GB1236283A - An apparatus for saving the passengers of an airplane which is crash-landing, ditching or diving or which is in danger of crash-diving - Google Patents

Abstract

1,236,283. Aircraft. P. WILLEMS, [trading as PHYSIK. - CHEM. FORSCHUNGS - INSTITUT PROF. P. WILLEMS]. 1 Aug., 1968 [8 Aug., 1967], No. 36663/68. Heading B7G. Passenger saving apparatus in an airplane comprises a survival cell, means for hermetically closing the cell, a plurality of connecting means between the cell and the airplane suddenly and simultaneously releasable by an electric circuit having at least one manually operable switch, feeding and control means leading from the cell to the plane and safety couplings to close up and separate the feeding and control means upon release of the cell, at least one means secured to the cell to reduce its free fall speed after release, and independently usable emergency equipment including at least one emergency current unit, a driving and control device for movement in water and a signalling device. In one embodiment the cabin of the aircraft 2b constitutes the survival cell. The wings 1 and tailplane being releasably detachable by connections 3. A roof canopy 2d is also ejectable to permit funnelled parachutes to open. The parachutes, attached by elastic carrying cords, may each constitute string of such with a drogue parachute carrying signalling apparatus. The detachable parts of the plane may be connected to the plane by motor driven bolts, the motors being activated by closing the electric circuit. In this circuit a master switch has to be operated to uncover two further switches (for pilot and co-pilot) which when thrown retract the bolts and release the survival cell. In an alternative embodiment (Fig. 10), the cabin 26 of the aircraft is releasably suspended within an outer body 25. Parachutes 4 and a balloon 31 are stored in a headspace betwen cabin 26 and body 25. If desired, the umbrella of each parachute may be formed as a balloon. In a compartment beneath the floor of the cabin 26 are stored gas bottles 28. When the cabin 26 is released from body 25 the valves of bottles 28 are opened and the gas fills the balloon(s) via conduit 30. For movement through water the cabin 26 may be provided with a keel, centre board and either screw or water jet propulsion means. Emergency supplies such as radio beacons and distress signals are supplied, together with an emergency electrical supply. As an alternative a rocket or rockets may be used to reduce the free fall speed of the cell. The aircraft may, of course, comprise a plurality of such cells each with their own descent equipment. When the cell or cells are released from the aircraft the power cables and control pipes tear apart and automatic valves shut to prevent leakage of gas (e.g. oxygen) from the cell.