Passenger transport module system for supersonic aircraft

US6817579B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ASTRIUM GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Alexander Jacobus Maria Van der Velden · Atlanta, US
• Holger Stockfleth · Lemwerder, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 6, 2002
• Grant date: Nov 16, 2004
• Expiry date: Aug 6, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64D2201/00
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An autonomous passenger module is releasably carried on a super-sonic aircraft, such as a military fighter jet, for carrying plural passengers on supersonic and near space flights. The passenger module is equipped with passenger service and life support systems to provide oxygen and the like, a parachute system, and a landing airbag or flotation aid system. The module remains mounted on the aircraft throughout a normal flight. In an emergency situation, the module separates from the aircraft by means of releasable connector elements and descends using parachutes. The module provides high passenger capacity at a low cost in a simple manner for commercial supersonic flights using an existing supersonic aircraft as a carrier platform.