WO2003089300A1 - Security cockpit door; integrally vented, pressure equalized - Google Patents

Security cockpit door; integrally vented, pressure equalized Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003089300A1
WO2003089300A1 PCT/US2002/012054 US0212054W WO03089300A1 WO 2003089300 A1 WO2003089300 A1 WO 2003089300A1 US 0212054 W US0212054 W US 0212054W WO 03089300 A1 WO03089300 A1 WO 03089300A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
door
compliant
faa
ballistic
cockpit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2002/012054
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Stephen B. Squires
Original Assignee
Usdr Aerospace 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 Usdr Aerospace Ltd. filed Critical Usdr Aerospace Ltd.
Priority to PCT/US2002/012054 priority Critical patent/WO2003089300A1/en
Priority to AU2002307365A priority patent/AU2002307365A1/en
Publication of WO2003089300A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003089300A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64C—AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
    • B64C1/00—Fuselages; Constructional features common to fuselages, wings, stabilising surfaces or the like
    • B64C1/14—Windows; Doors; Hatch covers or access panels; Surrounding frame structures; Canopies; Windscreens accessories therefor, e.g. pressure sensors, water deflectors, hinges, seals, handles, latches, windscreen wipers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64C—AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
    • B64C1/00—Fuselages; Constructional features common to fuselages, wings, stabilising surfaces or the like
    • B64C1/14—Windows; Doors; Hatch covers or access panels; Surrounding frame structures; Canopies; Windscreens accessories therefor, e.g. pressure sensors, water deflectors, hinges, seals, handles, latches, windscreen wipers
    • B64C1/1407—Doors; surrounding frames
    • B64C1/1423—Passenger doors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64C—AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
    • B64C1/00—Fuselages; Constructional features common to fuselages, wings, stabilising surfaces or the like
    • B64C1/14—Windows; Doors; Hatch covers or access panels; Surrounding frame structures; Canopies; Windscreens accessories therefor, e.g. pressure sensors, water deflectors, hinges, seals, handles, latches, windscreen wipers
    • B64C1/1407—Doors; surrounding frames
    • B64C1/1469—Doors between cockpit and cabin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D45/00—Aircraft indicators or protectors not otherwise provided for
    • B64D45/0015—Devices specially adapted for the protection against criminal attack, e.g. anti-hijacking systems
    • B64D45/0021—Devices specially adapted for the protection against criminal attack, e.g. anti-hijacking systems means for restricting access to flight deck
    • B64D45/0028—Devices specially adapted for the protection against criminal attack, e.g. anti-hijacking systems means for restricting access to flight deck doors or door arrangements specially adapted to restrict unauthorized access
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64C—AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
    • B64C1/00—Fuselages; Constructional features common to fuselages, wings, stabilising surfaces or the like
    • B64C2001/009—Fuselages; Constructional features common to fuselages, wings, stabilising surfaces or the like comprising decompression panels or valves for pressure equalisation in fuselages or floors

