Reconfigurable Aircraft In-Flight Payload Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Military aircraft, particularly tactical and unmanned air vehicles, face challenges in adapting to changing operational conditions during missions due to fixed configurations, which limit their ability to adjust fuel supply and armament in real-time, leading to inefficiencies and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable aircraft system that allows in-flight reconfiguration through engagement with an airborne supply vehicle, enabling the transfer of payloads such as fuel, armaments, and sensors using rotatable payload retainers and a propulsion system, allowing the aircraft to adjust its configuration mid-mission to match changing operational needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If external fuel tanks are added to increase fuel capacity, then the aircraft's range and endurance are improved, but drag increases and maneuverability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel system is divided into internal fuel tanks within the aircraft fuselage and external fuel tanks that can be attached or detached. This segmentation allows the aircraft to carry fuel internally for efficient aerodynamics during cruise, while external tanks can be added only when extended range is needed, accepting the drag penalty only when necessary for the mission
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft is designed with dynamic reconfiguration capability where external fuel tanks can be jettisoned or detached during flight when their fuel is depleted or when reduced drag is needed. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the drag-to-endurance ratio throughout the mission profile
2Force
If aircraft are configured with heavy armament for potential high-intensity engagement, then firepower is improved, but fuel consumption increases and mission duration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft employs dynamic payload management where armament configurations can be adjusted during flight based on actual threat conditions. If heavy armament is not needed, payload bay doors can be closed to reduce drag, or external weapon stations can be jettisoned, optimizing the balance between firepower and fuel efficiency throughout the mission
3Quantity of substance
If aircraft return to base after exhausting weapons magazine, then weapons can be replenished, but mission time is lost and operational effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
An airborne refueling and rearmament system acts as an intermediary between the aircraft and ground-based logistics. A mothership or supply aircraft can transfer weapons and fuel to combat aircraft in flight, enabling rapid replenishment without returning to base and maintaining continuous operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft is designed with dynamic reconfiguration capability where external fuel tanks can be jettisoned or detached during flight when their fuel is depleted or when reduced drag is needed, optimizing the drag-to-endurance ratio throughout the mission profile
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable aircraft and associated methods. In one embodiment the reconfigurable aircraft comprises a plurality of payload retainers. The payload retainers are configured to receive and retain payloads, including fuel, armaments and sensors. The aircraft is configured to cooperate in flight with an airborne supply vehicle to receive the payloads from the supply vehicle.