GB2613341A - Improvements to aerodrome structures for vertical take-off and landing aircraft - Google Patents

Improvements to aerodrome structures for vertical take-off and landing aircraft Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2613341A
GB2613341A GB2117094.9A GB202117094A GB2613341A GB 2613341 A GB2613341 A GB 2613341A GB 202117094 A GB202117094 A GB 202117094A GB 2613341 A GB2613341 A GB 2613341A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
aerodrome
platform
turntable
level
peripheral portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
GB2117094.9A
Other versions
GB202117094D0 (en
Inventor
Singh Sandhu Harpreet
Fang-Ning Wu-Sandhu Andrea
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Urban Air Port Ltd
Original Assignee
Urban Air Port Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Urban Air Port Ltd filed Critical Urban Air Port Ltd
Priority to GB2117094.9A priority Critical patent/GB2613341A/en
Publication of GB202117094D0 publication Critical patent/GB202117094D0/en
Priority to PCT/EP2022/083275 priority patent/WO2023094590A1/en
Publication of GB2613341A publication Critical patent/GB2613341A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64F—GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B64F1/00—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations
    • B64F1/007—Helicopter portable landing pads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64F—GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B64F1/00—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations
    • B64F1/22—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations installed for handling aircraft
    • B64F1/222—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations installed for handling aircraft for storing aircraft, e.g. in hangars
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64F—GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B64F1/00—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations
    • B64F1/22—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations installed for handling aircraft
    • B64F1/24—Adaptations of turntables
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U70/00—Launching, take-off or landing arrangements
    • B64U70/90—Launching from or landing on platforms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U80/00—Transport or storage specially adapted for UAVs
    • B64U80/10—Transport or storage specially adapted for UAVs with means for moving the UAV to a supply or launch location, e.g. robotic arms or carousels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U80/00—Transport or storage specially adapted for UAVs
    • B64U80/20—Transport or storage specially adapted for UAVs with arrangements for servicing the UAV
    • B64U80/25—Transport or storage specially adapted for UAVs with arrangements for servicing the UAV for recharging batteries; for refuelling
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F3/00—Landing stages for helicopters, e.g. located above buildings
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H6/00—Buildings for parking cars, rolling-stock, aircraft, vessels or like vehicles, e.g. garages
    • E04H6/08—Garages for many vehicles
    • E04H6/12—Garages for many vehicles with mechanical means for shifting or lifting vehicles
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H6/00—Buildings for parking cars, rolling-stock, aircraft, vessels or like vehicles, e.g. garages
    • E04H6/08—Garages for many vehicles
    • E04H6/12—Garages for many vehicles with mechanical means for shifting or lifting vehicles
    • E04H6/18—Garages for many vehicles with mechanical means for shifting or lifting vehicles with means for transport in vertical direction only or independently in vertical and horizontal directions
    • E04H6/28—Garages for many vehicles with mechanical means for shifting or lifting vehicles with means for transport in vertical direction only or independently in vertical and horizontal directions characterised by use of turntables or rotary rings for horizontal transport
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H6/00—Buildings for parking cars, rolling-stock, aircraft, vessels or like vehicles, e.g. garages
    • E04H6/44—Buildings for parking cars, rolling-stock, aircraft, vessels or like vehicles, e.g. garages for storing aircraft
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64F—GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B64F1/00—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations
    • B64F1/30—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations for embarking or disembarking passengers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64F—GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B64F1/00—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations
    • B64F1/32—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations for handling freight
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64F—GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B64F1/00—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations
    • B64F1/36—Other airport installations
    • B64F1/362—Installations for supplying conditioned air to parked aircraft
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U10/00—Type of UAV
    • B64U10/10—Rotorcrafts
    • B64U10/13—Flying platforms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U2101/00—UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications
    • B64U2101/60—UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengers; for transporting goods other than weapons
    • B64U2101/61—UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengers; for transporting goods other than weapons for transporting passengers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U2101/00—UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications
    • B64U2101/60—UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengers; for transporting goods other than weapons
    • B64U2101/64—UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengers; for transporting goods other than weapons for parcel delivery or retrieval
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U50/00—Propulsion; Power supply
    • B64U50/30—Supply or distribution of electrical power
    • B64U50/37—Charging when not in flight
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U50/00—Propulsion; Power supply
    • B64U50/30—Supply or distribution of electrical power
    • B64U50/39—Battery swapping
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U70/00—Launching, take-off or landing arrangements
    • B64U70/90—Launching from or landing on platforms
    • B64U70/95—Means for guiding the landing UAV towards the platform, e.g. lighting means

Abstract

An aerodrome structure 10 comprising a peripheral portion 200 radially outside a core (180, figure 2). The core comprises a platform 110 located within an upstanding structure (130); a lift mechanism (120) configured to raise and lower the platform between an upper level (170) and a lower level (150) aligned with a base level of the peripheral portion. At the upper level the platform provides a take-off and landing pad for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The peripheral portion comprises a first turntable 310 located at a turntable level located anywhere between the upper and lower levels inclusive, the first turntable having a surface and a perimeter, the first turntable located adjacent the core such that turning the first turntable results in different positions on the perimeter of the first turntable being adjacent the platform when the platform is located at the turntable level.

Description

Improvements to aerodrome structures for vertical take-off and landing aircraft
Background
Current transportation systems are increasingly clogged and polluting, with city centres and urban areas frequently overcrowded with conventionally-powered public transport, delivery lorries (trucks), and privately owned vehicles. These conditions are detrimental to the economy and the environment, in particular with regard to particulate pollution and climate change.
These problems may be alleviated to some extent by the use of small, short-range, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Such aircraft may be electrically-powered, or comprise hybrid power systems which combine different energy sources, and are therefore more "eco-friendly" than conventional fossil-fuelled aircraft.
Such aircraft may be used for transportation of people or goods which may benefit from associated ground infrastructure in urban environments giving the ability to reach large populations rapidly.
The present disclosure aims to address this infrastructure need in an efficient, flexible, robust, and cost-effective manner.
Summary
Against this background, there is provided an aerodrome structure comprising a core and a peripheral portion; wherein the peripheral portion is radially outside the core, wherein the core comprises: an upstanding structure; a platform located within the upstanding structure; a lift mechanism configured to raise and lower the platform between an upper level and a lower level aligned with a base level of the peripheral portion; wherein: -2 -at the upper level the platform provides a take-off and landing pad for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft; and wherein: the peripheral portion comprises a first turntable located at a turntable level located anywhere between the upper level and the lower level inclusive, the first turntable having a surface and a perimeter, the first turntable being located adjacent the core such that turning the first turntable results in different positions on the perimeter of the first turntable being adjacent the platform when the platform is located at the turntable level.
In this way, a vertical take-off and landing aircraft may be moved laterally off the platform and onto the turntable, which may then rotate so as to move the vertical take-off and landing aircraft away from the perimeter near the platform and allow another vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to occupy the part of the turntable now closest to the platform.
Thus, capacity and flexibility of use of the peripheral portion is increased. The peripheral portion or part of the peripheral portion may be said to be deployed as a hanger for aircraft.
There may be any number of turntables at any number of levels of the aerodrome structure.
The turntable level is may be at the base level of the peripheral portion.
The turntable level may be aligned with the upper level.
The turntable level may be at an intermediate level between the base level and the upper level.
The aerodrome structure may further comprise a second turntable located at any one of the base, the upper level or an intermediate level between the base level and the upper level.
The aerodrome structure may further comprise any number of additional turntables location at any of the base, the upper level or the intermediate level.
In these ways, the capacity of an aerodrome structure may be significantly increased. -3 -
The aerodrome structure may further comprise one or more electric chargers for an aircraft.
In this way, charging functionality for vertical take-off and landing aircraft may be integrated with the aerodrome structure.
At least one electric charger may be associated with the or each turntable.
The aerodrome structure may further comprise a battery exchange facility.
In this way, a battery of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft may be substituted.
The aerodrome structure may further comprise a hydrogen refuelling facility.
In this way, the aerodrome structure may provide refuelling functionality for hydrogen powered vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
The platform may comprise a plurality of platform elements and wherein the lift mechanism is configured in a first mode to raise and lower each of the plurality of platform elements independently of each of the other platform elements.
In this way, capacity for take off and landing may be increased.
The upstanding structure may have a circular cross sectional shape and the platform of each of the plurality of lift structure modules may have a corresponding circular shape.
The peripheral portion may further comprise a roof structure.
The aerodrome structure may further comprise a plurality of stabilisation beams that provide lateral stabilisation to the upstanding structure.
The plurality of stabilisation beams may support the roof structure. -4 -
The roof structure may comprise an outer covering divided into roof segments, each providing a roof for a peripheral portion segment.
One or more of the roof segments may be openable, optionally in a hinged manner at a radially inner end of the roof segment.
The aerodrome structure may further comprise a cargo transit apparatus configured to transfer cargo within the aerodrome structure.
The cargo transit apparatus may be configured to transfer cargo between the platform and one or more of the plurality of peripheral segments.
The aerodrome structure may further comprise an access port on an exterior of the aerodrome assembly.
The aerodrome structure may further comprise a locker, wherein the access port provides access to the locker and wherein optionally the locker is one of a plurality of lockers each of which is associated with one or more access ports on an exterior of the aerodrome assembly.
Each locker may have: an outer aperture facilitating access to the locker from an exterior façade of the aerodrome assembly; and an inner aperture facilitating access between the locker and the one or more of the peripheral segments.
This may facilitate collection of parcels by users from an exterior of the aerodrome assembly.
The aerodrome structure may further comprise a carousel whereby the carousel is configured to rotate between a first position in which a first location on the carousel is aligned with the access port and a second position in which the first location on the carousel is aligned with one or more of the peripheral segments. -5 -
The carousel may comprise a plurality of containers, each of which containers is configured to accommodate cargo.
The aerodrome structure may further comprise an electro-voltaic panel on an exterior façade of the aerodrome assembly.
This may supply electricity for supply to the chargers for charging vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
The electro-voltaic panel may be located on the roof structure.
The platform may comprise a OR code on an upward facing surface of the platform for identification of the platform by an airborne aircraft approaching the aerodrome structure.
Brief description of the drawings
Embodiments of the disclosure are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a three dimensional view of a first embodiment of an aerodrome structure in accordance with the disclosure; Figure 2 shows a highly schematic cross sectional view of the first embodiment of the aerodrome structure with the platform at the upper level; Figure 3 shows a highly schematic cross sectional view of the first embodiment of the aerodrome structure with the platform at the lower level; Figure 4 shows a highly schematic plan view of the first embodiment of the aerodrome structure at ground level; Figure 5 shows a highly schematic cross sectional view of a second embodiment of the aerodrome structure having an intermediate level; -6 -Figure 6 shows a highly schematic cross sectional view of a third embodiment of the aerodrome structure having turntables at lower, intermediate and upper levels; Figure 7 shows a highly schematic cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the aerodrome structure that comprises a split platform; and Figure 8 shows a highly schematic plan view of the fourth embodiment of the aerodrome structure, Figure 9 shows a highly schematic plan view of a fifth embodiment of the aerodrome structure; and Figure 10 shows a highly schematic cross sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the aerodrome structure.
Detailed description
Referring to Figure 1, an aerodrome structure 10 or installation according to a first embodiment of the disclosure may have the form of a shallow, truncated cone. The aerodrome structure includes a platform 110 arranged to be raised and lowered within the aerodrome structure 10.
Referring to Figure 2, the aerodrome structure 10 comprises a core 180 and a peripheral portion 200. The peripheral portion 200 is radially outside the core 180. The terms radial, radially and radial direction should not be understood as implying that either the core 180 or the peripheral portion 200 must be circular.
The core 180 comprises an upstanding structure 130 that extends in an axial direction that is substantially perpendicular to the radial direction.
In some embodiments, the upstanding structure 130 may have a circular cross sectional shape and the platform 110 may have a corresponding circular shape. -7 -
The upstanding structure 130 may be in the form of a tubular frame and may have a substantially annular footprint. The peripheral portion 200 may have an annular footprint coaxial with and outside the upstanding structure 130. Referring again to Figure 1, the peripheral portion 200 may take the form of an annular portion of a cone.
The core 180 further comprises a lift mechanism 120 configured to raise and lower a platform 110 within the upstanding structure 130 between a lower level 150 and an upper level 170. The platform 110 is shown at the lower level in Figure 2 and at the upper level in Figure 3. The lower level 150 may be aligned with ground level in the vicinity of the aerodrome structure 10. The upper level 170 may be aligned with a top of the aerodrome structure 10.
The platform 110 provides a take-off and landing pad for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft 500 when the platform 110 is at the upper level 170, as shown in Figure 2.
Furthermore, the platform 110 functions to move aircraft 500 from the upper level 170 to the lower level 150.
The platform 110 may be disc-shaped and may have a diameter or span which is slightly smaller than that of the upstanding structure 130.
While in the schematic figures the lift mechanism 120 is represented by a scissor lift arrangement, the lift mechanism 120 may comprise any appropriate lifting apparatus. For example, the lift mechanism 120 may comprise a link, a column or an integrated lift mechanism. In some embodiments (not illustrated), the lift mechanism 120 may be contained substantially within the annular footprint of the upstanding structure 130 such that a cylindrical volume beneath the platform 110 is substantially unoccupied by the lift mechanism 120. The lift mechanism 120 may comprise guide rails (not shown).
With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the upstanding structure 130, which may be in the form of a tubular frame, may comprise columns such as to provide one or more side openings between the columns. The one or more side openings may provide access to one or more peripheral portion segments. In this way, when the platform is in the lower position, an -8 -aircraft 500 may be transferred from a peripheral portion segment onto the platform 110 and transferred from the platform 110 to a peripheral portion segment. One or more side openings may also be provided for movement of passengers and/or cargo.
Figure 3 shows the platform 110 in the lower level 150, in which configuration an aircraft 500 can be moved laterally onto and off the platform 110.
The peripheral portion 200 further comprises at least one turntable 310, 320. Two such turntables 310, 320 are visible in Figures 2 and 3. The turntables 310, 320 of the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3 are located at the lower level 150. The or each turntable 310, 320 has a planar surface having a perimeter. The or each turntable 310, 320 is located adjacent the core 180 such that turning the first turntable results in different positions on the perimeter of the first turntable being adjacent the platform when the platform is located at the turntable level Figure 4 shows a plan view of the lower level of an aerodrome structure in accordance with the disclosure in which four turntables 310; 320, 330, 340 are visible.
Some or all of the turntables 310, 320, 330, 340 may accommodate a plurality of vertical take-off and landing aircraft. A vertical take-off and landing aircraft may be transferred between the platform and one of the turntables 310, 320, 330, 340 by lateral movement directly between the platform and a segment of the turntable in question that is closest to the core 180 and thereby closest to the platform (when located at the level of the turntable).
The turntables 310, 320, 330, 340 may be configured to rotate in one direction or in either direction. Rotation of a turntable 310, 320, 330, 340 means that a vertical take-off and landing aircraft may be moved away from direct access to the platform 110, meaning that the turntable 310, 320, 330, 340 may be able to accommodate a further vertical take-off and landing aircraft by transfer via direct access from the platform 110.
While the turntables 310, 320, 330, 340 illustrated in Figure 4 show the turntables 310, 320, 330, 340 divided into segments, the segments are merely conceptual. While they might be marked (e.g. with markings on the surface of the turntables 310, 320, 330, 340), it is equally possible that the segments might not be marked. -9 -
It is entirely possible that each (conceptual) segment may accommodate more than one vertical take-off and landing aircraft. Similarly, it may be possible for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft to straddle more than one of these (conceptual) segments.
The or each turntable 310, 320, 330, 340 may comprise a charger assembly 400 which may be capable of providing electric charge to one or more vertical take-off and landing aircraft. Turning to the specific example of Figure 4, a first turntable 310 may be configured to accommodate four vertical take-off and landing aircraft and may be provided with a charger assembly 400 capable of providing charge to four vertical take-off and landing aircraft via four charger connectors 410. A second turntable 320 may be configured to accommodate three vertical take-off and landing aircraft, which may be proportionately larger, and may be provided with a charger assembly 400 capable of providing charge to three vertical take-off and landing aircraft via three charger connectors 410. A third turntable 330 may be configured to accommodate two vertical take-off and landing aircraft and be provided with a charger assembly 400 capable of providing charge to two vertical take-off and landing aircraft via four charger connectors 410. A fourth turntable 340 may be configured to accommodate four vertical take-off and landing aircraft and may be provided with a charger assembly 400 capable of providing charge to four vertical take-off and landing aircraft via four charger connectors 410.
While the arrangement of Figure 4 shows each charger assembly 400 located at the centre of each turntable 310, 320, 330, 340, the charger assembly 400 may be located elsewhere, on or off the turntable, and separate charger assemblies 400 may be provided for different parts of each turntable, for example distributed around the outside of the perimeter of the turntable 310, 320, 330, 340.
With reference to Figure 5, the aerodrome structure 10 may comprise an intermediate level 160. More than one intermediate levels may also be provided (not illustrated). One or more turntables 350, 360 may be provided at the intermediate level 160 (or at more than one intermediate level). In this way, the capacity of the aerodrome structure 10 to accommodate storage of vertical take-off and landing aircraft is expanded further.
-1 0 -With reference to Figure 6, the aerodrome structure 10 may have a rectangular cross section (rather than being conical) and one or more turntables 370, 380 located at the upper level 170. In this way, the capacity of the aerodrome structure 10 to accommodate vertical take-off and landing aircraft is expanded further.
While the provision of additional levels and additional turntables increases capacity for storage (and, where applicable, charging) of vertical take-off and landing aircraft, the arrangement of Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the disclosure in which the platform 110 is divided into multiple parts 110a, 110b. Each part 110a, 110b may move up and down independently and may be used simultaneously. In this way, by way of example, while one part is receiving a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, the other may be at one of the lower levels delivering or collecting another vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
Figure 8 shows a plan view of the lower level or the intermediate level of the aerodrome structure 10 shown in Figure 7. Note that charging facilities are not shown but may nevertheless be provided.
Figure 9 shows an embodiment similar to that of Figures 7 and 8 but wherein the split platform is divided into two differently sized elements 110c, 110d. This increases flexibility further by allowing larger sized vertical take-off and landing aircraft to be accommodated in the larger portion of the split platform, comprising a first platform element 110c while still enabling a second (smaller) vertical take-off and landing aircraft to be accommodated on the second platform element 110d of the split platform. In a first mode, the lift mechanism 120a, 120b may configured to raise and lower each of the plurality of platform elements 100a, 100b independently of each of the other platform elements 100a, 100b. In a second mode, the lift mechanism 120a, 120b may be configured to raise and lower a plurality of platform elements in unison 100a, 100b, so as to effectively provide a platform 100 that is larger than a single platform element 100a, 100b.
Figure 10 shows a simple implementation of an aerodrome structure 10 in accordance with the disclosure. In the Figure 10 embodiment, there are no intermediate levels and only a single turntable. Part of the peripheral portion 200 that does not accommodate the turntable 310 may be deployed for other purposes, such as for movement of passengers that might be transported by vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
Referring again to Figure 4, the aerodrome structure 10 may comprise outriggers or stabilisation beams 210 that (a) provide enhanced lateral stabilisation to the upstanding structure 130 and (b) support a roof structure 220 of the peripheral portion 200. The roof structure 220 may define a covered inner volume of the aerodrome structure 10. The roof structure 220 may comprise an outer covering divided into roof segments 225, each providing a roof for a peripheral portion segment. One or more of the roof segments 225 may be openable, in the form of an openable roof segment 225a, to provide access to the inner volume. Openable roof segments 225a may be hingedly attached at a radially inner end of the openable roof segment 225a, as evident in Figures 1 and 3 from the openable roof segment 225a shown in the open position.
The peripheral portion 200 may or may not have internal walls (not shown). Where present, internal walls of the peripheral portion may or may not coincide with some or all of the outriggers or stabilisation beams 210. The internal walls, where present, may have the ability to move.
With reference to Figures 7, 8 and 9, optionally, the platform 110 may be rotatable relative to the peripheral portion 200 such that either part 110a, 110b of the two portions of the platform 110 may be aligned with any of the segments of the peripheral portion 200.
While the illustrated embodiments all have an exterior that is circular in plan view, other shapes are contemplated and fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, a square may be particularly appropriate in settings where multiple aerodrome structures 10 are to be brought together in a grid. Other shapes are also envisaged, such as triangular, rectangular and hexagonal shapes, that may be arranged in a tessellating configuration.
The aerodrome structure 10 or installation of any of the embodiments may comprise its own supply of electrical power, for example by means of wind, solar or hydro, or alternatively may rely on an external supply, for example from the mains grid where the aerodrome structure 10 is located.
Whatever the supply source, the aerodrome structure 10 or installation may be arranged to store electrical power, for example using batteries. Excess stored electricity may be fed into -12 -the mains grid, if desired. The electrical energy may be used to recharge electrically-powered aircraft which use the aerodrome structure 10. Furthermore, the aerodrome structure 10 may include storage facilities for fossil fuels or hydrogen, in order to be able to refuel aircraft using those fuels.
Different peripheral portion segments may be deployed for different purposes. For example, one or more may be for aircraft storage, one or more may be for aircraft maintenance, one or more may be for aircraft charging (or refuelling), one or more may be for passengers, one or more may be for cargo.
The peripheral portion may comprise cargo storage and/or transit apparatus. A cargo storage and/or transit apparatus may comprise a plurality of levels. One or more of the plurality of the levels of the cargo storage and/or transit apparatus may be configured to cooperate with one or more intermediate levels of the aerodrome structure 10.
The aerodrome structure may comprise one or more photovoltaic panels on an exterior face.
In the illustrated embodiments, all upstanding structures 130 are substantially cylindrical and all platforms 110 are substantially circular. Other shapes would also fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the platform may have a substantially polygonal shape (e.g. a hexagon) and the upstanding structure may have a corresponding hexagonal cross sectional shape orthogonal to the axis along which the platform is configured to raise and lower.
As would be well understood by the skilled person, the shape of the peripheral portion, the shape of the platform, the nature of the divided platform and the ability or not o the platform to rotate are all separate aspects of the disclosure and while not all possible permutations of options are described or illustrated, these features may be substituted between one embodiment and another. For example, the non-symmetrical nature of the platform slit in Figure 10 may be equally applicable to the square plan view peripheral portion of Figure 11.
-13 -The aerodrome structure may include a battery exchange facility and/or a hydrogen refuelling facility.
In some embodiments, the aerodrome structure may further comprise a cargo transit apparatus configured to transfer cargo within the aerodrome structure. The cargo transit apparatus is configured to transfer cargo between the platform and one or more of the plurality of peripheral segments.
In some embodiments, the aerodrome structure may comprise one or more access ports on an exterior of the aerodrome assembly, each of which may be associated with a locker.
Each locker has an outer aperture facilitating access to the locker from an exterior facade of the aerodrome assembly; and an inner aperture facilitating access between the locker and the one or more of the peripheral segments.
The aerodrome structure may comprise a carousel configured to rotate between a first position in which a first location on the carousel is aligned with the access port and a second position in which the first location on the carousel is aligned with one or more of the peripheral segments.
The carousel may comprise a plurality of containers, each of which containers is configured to accommodate cargo.
The aerodrome structure may further comprise an electro-voltaic panel on an exterior façade of the aerodrome assembly. The electro-voltaic panel may be located on the roof structure.
The platform may comprise a OR code on an upward facing surface of the platform for identification of the platform by an airborne aircraft approaching the aerodrome structure.
The external shape of an aerodrome structure in accordance with the disclosure is not limited to the illustrated examples. The aerodrome structure may be of any suitable external shape. Similarly, the aerodrome structure may be of any suitable size, including any suitable footprint size.
-14 -A plurality of aerodrome structures in accordance with the disclosure can be deployed side by side. In such a scenario, the plurality of aerodrome structures may be similar to each other or different, for example in terms of size, shape, capacity and exterior appearance.

Claims (25)

  1. -15 -CLAIMS: 1. An aerodrome structure comprising a core and a peripheral portion; wherein the peripheral portion is radially outside the core, wherein the core comprises: an upstanding structure; a platform located within the upstanding structure; a lift mechanism configured to raise and lower the platform between an upper level and a lower level aligned with a base level of the peripheral portion; wherein: at the upper level the platform provides a take-off and landing pad for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft; and wherein: the peripheral portion comprises a first turntable located at a turntable level located anywhere between the upper level and the lower level inclusive, the first turntable having a surface and a perimeter, the first turntable being located adjacent the core such that turning the first turntable results in different positions on the perimeter of the first turntable being adjacent the platform when the platform is located at the turntable level.
  2. 2. The aerodrome structure of claim 1 wherein the turntable level is at the base level of the peripheral portion.
  3. 3. The aerodrome structure of claim 1 wherein the turntable level is aligned with the upper level.
  4. 4. The aerodrome structure of claim 1 wherein the turntable level is at an intermediate level between the base level and the upper level.
  5. 5. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim further comprising a second turntable located at any one of the base, the upper level or an intermediate level between the base level and the upper level.
  6. 6. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim further comprising one or more electric chargers for an aircraft.
  7. -16 - 7. The aerodrome structure of claim 6 wherein at least one electric charger is associated with the or each turntable.
  8. 8. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim further comprising one or more of the following: a battery exchange facility; and a hydrogen refuelling facility.
  9. 9. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim, wherein the platform comprises a plurality of platform elements and wherein the lift mechanism is configured in a first mode to raise and lower each of the plurality of platform elements independently of each of the other platform elements.
  10. 10. The aerodrome assembly of any preceding claim wherein the upstanding structure has a circular cross sectional shape and the platform of each of the plurality of lift structure modules has a corresponding circular shape.
  11. 11. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim wherein the peripheral portion further comprises a roof structure
  12. 12. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim further comprising a plurality of stabilisation beams that provide lateral stabilisation to the upstanding structure.
  13. 13. The aerodrome structure of claim 12 when dependent upon claim 11 wherein the plurality of stabilisation beams support the roof structure.
  14. 14. The aerodrome structure of claim 13 wherein the roof structure comprises an outer covering divided into roof segments, each providing a roof for a peripheral portion segment.
  15. 15. The aerodrome structure of claim 14 wherein one or more of the roof segments is openable, optionally in a hinged manner at a radially inner end of the roof segment.-17 -
  16. 16. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim further comprising a cargo transit apparatus configured to transfer cargo within the aerodrome structure.
  17. 17. The aerodrome structure of claim 16 wherein the cargo transit apparatus is configured to transfer cargo between the platform and one or more of the plurality of peripheral segments.
  18. 18. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim further comprising an access port on an exterior of the aerodrome assembly.
  19. 19. The aerodrome structure of claim 18 further comprising a locker, wherein the access port provides access to the locker and wherein optionally the locker is one of a plurality of lockers each of which is associated with one or more access ports on an exterior of the aerodrome assembly.
  20. 20. The aerodrome structure of claim 19 wherein each locker has: an outer aperture facilitating access to the locker from an exterior façade of the aerodrome assembly; and an inner aperture facilitating access between the locker and the one or more of the peripheral segments.
  21. 21. The aerodrome structure when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 18 further comprising a carousel whereby the carousel is configured to rotate between a first position in which a first location on the carousel is aligned with the access port and a second position in which the first location on the carousel is aligned with one or more of the peripheral segments.
  22. 22. The aerodrome structure of claim 21 wherein the carousel comprises a plurality of containers, each of which containers is configured to accommodate cargo.
  23. 23. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim further comprising an electro-voltaic panel on an exterior façade of the aerodrome assembly.-18 -
  24. 24. The aerodrome structure of claim 23 when dependent directly or indirectly upon claim 11 wherein the electro-voltaic panel is located on the roof structure.
  25. 25. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim wherein the platform comprises a OR code on an upward facing surface of the platform for identification of the platform by an airborne aircraft approaching the aerodrome structure.
GB2117094.9A 2021-11-26 2021-11-26 Improvements to aerodrome structures for vertical take-off and landing aircraft Pending GB2613341A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2117094.9A GB2613341A (en) 2021-11-26 2021-11-26 Improvements to aerodrome structures for vertical take-off and landing aircraft
PCT/EP2022/083275 WO2023094590A1 (en) 2021-11-26 2022-11-25 Aerodrome structure for vertical take-off and landing aircraft

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2117094.9A GB2613341A (en) 2021-11-26 2021-11-26 Improvements to aerodrome structures for vertical take-off and landing aircraft

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GB202117094D0 GB202117094D0 (en) 2022-01-12
GB2613341A true GB2613341A (en) 2023-06-07

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3915319A (en) * 1973-12-26 1975-10-28 Robert W Fairburn Rotatable aircraft storage apparatus
FR3088620A1 (en) * 2018-11-21 2020-05-22 Atechsys Engineering (Ate) Docking station for flying drone, especially for parcel delivery drone

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1861461A (en) * 1930-08-23 1932-06-07 Traube Abraham Structure for storage or accommodation of vehicles
US2771200A (en) * 1954-04-12 1956-11-20 Joseph W Gilliard Car park
US3737057A (en) * 1970-06-11 1973-06-05 Cubic Corp Multi-level automatic storage and recovery system for aircraft
SG189584A1 (en) * 2011-10-21 2013-05-31 Schaetz Florian Aircraft carousel

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3915319A (en) * 1973-12-26 1975-10-28 Robert W Fairburn Rotatable aircraft storage apparatus
FR3088620A1 (en) * 2018-11-21 2020-05-22 Atechsys Engineering (Ate) Docking station for flying drone, especially for parcel delivery drone

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WO2023094590A1 (en) 2023-06-01

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