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the field of enhanced aircraft security and more particularly anti-terrorist cockpit security issues.
  • Cockpit doors such as those currently provided by the aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, Canadair and various others are currently constructed of lightweight paper honeycomb materials. This construction provided the necessary frangibility required to satisfy instantaneous pressure equalization between the cockpit and cabin in the event of a decompression event, such as a bird strike to a cockpit window. Although this lightweight construction has performed its intended purpose as an easily-overcome barrier during a decompression event, this has also provided very little in the form of security to the aircraft flight deck and its crew.
  • the anti-ballistic performance of the door will be sufficient to withstand numerous ballistic impacts at various locations and angles including gaps, seams and other areas of perceived vulnerability.
  • the door has to provide for instantaneous pressure equalization.
  • Instantaneous for the purpose of this requirement is defined as providing a method, or intrinsic design characteristic that allows for pressure equalization between the flight deck and cabin within 15 to 25 milliseconds. The inability to provide equalization between the flight deck and cabin compartments within this time span will results in excessive loading of surrounding structures such as floorboards, bulkheads, and monuments sufficient to exceed the design limits and result in a catastrophic structural failure.
  • the present invention relates to a lightweight cockpit door that has proven anti- ballistic performance and intrusion resistance in accordance with FAA AC# AC25.795-Z, which incorporates NIJ Level Ilia requirements.
  • the lightweight cockpit door is constructed with opposing laminated Nomex honeycomb panels of varying thickness and densities that encapsulates a proprietary high-performance, anti-ballistic composite layer (refer to provisional patent application 60/327,684 filed on October 6, 2001 ) (Anti-ballistic Sheet).
  • This barrier has a weight of 0.9 pounds per ft 2 .
  • the door is framed with a lightweight, high performance composite laminate frame that provides enhanced stiffness and ease of assembly.
  • the door has integral venting architecture that have been thoroughly tested to satisfy the pressure equalization requirements necessary to avoid catastrophic structural failure of surrounding structures.
  • This unique proprietary integral vent architecture provides for continuous pressure equalization between compartments while also providing ballistic and intrusion protection.
  • the door panels and frames are jui ⁇ eu usmy an adhesive bonding and fixtured until suitably cured.
  • the gaps and seams are protected using a 1" wide overlay of anti- ballistic material supported at the gap by a composite laminate channel.
  • the door(s) are attached and supported on one side by a continuous hinge that is attached using composite bonded inserts.
  • the door is locked using either an electromagnetic lock or electronic solenoid dead bolt.
  • the method of lock control is via an integrated numeric keypad control panel on the cabin side and cockpit pedestal located override control.
  • a cockpit-side, removable emergency egress provision has been integrated into the design and can be located in the upper or lower door areas.
  • Some aircraft have an observer seat in the flight deck aisle area and for these aircraft, it is necessary to located the egress panel in the upper area of the door as the observer seat would otherwise obstruct emergency egress through the lower door area.
  • This invention is specifically applicable to aircraft including but not limited to:
  • Any manned flying machines that are equipped with a separate cockpit and cabin area that could be possibly overtaken and used as a weapon.

Abstract

The invention is an enhanced security cockpit door. The invention provides anti-ballistic protection and intrusion resistance to protect the flight deck from a person or person(s) attempting to take command and control of the aircraft and/or harm to the flight crew. The invention incorporates an access control system that sends both an audible and visual alert to the flight deck when access is requested via the cabin-located access numeric keypad and has received the proper code. The invention provides an adequate time of between 30 and 60 seconds for the flight crew to accept or deny the requested access. The invention has been tested and will provide via the proprietary anti-ballistic composite core sheet sufficient ballistic protection to withstand six (6) shoots from a 44 mag or 9 mm firearm without penetration. The invention uses high strength composite construction and proprietary adhesive bonding to provide an intrusion resistant structure that has been tested to withstand multiple 300 joule impact loads. The invention incorporates a unique, integral vent system that provides continuous, uninterrupted pressure equalization between compartments with no need for pressure differential sensors, latches or any type of mechanical device. The invention has been designed and tested as required to satisfy a 16 manhour installation time.

