An airframe includes an energy absorbing structure with a frame, a beam mounted to the frame at a rotational joint and a collapsible member. In response to reaching a predetermined threshold load value during a high sink rate impact event, the collapsible member will collapse under an aft section of the upper deck. The rotational joint operates as a virtual hinge such that a forward section of the upper deck deforms in a predictable manner. As the upper deck supports the high mass systems, the high mass components are less likely to separate from their mounting and penetrate into the crew compartment and the main rotor system will tilt aft away from the crew compartment to minimize the likelihood that the rotor blades may penetrate the crew compartment.
ENERGY ABSORBING AIRFRAME FOR A VERTICAL LIFT VEHICLE
ENERGIEABSORBIERENDES FLUGWERK FÜR SENKRECHT STARTENDES FAHRZEUG
CELLULE D'ABSORPTION D'ÉNERGIE POUR UNE POUSSÉE VERTICALE
2019-07-10
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B64C AEROPLANES , Flugzeuge |