US4785710A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Helicopter
Assignee: Westland Group PLC
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Filing: 1986-07-21
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Granted: 1988-11-22
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Expires: 2006-07-21
Abstract
Abstract A helicopter (10) has a fuselage (11) provided with storage means (19, 20, 24) for storing a plurality of missiles (16) longitudinally of the fuselage, reloadable turret means (17) beneath the fuselage for movement in azimuth and elevation and transfer means (20b, 21) for transferring a missile from the storage means to the turret means. In the illustrated embodiment the missiles are stored externally of generally vertical side walls (13) and a lower generally horizontal wall (14) of the fuselage and fairings (39) are provided to protect the externally mounted missiles.
Inventors
- 👤 James W. Schofield
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 13:18
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64D; B64D7/00; B64D7/08; F; F41; F41A; F41A9/00; F41A9/01; F41A9/04; F41F; F41F3/00; F41F3/04; F41F3/06; B64C; B64C27/00; B64C27/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A helicopter having a fuselage, storage means for storing a plurality of missiles longitudinally of the fuselage, reloadable turret means beneath the fuselage for movement in azimuth and elevation, transfer means for transferring a missile from said storage means to said turret means, said storage means comprising generally vertical tracks in the side walls and lower wall of the fuselage, spaced apart adaptors attached to the missiles, support channels slidably supporting said adaptors and missiles, and longitudinal spaced-apart attachment lugs on said support channels located in said generally vertical tracks.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
A helicopter having a fuselage, storage means for storing a plurality of missiles longitudinally of the fuselage, reloadable turret means beneath the fuselage for movement in azimuth and elevation, transfer means for transferring a missile from said storage means to said turret means, said storage means comprising generally vertical tracks in the side walls and lower wall of the fuselage, spaced apart adaptors attached to the missiles, support channels slidably supporting said adaptors and missiles, and longitudinal spaced-apart attachment lugs on said support channels located in said generally vertical tracks.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A helicopter as claimed in claim 1, wherein said turret means supports two missiles in side by side relationship.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A helicopter as claimed in claim 1, wherein said transfer means comprise a powered endless chain for sliding the adaptors and attached missile forwardly out of the support channel and into a mating channel on the turret means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A helicopter as claimed in claim 3, wherein said transfer means include a transfer channel bridging a space between said storage means and said turret means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A helicopter as claimed in claim 3, wherein said endless chain includes at least two protruding spigots for engagement in transfer adaptors attached adjacent the ends of the missile.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
A helicopter as claimed in claim 1 and including drive means for driving the support channels and attached missiles down the vertical tracks and into a transfer position generally beneath said lower wall for transferring selectively to said turret means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A helicopter as claimed in claim 6 and including release means for automatically releasing said support channels on movement along the tracks beyond said transfer position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A helicopter as claimed in claim 6, wherein said drive means comprise powered endless chains located in said tracks.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
A helicopter as claimed in claim 8, wherein said chains include protruding spigots for engagement in mating apertures in the attachment lugs on the support channels.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
A helicopter as claimed in claim 1, wherein said storage means is arranged to support the missiles externally of said vertical side walls and said lower horizontal wall of the fuselage.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
A helicopter as claimed in claim 10, wherein the generally vertical tracks of said storage means are formed within the side walls and lower wall of the fuselage so as to be generally flush with the respective outer surfaces.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
A helicopter as claimed in claim 10, wherein fairings are provided to protect said externally located missiles.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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Cited
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Cited
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-11-22 | 1992-05-23 | 1992-11-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-11-22 | 1996-05-23 | 1996-11-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-11-22 | 2000-05-23 | 2000-11-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |