The Boeing Company

Gnanulan Canagaratna

Sina Sam Golshany

Matthew W Orr

Lowell Bruce Campbell

Andrew Walter Fassmann

Martin M Withington

David A Rathke

Daniel Wajerski

Tarek H Elghoroury

Sina S Golshany

Andrew W Fassmann

A system includes a signal generator that is configured to generate a first electrical signal. The system also includes a light source configured to generate a light beam based on the first electrical signal. The light source is also configured to direct the light beam towards a structural member of an aircraft. The system also includes a photoelectric sensor configured to receive a reflected light beam and convert the reflected light beam to a second electrical signal. The reflected light beam corresponds to a portion of the light beam that is reflected from one or more optical reflectors coupled to the structural member. The system also includes circuitry configured to estimate a location of a center-of-gravity of the aircraft based on a timing difference between the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal.

Optical device for estimating a center of gravity of an aircraft

In a particular implementation, a method includes generating an initial weight estimate associated with an aircraft based on a reference operational empty weight (OEW) and at least one of a latitude or an altitude of the aircraft at a first location. The reference OEW is predetermined at a second location that is distinct from the first location. The method includes determining an additional load capability of the aircraft based on a difference between the initial weight estimate and the reference OEW. The method further includes generating an output that indicates the additional load capability.

System and method for determining a load capability

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Everett, WA, United States of America

Gnanulan Canagaratna