Rotorcraft fuel system having enhanced crash resistance

US10196151B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. · US

Inventors

• Martin Peryea · Fort Worth, US
• Michael R. Smith · Colleyville, US
• Douglas Howard Hamelwright · Fort Worth, US
• Albert G. Brand · Fort Worth, US
• Nicholas Plagianos · Oosterdijk, US
• Joshua Andrew Emrich · Fort Worth, US
• Timothy Brian Carr · Fort Worth, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 2, 2016
• Grant date: Feb 5, 2019
• Expiry date: Feb 25, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64C27/04
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A rotorcraft includes a fuselage having a fuel tank receiving assembly with a fuel tank positioned therein. The fuel tank including a plurality of interconnected fuel bags operable to contain liquid fuel. A network of straps is disposed about the fuel tank forming a restraint assembly. The network of straps includes at least one perimeter strap extending at least partially about at least two fuel bags and at least one surrounding strap extending at least partially about the at least two fuel bags. The at least one perimeter strap has at least two intersections with the at least one surrounding strap.