glider system is integrated with the aircraft, which includes a detachable container and steering mechanisms, guided by sensors and controllers, to deliver additional survival gear and supplies to remote locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If survival kits are stored physically on and/or in the ejection seat, then the survival kit is readily accessible, but the space available is limited and cannot accommodate larger equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The survival system is divided into two separate components: the ejection seat and the supply glider. The supply glider is a detachable container that carries the survival kit, separating the survival equipment storage from the ejection seat structure. This allows the survival kit to be delivered independently at a distance from the aircraft, eliminating the space constraint of the ejection seat while maintaining ready accessibility through automated deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
A supply glider serves as an intermediary vehicle between the aircraft and the final delivery point. The glider is launched from the aircraft, carries the survival kit through the air, and delivers it to a destination beyond the aircraft's immediate range. This intermediary enables long-range delivery without requiring the aircraft to be in close proximity to the delivery point.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional cargo aircraft are used to deliver supplies, then large quantities of supplies can be delivered, but the aircraft are detectable and must be in close proximity to the delivery point
Solution Approach 1:
The supply delivery system is segmented into a launch platform (aircraft) and a separate delivery vehicle (supply glider). The glider is a small, lightweight container that can be launched from various aircraft types including fighter jets and UAVs. This segmentation allows supplies to be delivered by less detectable aircraft that can operate at higher altitudes and from greater distances, eliminating the need for large cargo aircraft to be in close proximity to the delivery point.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply glider acts as an intermediary that carries supplies from the launch aircraft to the delivery point. This allows the aircraft to remain at a safe distance and remain less detectable while still delivering substantial quantities of supplies. The glider can be launched from standardized interfaces on various aircraft types, enabling flexible deployment without requiring the aircraft to approach the delivery zone closely.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If bomber, fighter, or UAV type aircraft are used to deliver supplies, then detectability is reduced and delivery distance is increased, but the launching points have limited adaptability for mounting and delivering weapons and supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The supply glider is designed with standardized mounting interfaces that are compatible with the weapon hardpoints of various aircraft types including fighters, bombers, and UAVs. This universal interface design allows the same supply glider system to be deployed from multiple different aircraft platforms, maximizing adaptability and versatility across different military assets while maintaining the benefits of reduced detectability and extended delivery range.
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
The system expands the capacity for survival equipment and allows undetectable, long-range delivery of supplies, enhancing operational capabilities for ejection scenarios and search and rescue missions.
Implementation Method 1
wings coupled to the body
Implementation Method 2
stabilators coupled to the body adjacent the second end
Implementation Method 3
a sensor coupled to the body, and a controller coupled to the sensor, the controller configured to guide the supply glider to a destination
Data Source
AI summary
A supply glider is disclosed herein. The supply glider includes a body having a first end and a second end, the body being configured to be coupled to a host aircraft, a container disposed between the first end and the second end of the body, wings coupled to the body between the first end and the second end, and stabilators coupled to the body adjacent the second end.