Seabasing Ship Aircraft Orientation for Deck Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seabasing ships are limited in their ability to accommodate and efficiently operate a large number of Joint Heavy Lift (JHL) aircraft due to conventional aircraft positioning requirements, which restricts the rate of aircraft sortie generation and is costly, with most proposals being slow and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A seabasing ship design that orients aircraft at angles between 20° and 180° from dead ahead on a widened flight deck, allowing for increased density of 'ready for take-off' aircraft, with central elevators for rapid loading and unloading, and a modified containership hull form for speed and affordability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional aircraft positioning (aligned with ship's heading) is used, then aircraft can be positioned for takeoff, but the density of ready-for-takeoff aircraft is limited and sortie generation rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear aircraft positioning (aligned with ship's heading) to two-dimensional angular positioning (orienting aircraft at angles between 20° and 180° from dead ahead). This dimensional change allows multiple aircraft to be positioned simultaneously in different orientations on the flight deck, increasing the density of ready-for-takeoff aircraft and enabling higher sortie generation rates without requiring additional ship length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic repositioning system where aircraft can be rapidly reoriented from storage positions to various takeoff orientations using automated positioning mechanisms. This dynamic capability allows the flight deck to adapt to different operational requirements and maintain optimal aircraft density under varying conditions, thereby improving sortie generation rate.
2Productivity
If the flight deck is widened to accommodate more aircraft, then aircraft density increases, but the ship's speed and affordability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing flight deck area by widening the ship (which would increase displacement and reduce speed), the patent utilizes angular positioning in the horizontal plane to maximize aircraft density within the existing flight deck footprint. This approach maintains the original ship dimensions and speed characteristics while significantly increasing aircraft accommodation capacity through optimized spatial arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positioning parameters of aircraft from a single orientation (0° aligned with ship's heading) to multiple angular positions (20° to 180° from dead ahead). This parameter change allows the same flight deck area to accommodate more aircraft in different orientations, increasing capacity without requiring physical expansion of the flight deck or increases in ship size that would compromise speed.
3Productivity
If conventional linear aircraft positioning is used, then aircraft can be loaded sequentially, but the loading rate and operational efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flight deck into multiple angular sectors, each capable of independently positioning and loading aircraft. This segmentation allows parallel loading operations to occur simultaneously in different sectors, dramatically increasing the overall vehicle loading rate. Multiple elevators and positioning systems operate independently in different angular zones, enabling concurrent loading of multiple aircraft rather than sequential loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary positioning of aircraft in storage areas at various angular orientations before they are called to the flight deck. Aircraft can be pre-positioned and prepared in advance, reducing wait times and enabling faster loading rates when deployment is required. This preliminary action allows the system to respond more rapidly to operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The density of “ready for take-off” aircraft on a flight deck of a ship is increased by orienting the aircraft at orientation angles between 20° and 180° from dead ahead. Preferred ships are modified from, or utilize a design derived from an existing ship, especially a large containership or other commercial ship. One or more payload staging decks can be advantageously located under the flight deck. All suitable types of aircraft are contemplated, including especially helicopters, tilt-rotors, and other rotorcraft. In preferred embodiments at least three, five, or ten aircraft are vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Also in preferred embodiments, at least five of the first plurality of the aircraft are capable of carrying a payload greater than 20,000 pounds.