Textron Innovations Inc.

Daniel Duane Donley

Michael Raymond Hull

Glenn Sahagun

Embodiments are directed to systems and methods for utilizing aircraft cockpit and cabin lighting to provide both power and data transmission to occupants. Data and power may be transmitted on non-visible and/or visible spectrums. The visible light may be used independently for aircraft illumination. Data for the cockpit allows for quick upload and download of flight planning and maintenance data to an electronic flight bag. The electronic flight bag may also be able to receive power from cockpit and cabin lighting during flight.

Cockpit and cabin LiFi power and data

Embodiments are directed to a rotor system for an aircraft comprising a gearbox configured to receive torque from a drive train, a mast having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the gearbox and the mast configured to rotate in response to the torque from the drive train, a rotor hub attached to the second end of the mast, a first light transceiver mounted adjacent to the first end of the mast, wherein the first light transceiver is does not rotate relative to the mast, and a second light transceiver mounted adjacent to the second end of the mast, wherein the second light transceiver rotates with the mast.

Light communication slip ring

Embodiments are directed to systems and methods for providing light communication (LC) for an aircraft. An LC transmitter is mounted on an aircraft fuselage and is configured to broadcast light signals within a defined region outside the aircraft. An LC receiver mounted on the aircraft fuselage is configured to receive light signals broadcast by a remote LC device. A controller is configured to manage LC signals in the aircraft, and an interface is provided between the controller and an aircraft data network. The light signals may be in a visible light spectrum, an invisible light spectrum, or both. The remote LC device may be, for example, a ground station, an aircraft, a ground vehicle, a ship, a building, or a portable transmitter.

Growing community of inventors

Bedford, TX, United States of America

Daniel Duane Donley