초록 ▼

An expandable section (12) is provided for an aircraft (10) which includes a movable rigid aircraft section (18) which is attached to the fixed aircraft structure (16) by an elastomeric transition section (14) which permits the movable aircraft section (18) to move between a retracted configuration

An expandable section (12) is provided for an aircraft (10) which includes a movable rigid aircraft section (18) which is attached to the fixed aircraft structure (16) by an elastomeric transition section (14) which permits the movable aircraft section (18) to move between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration to increase the volume of a cavity within the aircraft. The elastomeric transition section includes elastomeric material (20) having a plurality of holes (22) therethrough. Flexible rods (28, 32) are secured either to the aircraft structure (38) or the movable aircraft section (18) and extend through the holes to permit the elastomeric transition section to expand, contract and bend as necessary to accommodate the movement of the movable aircraft section (18). In one application, the movable aircraft section (18) can form the doors (40, 42) of a weapons bay. A number of hinge mechanisms are disclosed for opening and closing the weapons bay doors independent of movement of the doors between the retracted and expanded positions.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An expandable aircraft section, comprising:a rigid stationary aircraft portion defining an enclosed cavity having a perimeter;a rigid movable aircraft portion forming a closure of the cavity;an elastomeric transition section attached between the rigid stationary aircraft portion an

[ We claim:] [1.] An expandable aircraft section, comprising:a rigid stationary aircraft portion defining an enclosed cavity having a perimeter;a rigid movable aircraft portion forming a closure of the cavity;an elastomeric transition section attached between the rigid stationary aircraft portion and the rigid movable aircraft portion about the entire perimeter of the cavity of the rigid stationary aircraft portion for permitting the rigid movable aircraft portion to move relative the stationary aircraft portion between a contracted position and an expanded position to increase the volume of the cavity.