West Virginia University

Gerald M Angle, Ii

James Earl Smith

Roy S Nutter

Zenovy S Wowczuk

Gregory J Thompson

A roll-on/roll-off, aircraft-borne sensor pod deployment system having an operator station and a sensor pallet system and method of using same. The operator station has a base platform, a shelter box mounted on the base platform for accommodating a human operator, and a computer installed inside the shelter box. The sensor pallet system has a base platform, a linear system mounted on the base platform, a rotational system mounted on the linear system, a mechanical arm attached to the rotational system, a sensor pod attached to the mechanical arm, and an electrical control system that provides power to the deployment system and controls movements of the sensor pallet system. In operation, the sensor pod can be retracted into a compact, stowing position, or extended out an opening in the aircraft for an unobstructed field of view. The deployment system optionally includes an apparatus and method for sealing the aircraft opening.

Aerial sensor pod deployment system

A system and method provides for the manipulation of the aerodynamic characteristics of airfoils and other aerostructures using blowing and/or suction. This system and method uses one or more internal cavities located within an airfoil. An internal cavity is coupled to the exterior surface of the airfoil via one or more slots. A rotary actuator is incorporated into a slot. When the rotary actuator is rotated into a first position, it forms a channel that allows fluid to pass between the internal cavity and the air surrounding the airfoil. When the rotary actuator rotates into a second position, it prevents fluid from passing through the channel between the internal cavity and the air surrounding the airfoil.

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Morgantown, WV, United States of America

Gerald M Angle, Ii