Method and system for loading and unloading cargo assembly onto and from an aircraft
First Claim
1. An aircraft for transporting a cargo assembly comprising:
- a forward portion;
an aft portion;
a spine disposed between the forward portion and the aft portion, the spine defining an upper external surface of the aircraft and a lower coupling surface; and
a plurality of mounts attached to the lower coupling surface of the spine to structurally engage and suspend the cargo assembly from the spine;
wherein the aircraft is configured such that an unobstructed passageway is provided between the ground surface and the spine during loading or unloading of the cargo assembly onto or from the spine, respectively; and
a removable fairing configured to be removably attached to the front portion or the aft portion.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for loading and unloading a cargo assembly onto and from an aircraft. The system comprises an aircraft and a moveable platform. The aircraft comprises a forward fairing, an aft fairing, a spine disposed between the forward fairing and the aft fairing and a plurality of mounts coupled to the spine and configured to structurally engage the cargo container onto the spine. The aft fairing is movable between a fixed position for flight and an open position for at least loading and unloading of the cargo assembly. The aircraft is configured such that an unobstructed passageway is provided in an area underneath the spine during loading or unloading of the cargo assembly. An aft access is provided when the aft fairing is moved to the open position. The moveable platform is used to maneuver the cargo assembly for loading and unloading onto and from the spine, respectively.
58 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An aircraft for transporting a cargo assembly comprising:
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a forward portion; an aft portion; a spine disposed between the forward portion and the aft portion, the spine defining an upper external surface of the aircraft and a lower coupling surface; and a plurality of mounts attached to the lower coupling surface of the spine to structurally engage and suspend the cargo assembly from the spine; wherein the aircraft is configured such that an unobstructed passageway is provided between the ground surface and the spine during loading or unloading of the cargo assembly onto or from the spine, respectively; and a removable fairing configured to be removably attached to the front portion or the aft portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification