WO2006092543A1

WO2006092543A1 - Aircraft

Info

Publication number: WO2006092543A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/003589
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stanley George Austin
Original assignee: Stanley George Austin
Priority date: 2005-03-01
Filing date: 2005-09-19
Publication date: 2006-09-08
Also published as: GB0504220D0; GB2423756A

Abstract

A helicopter having a main body (101) divided into a lower (407) and upper level (408) to accommodate a large number of persons. A plurality of gun turrets (203, 205) are provided along the side, front and rear of the helicopter to enable weapons to be fired from within the helicopter body. A layer of sand is formed over a portion of the helicopter body (101) being capable of impeding the passage of projectiles, in particular bullets, through the helicopter wall.

Description

AIRCRAFT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vertical lift aircraft comprising rotor blades and in particular, although not exclusively, to a helicopter comprising a plurality of rotor blade sets configured to create lift.

Background to the Invention

Helicopters are used extensively for private, commercial and military purposes and take various forms depending upon the specific role required of them. For example, helicopters configured to lift heavy loads within the construction industry, are of must bigger size and comprise much larger rotor blades than helicopters designed to carry one or two individuals for pleasure purposes.

For most helicopters, lift is created by a single set of rotor blades mounted above the helicopter roof, the rotor blades being driven by a suitable engine. For some large bodied helicopters it is known to utilise a plurality of independent sets of rotor blades in order to create the required lift.

A number of problems exist with helicopters having a plurality of independent sets of rotor blades. During rotation, each set of rotor blades occupies a circle of large diameter whereby the number of sets of rotor blades that may be mounted on top of the helicopter is limited by the size of the main helicopter body and the length of each rotor blade.

There is therefore a need for a helicopter comprising improved lifting apparatus and method.

P1512.Spec Summary of the Invention

The inventors provide a helicopter comprising at least six sets of rotor blades configured to create lift for the helicopter. The six rotor blades sets are mounted at the helicopter via suitable mounting struts which project outwardly from the helicopter body towards a region above the helicopter roof.

Each set of rotor blades is driven by an engine coupled to a drive shaft or axle onto which the rotor blades are radially mounted.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a helicopter comprising: a main body capable of housing persons; at least six sets of rotor blades, each set of said six sets capable of rotation to create lift for said main body; and at least six engines, each engine of said six engines being respectively coupled to a set of said rotor blades and configured to drive rotation of said rotor blades.

Preferably, the helicopter further comprises a lower level capable of accommodating persons and an upper level capable of accommodating persons.

Preferably, the helicopter further comprises a plurality of gun turrets.

Preferably, the helicopter further comprises at least six gun turrets provided at a first side and a second side of said helicopter.

Preferably, the helicopter further comprises at least four gun turrets mounted at a front of said helicopter.

Preferably, the helicopter further comprises at least four gun turrets provided at a rear of said helicopter.

P1512.Spec Preferably, each said engine is mounted towards one end of a support strut, said support strut extending outwardly away from said main body at an upper region of said helicopter.

Preferably, the plane of rotation of each set of rotor blades is substantially the same.

Preferably, the plane of rotation of one set of rotor blades is different from a plane of rotation of a second set of rotor blades.

Preferably, the helicopter further comprises a layer of sand formed over a portion of said main body.

Preferably, said layer of sand is 15 to 45 cm thick.

Preferably, said layer of sand is divided into a plurality of separated compartments distributed over said portion of said main body.

Preferably, said layer of sand is retained at said main body by a webbing material.

Each set of rotor blades may comprise between two to six rotor blades mounted on the central drive shaft. Additionally, the number of rotor blades mounted at each respective drive shaft may be the same or a different number of rotor blades may be provided at each respective drive shaft.

The present invention may further comprise more than six independent rotor blade sets mounted at or above the roof of the helicopter via support strut extensions.

In further specific implementations of the present invention the helicopter may comprise any number of independent rotor blade sets mounted above the

P1512.Spec -A- helicopter roof. For example where the helicopter comprises less than 6 rotor blade sets e.g. between 3 to 5, the length of each rotor blade is greater than the length of each rotor blade of a further embodiment of the helicopter comprising 6 or more rotor blade sets.

Preferably, the main body of the helicopter, excluding the tail extension supporting the rear rotor blades, comprises an approximate internal width of 8 to 12 metres and a length of approximately 13 to 20 metres. The overall length of the helicopter including the tail extension may measure approximately 40 to 45 metres (without the rotors turning). Part of the interior of the main body of the helicopter may be divided into a plurality of levels, in particular an upper and lower level. The overall height of the interior of the helicopter body may be between 5 to 15 metres being sufficient to accommodate large land vehicles within a portion of the main body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 herein is a plan view of the helicopter according to the specific implementation of the present invention;

Figure 2 herein is a front elevation view of the helicopter of figure 1 herein;

Figure 3 herein is a side elevation view of the helicopter of figure 2 herein;

Figure 4 herein is a cross sectional side elevation view of the helicopter of figure 3 herein;

P1512.Spec Figure 5 herein illustrates the helicopter of figure 4 herein fitted with floatation pontoons.

Detailed Description

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

Figure 1 herein illustrates a plan view of the specific implementation of the present invention. The helicopter comprises a main body 101 formed with a tail section 102 projecting rearwardly from the main body. Six independently rotatable blade sets 103 are mounted above main body 101 , each set of rotor blades comprising three rotor blades extending radially outward from a central point 104.

Each set of rotor blades is capable of rotation about central point 104 corresponding to a drive shaft (not shown) which in turn is capable of being rotatably driven by a motor (not shown). So as to drive each of the six sets of rotor blades the helicopter comprises six engines, each engine being respectively mounted at each central rotation point 104.

The engines and drive shafts are mounted at central body 101 via support struts. The central rotation point 104 of the forwardmost rotor blade set is mounted in front of the main body 101 by support strut 105. Four sets of rotor blades are mounted at either side of the main body 101 , two each side, via support struts 106. On each side, one support strut 106 is positioned towards the front of main body 101 and one support strut is positioned towards the rear of

P1512.Spec main body 101. One rotor blade set is positioned towards the rear of main body 101 and is mounted on support strut 107 extending substantially parallel with tail section 102.

The forwardmost and rearmost support struts 105, 107 respectively, lie on a bisecting line extending centrally along the length of main body 101. The side support struts 104 extend transverse to this central bisecting line. All the rotor blade support struts are inclined upwardly away from main body 101 whereby the plane of rotation of each set of rotor blades is positioned a distance above the roof of the helicopter.

Each engine, configured for driving rotation of a respective set of rotor blades, is controlled by a central control unit (not shown). The control unit enables an interleaved rotation pattern of the six rotor blades without neighbouring rotor blades contacting one another.

A couple of stabilising rotor blades 108 are mounted towards the rear of tail section 102 to provide stabilisation of main body 101 during rotation of the six rotor blade sets such that the helicopter is capable of flying in a straight line.

Figure 2 herein illustrates a front elevation view of the helicopter of figure 1 herein. Figure 2 illustrates the forwardmost rotation engine 202 mounted at one end of the forward support strut 105. Forward side engines 200 are mounted at one end of each side support strut 106 and two engines 102 are respectively mounted on each rear side support strut 106.

The helicopter comprises a plurality of machine gun turrets mounted on each side of main body 101. These turrets allow a plurality of machine guns 204 to be positioned so as to project outwardly from within central body 101 to enable a person to fire a firearm outwardly from within the helicopter when stationery or when flying. The helicopter comprises a plurality of upper level machine gun turrets 203 and a plurality of lower level machine gun turrets 205. The helicopter

P1512.Spec further comprises a first pair of upper machine gun turrets 206 and lower machine gun turrets 207 provided at the front of the helicopter, facing forward.

A pair of wheels 209 are provided underneath the helicopter main body 101 substantially at each corner. Each pair of wheels is mounted at main body 101 using known helicopter wheel mounting technology. The wheels and wheel support struts may be retractable or foldable into main body 101.

A cockpit windscreen 210 is provided and is positioned at an upper, forward position within main body 101 to provide the helicopter flight crew with a good vantage point from which to maneuver the helicopter.

Positioned at the front of the helicopter, facing forward are a plurality of headlights 211. Headlights 211 are of sufficient power to provide illumination of a large area in front of the helicopter. Further exterior lighting (not shown) is also provided to the rear and at the base of the helicopter. Additional spotlights 212 are also provided at the exterior of the helicopter. Spotlights 212 are moveably mounted such that the direction of the light beam generated by the spotlight may be changed independently of the orientation of the helicopter main body.

Figure 3 herein illustrates a side elevation view of the helicopter of figure 2 herein comprising three upper level machine gun turrets 203 and three lower level machine gun turrets 205, evenly distributed along the length of the main body 101. A pair of upper level rear facing machine gun turrets are provided 300 positioned above a pair of rear facing lower level machine gun turrets 301.

Figure 4 herein illustrates a cross sectional side elevation view of the helicopter of figure 3 herein. The helicopter main body 101 is divided into a lower level 407 and upper level 408 and additional auxiliary levels 409, 405. An entrance/exit hatch is provided towards the rear of the helicopter being accessible via movable door 400 which is also configured as a ramp. Access to the various different levels within the helicopter is possible via a plurality of stairwells 402.

P1512.Spec To support the helicopter's armory a plurality of weapon storage areas are provided within the helicopter 403 capable of securely storing firearms and ammunition. Seating 401 is provided on the various different levels to provide seating for the personnel occupying the helicopter. The helicopter is further equipped with sanitary facilities in particular toilets 404.

A flight deck 405 is positioned at an upper, forward region of the main body 101 and houses instrumentation 406 used to fly and control the helicopter. Access to the flight deck is provided by stairwell 402.

As a means of defense, the helicopter comprises at least one layer of sand housed within main body 101 and tail section 102. The layer of sand, which is approximately 15 to 45 cm thick, is provided over the floor 410 the front 411 , the roof 412, the rear 413 and tail section 414 of the helicopter. The sand is housed within a cavity or pocket formed at the exterior wall of the helicopter. The cavity to house the sand may be compartmentalised to avoid loss of excess sand in the event of the helicopter body being breached by a bullet or projectile. Alternatively, the sand layer may be encased or interleaved with fibrous webbing configured to retain the sand in the event of a breach of the helicopter outerwall.

The helicopter is of a size sufficient to accommodate one or a plurality of land vehicles for transportation within the helicopter. Additionally, the helicopter is capable of transporting in excess of 100 persons. In order to accommodate one or a plurality of land vehicles within the helicopter, main body 101 measures at least 10 meters in width and at least 13.5 meters in length. By way of illustration, the helicopter may be at least as long as a double-decker bus and as wide as three double-decker buses.

The helicopter further comprises at least one air-conditioning unit (not shown) allowing control of the temperature within the helicopter. The

P1512.Spec incorporation of air-conditioning is particularly advantageous where the helicopter is utilised in tropical climates.

Figure 5 herein illustrates a side elevation view of the helicopter of figure 4 herein fitted with floatation pontoons 500. A first pontoon is capable of being mounted lengthways along main body 101 beneath the level of the floor 410. In particular, each pontoon 500 is capable of being mounted over a pair of front wheels 209 and a corresponding pair of rear wheels 209 positioned directly behind the pair of front wheels. Each pontoon comprises a forward and rearward positioned trough 501 of sufficient size to accommodate the pair of front and rear wheels 209. The wheels may be inserted and removed from each trough 501 through trough opening 502. An electronically actuated locking mechanism 503 is positioned at each wheel support arm 208 configured to interface with a corresponding locking mechanism mounted on the pontoon 500.

The pontoons mounted at the underside of the helicopter may be attached or removed readily via the electronically controlled locking actuators. Accordingly, when fitted with the pontoons the helicopter is capable of landing on and taking off from water.

P1512.Spec

Claims

Claims:

1. A helicopter comprising:

a main body capable of housing persons;

5 at least six sets of rotor blades, each set of said six sets capable of rotation to create lift for said main body; and

at least six engines, each engine of said six engines being respectively o coupled to a set of said rotor blades and configured to drive rotation of said rotor blades.

2. The helicopter as claimed in claim 1 comprising a lower level capable of accommodating persons and an upper level capable of accommodating persons. 5

3. The helicopter as claimed in claims 1 or 2 further comprising a plurality of gun turrets.

4. The helicopter as claimed in claim 3 comprising at least six gun turrets o provided at a first side and a second side of said helicopter.

5. The helicopter as claimed in claim 4 comprising at least four gun turrets mounted at a front of said helicopter.

5 6. The helicopter as claimed in claims 4 or 5 comprising at least four gun turrets provided at a rear of said helicopter.

7. The helicopter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each said engine is mounted towards one end of a support strut, said support strut 0 extending outwardly away from said main body at an upper region of said helicopter.

P1512.Spec

8. The helicopter as claimed in claim 7 wherein the plane of rotation of each set of rotor blades is substantially the same.

9. The helicopter as claimed in claim 7 wherein the plane of rotation of one set of rotor blades is different from a plane of rotation of a second set of rotor blades.

10. The helicopter as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a layer of sand formed over a portion of said main body.

11. The helicopter as claimed in claim 10 wherein said layer of sand is 15 to 45 cm thick.

12. The helicopter as claimed in claims 10 or 11 wherein said layer of sand is divided into a plurality of separated compartments distributed over said portion of said main body.

13. The helicopter as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein said layer of sand is retained at said main body by a webbing material.

P1512.Spec