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Reconfigurable aircraft and associated methods

  • US 8,162,262 B2
  • Filed: 07/31/2007
  • Issued: 04/24/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of reconfiguring an aircraft in flight, the method comprising the steps of:

  • engaging the aircraft, in flight, with an airborne supply vehicle;

    aligning a first payload retainer on the aircraft with a passage on the aircraft;

    transferring a first payload from the airborne supply vehicle to the first payload retainer on the aircraft via the passage;

    aligning a second payload retainer on the aircraft with the passage while the aircraft is engaged with the airborne supply vehicle;

    transferring a second payload from the airborne supply vehicle to the second payload retainer via the passage, wherein the first payload retainer and the second payload retainer are arranged on a movable rack; and

    disengaging the aircraft, in flight, from the airborne supply vehicle.

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