System for internal payload extension and retraction using telescoping mechanism

• Main Authors: Caldwell, Franklin Foster, Smith, Clegg Benjamin Brian, Williams, Jeffrey Matthew, Heeringa, Tjepke, Rinehart, Michael E, Kooiman, James Everett
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 29.03.2022
• Subjects: ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; AEROPLANES; AIRCRAFT; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSIONTRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; COSMONAUTICS; DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS; FLYING SUITS; HANDCUFFS; HELICOPTERS; KEYS; LOCKS; PARACHUTES; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; SAFES; TRANSPORTING; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THEFUNCTIONING OF THE WING

A system is described and includes a rack for carrying payload disposed in a payload bay; and a payload extension assembly for affecting linear translation of the rack between a first position in which the rack is fully retracted within the payload bay and a second position in which the payload extension assembly is fully extended and the rack is supported outside the payload bay. The payload extension assembly comprises forward and aft tracks respectively attached to forward and aft walls of the payload bay; a first stage for providing linear translation of the rack relative to the forward and aft tracks; and a second stage for providing linear translation of the rack relative to the first stage. The system further comprises a payload actuator system for selectively causing the rack extension assembly to move the rack between the first and second positions.