Tail spar spring

US10023294B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. · US

Inventors

• Matthew Carl VanBuskirk · Bedford, US
• Michael Scott Seifert · Southlake, US
• Michael Christopher Burnett · Fort Worth, US
• Mark Loring Isaac · Fort Worth, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 23, 2015
• Grant date: Jul 17, 2018
• Expiry date: Jan 25, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64C29/0033
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an empennage attachment system features an aft attachment mechanism and a forward attachment system. The aft attachment mechanism is configured to be coupled to a tail section of a body of an aircraft and to an empennage proximate to an aft spar of the empennage. The aft attachment mechanism defines a pitch axis such that the aft attachment mechanism allows the empennage to rotate about the pitch axis. The forward attachment system is configured to be coupled to the tail section of the body and to the empennage proximate to a forward spar of the empennage. The forward attachment system is configured to restrict rotation of the empennage about the pitch axis to an allowable range of motion.