Description

SECURITY COCKPIT DOOR; INTEGRALLY VENTED, PRESSURE
EQUALIZED
I. TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of enhanced aircraft security and more particularly anti-terrorist cockpit security issues.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
Cockpit doors, such as those currently provided by the aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, Canadair and various others are currently constructed of lightweight paper honeycomb materials. This construction provided the necessary frangibility required to satisfy instantaneous pressure equalization between the cockpit and cabin in the event of a decompression event, such as a bird strike to a cockpit window. Although this lightweight construction has performed its intended purpose as an easily-overcome barrier during a decompression event, this has also provided very little in the form of security to the aircraft flight deck and its crew.
As a result of increasing air rage incidents and more importantly the tragic events of September 11 , the immediate need for securing the flight deck has now been recognized and mandated by the F.A.A. and I.C.A.O. What is needed, therefore, is a cockpit door constructed of lightweight materials with sufficient strength to provide anti- ballistic protection up to NIJ Level Ilia (National Institute of Justice) and impact/intrusion resistance suitable to restrain a large human or accelerating drink cart. This impact energy has been determined to be 300 Joules and a suitably enhanced door will be capable of withstanding numerous blows to various pre-determined locations including those deemed to present a potential vulnerability.
Similarly, the anti-ballistic performance of the door will be sufficient to withstand numerous ballistic impacts at various locations and angles including gaps, seams and other areas of perceived vulnerability. In addition to and of equal impon.cun.-e ι μi viumy me enhanced anti-ballistic and intrusion resistances, the door has to provide for instantaneous pressure equalization. Instantaneous for the purpose of this requirement is defined as providing a method, or intrinsic design characteristic that allows for pressure equalization between the flight deck and cabin within 15 to 25 milliseconds. The inability to provide equalization between the flight deck and cabin compartments within this time span will results in excessive loading of surrounding structures such as floorboards, bulkheads, and monuments sufficient to exceed the design limits and result in a catastrophic structural failure.
II. BACKGROUND ART Refer to Drawings attached.
III. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Summary
The present invention relates to a lightweight cockpit door that has proven anti- ballistic performance and intrusion resistance in accordance with FAA AC# AC25.795-Z, which incorporates NIJ Level Ilia requirements.
The lightweight cockpit door is constructed with opposing laminated Nomex honeycomb panels of varying thickness and densities that encapsulates a proprietary high-performance, anti-ballistic composite layer (refer to provisional patent application 60/327,684 filed on October 6, 2001 ) (Anti-ballistic Sheet). This barrier has a weight of 0.9 pounds per ft2. The door is framed with a lightweight, high performance composite laminate frame that provides enhanced stiffness and ease of assembly.
The door has integral venting architecture that have been thoroughly tested to satisfy the pressure equalization requirements necessary to avoid catastrophic structural failure of surrounding structures.
This unique proprietary integral vent architecture provides for continuous pressure equalization between compartments while also providing ballistic and intrusion protection. The door panels and frames are juiπeu usmy an adhesive bonding and fixtured until suitably cured. The gaps and seams are protected using a 1" wide overlay of anti- ballistic material supported at the gap by a composite laminate channel. The door(s) are attached and supported on one side by a continuous hinge that is attached using composite bonded inserts.
The door is locked using either an electromagnetic lock or electronic solenoid dead bolt. The method of lock control is via an integrated numeric keypad control panel on the cabin side and cockpit pedestal located override control.
A 30 to 60 second delay after the proper code has been entered during which an audible and visual alert will be provided to the flight crew, will allow sufficient time for the crew to either override the entry request or allow entry of the requestor.
A cockpit-side, removable emergency egress provision has been integrated into the design and can be located in the upper or lower door areas. Some aircraft have an observer seat in the flight deck aisle area and for these aircraft, it is necessary to located the egress panel in the upper area of the door as the observer seat would otherwise obstruct emergency egress through the lower door area.
IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS A = Ballistic Sheet Core Material
B = Remotely Activated Locking Mechanism
C = Integral, offset, anti-ballistic, continuous pressure equalization vent feature
D = Electronic, spring-loaded solenoid dead bolt latch
V. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION
The best mode for carrying out this invention is to have a shop or facility that is equipped with specialized equipment necessary to fabricate and process advanced composite materials. It is further recommended that suitably trained personnel are employed of varying disciplines necessary to accomplish composite laminate lay-up, cutting, adhesive bonding, and blueprint reading. Once the above-referenced equipment and personnel are gathered, the detailed design and assembly drawings along with the process guidelines incorporate information sufficient for these personnel to fabricate and assemble the cockpit door assembly. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILI I T
This invention is specifically applicable to aircraft including but not limited to:
(1) Commercial Aircarriers
(2) Commercial Airfreight and Cargo Carriers
(3) Regional/Commuter Airlines
(4) Charter and Fractional Ownership Aircraft
(5) Private and Corporate Aircraft
(6) Military Transport Aircraft
(7) Any manned flying machines that are equipped with a separate cockpit and cabin area that could be possibly overtaken and used as a weapon.

Claims

(1) An intrusion and ballistic resistant cockpit door compliant with AC#25.795.1 that provides continuous, uninterrupted pressure equalization through an integral vent system without sensors or latches.
(2) An intrusion resistant cockpit door compliant with FAA AC#25.795.1.
(3) An intrusion resistant cockpit door compliant with AC#25.795.1 and current FAA requirements for compartment pressure equalization.
(4) An intrusion resistant cockpit door compliant with AC#25.795.1 and current FAA requirements for emergency egress.
(5) A ballistic resistant door compliant with FAA AC#25.795.1.
(6) A ballistic resistant door compliant with FAA AC#25.795.1 and current FAA requirements for pressure equalization.
(7) A ballistic resistant door compliant with FAA AC#25.795.1 and current FAA requirements for emergency egress.
(8) A ballistic resistant door compliant with FAA AC#25.795.1 using a lightweight, nano-scale composite sheet (provisional patent application #60/327,684 filed on 6 October, 2001) (Anti-ballistic Sheet).
(9) A cockpit door compliant with FAA AC#25.795.1 that is also capable of withstanding ambient temperatures in excess of 300° with degradation of anti-ballistic characteristic.
(10) An enhanced security cockpit door compliant with FAA AC 25.795.1 and capable of being retrofitted to an aircraft within 16 manhours or less.
(11 ) A cockpit door with access, accept or deny controlled from cockpit pedestal switch by flight crew only.
PCT/US2002/012054 2002-04-15 2002-04-15 Security cockpit door; integrally vented, pressure equalized WO2003089300A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2002/012054 WO2003089300A1 (en) 2002-04-15 2002-04-15 Security cockpit door; integrally vented, pressure equalized
AU2002307365A AU2002307365A1 (en) 2002-04-15 2002-04-15 Security cockpit door; integrally vented, pressure equalized

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2002/012054 WO2003089300A1 (en) 2002-04-15 2002-04-15 Security cockpit door; integrally vented, pressure equalized

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003089300A1 true WO2003089300A1 (en) 2003-10-30

Family

ID=29247985

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2002/012054 WO2003089300A1 (en) 2002-04-15 2002-04-15 Security cockpit door; integrally vented, pressure equalized

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2002307365A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2003089300A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2415731A (en) * 2004-06-05 2006-01-04 Adrian Lynley Ashley Aircraft flight deck double door access system
US20180334237A1 (en) * 2017-05-18 2018-11-22 The Boeing Company Aircraft Monument Having a Secondary Security Door

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US327684A (en) 1885-10-06 Adam holeman
US3704845A (en) * 1971-01-14 1972-12-05 Michael Ord Airplane hijacking prevention system
US4033247A (en) * 1975-12-17 1977-07-05 Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation Vent structure
US5085017A (en) * 1990-01-27 1992-02-04 Deutsche Airbus Gmbh Decompression panel for a separation device in an aircraft

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US327684A (en) 1885-10-06 Adam holeman
US3704845A (en) * 1971-01-14 1972-12-05 Michael Ord Airplane hijacking prevention system
US4033247A (en) * 1975-12-17 1977-07-05 Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation Vent structure
US5085017A (en) * 1990-01-27 1992-02-04 Deutsche Airbus Gmbh Decompression panel for a separation device in an aircraft

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2415731A (en) * 2004-06-05 2006-01-04 Adrian Lynley Ashley Aircraft flight deck double door access system
GB2415731B (en) * 2004-06-05 2007-10-03 Adrian Lynley Ashley Aircraft flight deck interlocking door
US20180334237A1 (en) * 2017-05-18 2018-11-22 The Boeing Company Aircraft Monument Having a Secondary Security Door
US10577074B2 (en) * 2017-05-18 2020-03-03 The Boeing Company Aircraft monument having a secondary security door

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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