METHOD FOR EXPANDING AIRCRAFT CENTER OF GRAVITY LIMITATIONS
First Claim
1. A method of expanding a center of gravity (CG) limitation of an aircraft, the aircraft having landing gear struts, the aircraft having a first CG limitation that is determined by a designer of the aircraft, the first CG limitation based upon assumed loads on the landing gear struts, comprising the steps of:
- a) operating the aircraft;
b) during the operation of the aircraft, measuring the loads on the landing gear struts;
c) determining if the measured loads have exceeded the assumed loads;
d) if the measured loads have not exceeded the assumed loads, then determining a second CG limitation that exceeds the first CG limitation;
e) operating the aircraft at an expanded CG which exceeds the first CG limitation but is within the second CG limitation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method which creates a justification basis to expand an aircraft'"'"'s Center of Gravity limitations, which are established by the aircraft designer; relating to aircraft landing gear strength assumptions. Strut load sensors such as pressure sensors are mounted in relation to each of the landing gear struts to monitor, measure and record aircraft landing gear strut compression loads. A history of measured landing gear load values is compiled and related to any assumed landing gear loads, which define the life-cycle limit of the landing gear, allowing relief from existing aircraft Center of Gravity limitation caused by landing gear strength assumptions to further expanded CG limitations beyond current limits, based on measured landing gear loads.
16 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method of expanding a center of gravity (CG) limitation of an aircraft, the aircraft having landing gear struts, the aircraft having a first CG limitation that is determined by a designer of the aircraft, the first CG limitation based upon assumed loads on the landing gear struts, comprising the steps of:
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a) operating the aircraft; b) during the operation of the aircraft, measuring the loads on the landing gear struts; c) determining if the measured loads have exceeded the assumed loads; d) if the measured loads have not exceeded the assumed loads, then determining a second CG limitation that exceeds the first CG limitation; e) operating the aircraft at an expanded CG which exceeds the first CG limitation but is within the second CG limitation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification