Airborne Pod Structures

Harold Malm

doi:10.1117/12.948619

23 February 1989 Airborne Pod Structures

Harold Malm

Proceedings Volume 0979, Airborne Reconnaissance XII; (1989) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.948619
Event: 32nd Annual International Technical Symposium on Optical and Optoelectronic Applied Science and Engineering, 1988, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Most military aircraft are equipped with external fuel tanks that increase range and, thereby, extend mission profiles. Considerable rationale exists for using fuel tank structures as a housing for special purpose equipment such as a reconnaissance system. Foremost, is the availability of all technical, tooling, manufacturing, and test data. If the external shape is not significantly altered, the equipment pod can be submitted for installation and flight test based upon similarity and analytical margins of safety. Thus, the resultant cost savings and delivery schedule improvement can be significant. External fuel tanks are designed for high volume production as shown in Figure 1. The United States Air Force generally prefers the three-section, low assembly time, design; whereas, the United States Navy favors a monocoque construction design having access doors for servicing internal components. Either concept can readily be converted to house "special purpose" equipment instead of fuel, to enable reconnaissance, photographic, counter measures, and other military missions (reference Figure 2).

Citation Download Citation

Harold Malm "Airborne Pod Structures", Proc. SPIE 0979, Airborne Reconnaissance XII, (23 February 1989); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.948619

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