Autopilot for aircraft having automatic descent function in the event of cabin depressurization
First Claim
1. An emergency control system for an aircraft to recover from a catastrophic loss of cabin pressure even if the pilot becomes incapacitated before he is able to activate an emergency oxygen system, said system comprising:
- an autopilot system programmed to initiate a recovery procedure whereby a maximum safe rate of descent is initiated and maintained by increasing parasitic drag of the aircraft, principally through the use of a slip condition, in response to a cabin depressurization condition detected by a air pressure sensor, to an altitude where there is sufficient oxygen in the atmosphere to sustain full consciousness of the pilot.
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Abstract
An emergency control system permits an aircraft to recover from a catastrophic loss of cabin pressure even if the pilot becomes incapacitated before he is able to activate an emergency oxygen system. An autopilot system is programmed for rapid descent, in response to a cabin depressurization condition detected by an air pressure sensor, to a flight level where there is sufficient oxygen in the atmosphere to sustain full consciousness. When in the rapid descent mode, the autopilot cuts engine power to idle, reduces the angle of attack, maximizes parasitic drag, and initiates a maximum descent rate without exceeding the aircraft'"'"'s design limitations. As the aircraft approaches a lower altitude capable of sustaining full human consciousness, the autopilot system increases the angle of attack, reduces parasitic drag, and increases engine power, thereby causing the aircraft to fly level at the lower altitude until the pilot reasserts control of the aircraft.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An emergency control system for an aircraft to recover from a catastrophic loss of cabin pressure even if the pilot becomes incapacitated before he is able to activate an emergency oxygen system, said system comprising:
an autopilot system programmed to initiate a recovery procedure whereby a maximum safe rate of descent is initiated and maintained by increasing parasitic drag of the aircraft, principally through the use of a slip condition, in response to a cabin depressurization condition detected by a air pressure sensor, to an altitude where there is sufficient oxygen in the atmosphere to sustain full consciousness of the pilot. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. In combination with an aircraft having at least one engine, retractable landing gear, and flaps, an emergency control system for an aircraft to recover from a catastrophic loss of cabin pressure even if the pilot becomes incapacitated before he is able to activate an emergency oxygen system, said system comprising:
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an air pressure sensor which constantly monitors cabin air pressure at least when the aircraft is above a maximum safe altitude;
an autopilot system programmed to initiate and maintain a maximum safe rate of descent by increasing parasitic drag of the aircraft principally through the use of a slip condition, in response to a cabin depressurization condition detected by said air pressure sensor, until the aircraft reaches an altitude where there is sufficient oxygen in the atmosphere to sustain full consciousness of the pilot. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. In combination with an aircraft having at least one engine, retractable landing gear, and flaps, an emergency control system for an aircraft to recover from a catastrophic loss of cabin pressure even if the pilot becomes incapacitated before he is able to activate an emergency oxygen system, said system comprising:
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an air pressure sensor which constantly monitors cabin air pressure at least when the aircraft is above a maximum safe altitude;
an autopilot system programmed to reduce engine power settings to idle, maximize parasitic drag principally by slipping the aircraft, reduce the aircraft'"'"'s angle of attack, and thereby initiate and maintain a maximum safe rate of descent, in response to a cabin depressurization condition detected by said air pressure sensor, said autopilot system also programmed to increase power, reduce parasitc drag, and increase the aircraft'"'"'s angle of attack when an altitude is reached where there is sufficient oxygen in the atmosphere to sustain full consciousness of the pilot. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification