Variable size blended wing body aircraft
US6568632B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U30/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A blended wing body aircraft having a modular body. In one embodiment, the configuration or cargo capacity of the aircraft can be varied by adding or subtracting intermediate body structures rather than by adding or subtracting segments from the lateral sides of the aircraft body. Configuration in this manner preserves key aerodynamic parameters and permits several major components to be used in several aircraft configurations, each of which having a different cargo capacity. In another embodiment, the aircraft is formed from a plurality of laterally-extending body structures. Changes to the cargo capacity of the aircraft is accomplished through the employment of body structures that are wider or narrower. Configuration in this manner provides the aircraft with a structure that is relatively strong and efficient. While the body structures of this embodiment are not shared across a family of variously sized aircraft, the base design of the body structures is readily modifiable to adjust for an increase or decrease in width associated with a desired change to the aircraft's cargo capacity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.