Aeronautics and astronautics – Aircraft – heavier-than-air – Airplane sustained
Reexamination Certificate
2003-10-08
2004-11-16
Barefoot, Galen (Department: 3644)
Aeronautics and astronautics
Aircraft, heavier-than-air
Airplane sustained
C244S129300, C244S119000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06817571
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to integrated windshields and cab portions for aircraft, including high-speed aircraft, and associated methods.
BACKGROUND
Cab sections for current commercial airliners and business jets typically have a kink or bend in the contour of the fuselage just below the windshield. In some cases, the kink is provided to allow a more upright position for the windshield, which can reduce the accumulation of dust and other debris on the windshield, and/or windshield glare. This arrangement can also reduce the overall size of the windshield.
FIGS. 1A and 1B
illustrate an existing cab portion
10
having an existing windshield
13
and an existing contour
15
with a kink at the lower edge of the windshield
13
. Pilots seated in the cab portion
10
have a reference eye position
17
, and a field of vision
16
through the windshield
13
.
One drawback with the arrangement shown in
FIGS. 1A-1B
is that the kink at the junction between the windshield
13
and the external surface of the cab portion
10
can increase the manufacturing complexity of the fuselage and can increase the loads transmitted to the aircraft airframe and/or windshield. Another drawback is that the kink can also increase the noise level in the cockpit by causing a disturbance in the airflow around the cab.
SUMMARY
The present invention is directed toward cab portions with integrated windshields, and methods for forming such cab portions. A cab portion in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes an external flow surface having a generally rounded nose portion with a forward extremity, and a windshield aperture positioned only above and aft of the forward extremity of the rounded nose portion. The cab portion can further include a windshield disposed in the windshield aperture, wherein a contour of the external flow surface and the windshield extending from a position on the external flow surface beneath the windshield, aft over the windshield to a position on the external flow surface aft of and above the windshield, has a generally continuously smooth and unkinked shape. This arrangement can provide enhanced pilot visibility, reduced drag, increased aerodynamic performance, and reduced fuel consumption.
In a further aspect of the invention, the surface contour of the windshield can be generally conical. In yet a further aspect of the invention, the contour of the external flow surface and the windshield is a first contour intersecting a generally vertical plane passing through the external flow surface and the windshield at a center of the cab portion. A second contour of the external flow surface and the windshield intersecting a generally horizontal plane passing through the external flow surface and the windshield and extending aft over the windshield to a position on the external flow surface aft of the windshield can also have a generally continuously smooth and unkinked shape.
The invention is also directed toward methods for manufacturing an aircraft system. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes fabricating an external flow surface having a generally rounded nose portion with a forward extremity and a windshield aperture positioned only above and aft of the forward extremity. The method can further include positioning a windshield in the windshield aperture, with a contour of the external flow surface and the windshield extending from a position on the external flow surface beneath the windshield, aft over the windshield to a position on the external flow surface aft of and above the windshield having a generally continuously smooth and unkinked shape.
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patent: 5529263 (1996-06-01), Rudolph
patent: 5676333 (1997-10-01), Rethorst
patent: 6213428 (2001-04-01), Chaumel et al.
patent: 6575406 (2003-06-01), Nelson
patent: WO 97/30444 (1998-07-01), None
4—4:Bombardier Global Express (2 pages) http://home.ca.inter.net/~rapickler/global.html [Accessed Sep. 26, 2003].
Photo of B-29A 44-62220 (originally at Kelly AFB, Now at Lackland AFB) (1 page) http://proft.50megs.com/b-29-kh.jpg [Accessed Sep. 24, 2003].
International Search Report for International Application No. PCT/US03/31609; Applicant: The Boeing Company; 8 pgs.
Warwick, G., “Sonic Orders Set for 2002 Lift Off”, Flight International, Reed Business Information, Haywards Heath, GB, vol. 159, No. 4778; May 1, 2001, p. 7.
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Friend Michael G.
Holtorf Christopher R.
Retz Kevin M.
Sones Andrew
Voogt Nicholaas
Barefoot Galen
Perkins Coie LLP
The Boeing Company
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