Patent · US Active

Multi-role aircraft with interchangeable mission modules

US9493226B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
18References
20Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 24, 2015
Grant dateNov 15, 2016
Priority date—
Expiry dateNov 24, 2035

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02T50/40
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A flight-operable, truly modular aircraft has an aircraft core to which one or more of outer wings members, fuselage, cockpit, leading and trailing edge couplings, and empennage and tail sections can be removably coupled and/or replaced during the operating life span of the aircraft. In preferred embodiments the aircraft core houses the propulsive engines, avionics, at least 80% of the fuel, and all of the landing gear. The aircraft core is preferably constructed with curved forward and aft composite spars, that transfer loads across the center section, while accommodating a mid-wing configuration. The aircraft core preferably has a large central cavity dimensioned to interchangeably carry an ordnance launcher, a surveillance payload, electronic countermeasures, and other types of cargo. Contemplated aircraft can be quite large, for example having a wing span of at least 80 ft.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.