Method and apparatus for determining the weight and center of gravity of

Abstract

An apparatus for weighing aircraft, particularly aircraft prior to take-off, the aircraft having differing undercarriage wheel configurations (footprints), one to another, the apparatus for use on or in an aircraft roadway or the like. The apparatus comprises a plurality of spaced apart wheel load measuring devices and wherein at least the wheel load measuring devices for the respective main undercarriage wheels are mounted for lateral movement one to another, and in some cases computer controlled motorized movement controlled from the aircraft, so that they may be selectively positioned in spaced relation one to another to suit the various main undercarriage wheel spacings of the various aircraft to be weighed. A readout means is operatively linked to the load measuring devices in order to display the respective wheel loads registered by the respective load measuring devices. In some cases, a computer is included for calculating the center of gravity of the respective aircraft. In some embodiments the nose wheel load measuring device is also mounted for movement toward and away from the main undercarriage wheel load measuring devices. Further embodiments disclose a rotatable mounting of the load measuring devices including controls therefor to facilitate efficient entry of the aircraft upon the respective load measuring devices. Methods based on operation of the disclosed apparatus are also disclosed.