초록 ▼

A method for improving the conspicuity of aircraft is described that includes determining onto which exposed portions of an aircraft surface a retro-reflective material is to be placed, and attaching the retro-reflective material to the exposed portions such that an observer of the retro-reflective

A method for improving the conspicuity of aircraft is described that includes determining onto which exposed portions of an aircraft surface a retro-reflective material is to be placed, and attaching the retro-reflective material to the exposed portions such that an observer of the retro-reflective material is provided with an indication of a size, location, and orientation of the aircraft.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for improving the conspicuity of aircraft comprising: determining onto which exposed portions of an aircraft surface a retro-reflective material is to be placed;attaching the retro-reflective material to the exposed portions in conspicuous patterns such that the conspicuous patterns of r

1. A method for improving the conspicuity of aircraft comprising: determining onto which exposed portions of an aircraft surface a retro-reflective material is to be placed;attaching the retro-reflective material to the exposed portions in conspicuous patterns such that the conspicuous patterns of retro-reflective material provide an observer with an indication of a size, location, and orientation of the aircraft, wherein the size of the aircraft includes at least the length of the aircraft;configuring the aircraft such that at least a leading edge of the retro-reflective material is at least partially protected from an aircraft operation environment; andapplying a patch material over the leading edge of the retro-reflective material. 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein configuring the aircraft comprises: configuring an exterior coating of the aircraft such that a lip is formed in the exterior coating at the leading edge of the determined portion; andinstalling the leading edge of the retro-reflective material into the leading edge lip. 3. A method according to claim 1 wherein configuring the aircraft comprises applying the retro-reflective material such that the leading edge of the retro-reflective material is protected by a control surface of the aircraft during flight. 4. A method according to claim 3 wherein applying the retro-reflective material comprises applying the retro-reflective material on aircraft surfaces that are under control surfaces during flight and exposed when the control surfaces are in a position utilized during aircraft take off and landing maneuvers. 5. A method according to claim 4, wherein applying the retro-reflective material on aircraft surfaces comprises applying the retro-reflective material on a wing flap of the aircraft. 6. A method according to claim 1 wherein attaching the retro-reflective material to the exposed portions comprises installing the retro-reflective material in conspicuous patterns that include a plurality of chevron shaped sections. 7. A method according to claim 1 wherein attaching the retro-reflective material comprises at least one of attaching an adhesive tape coated with retro-reflective materials, applying a coating that includes the retro-reflective materials, and applying a laminated material that includes the retro-reflective materials. 8. A method according to claim 1 wherein attaching the retro-reflective material to the exposed portions comprises installing the retro-reflective material so as to maintain an aerodynamic surface for the aircraft. 9. A method according to claim 1 further comprising attaching the retro-reflective material at one or more of: around a perimeter of passenger windows of the aircraft;around a perimeter of doors of the aircraft;around a perimeter of emergency exit doors of the aircraft;on an engine cowling of the aircraft; andalong a top centerline of a fuselage of the aircraft. 10. A method according to claim 1 wherein attaching the retro-reflective material to the exposed portions further comprises incorporating the retro-reflective material into a paint scheme of an airline that operates the aircraft. 11. A method according to claim 1, wherein attaching the retro-reflective material to the exposed portions comprises attaching the retro-reflective material around a perimeter of passenger windows of the aircraft. 12. A method according to claim 1, wherein attaching the retro-reflective material to the exposed portions comprises attaching the retro-reflective material around a perimeter of doors of the aircraft. 13. A method according to claim 1, wherein attaching the retro-reflective material to the exposed portions comprises attaching the retro-reflective material on an engine cowling of the aircraft such that the conspicuous patterns of retro-reflective material provide side angle conspicuity. 14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the conspicuous patterns on the engine cowling include arrows that point towards a front of the aircraft.