Patent ID: 7100873
Filing Date: 2006-09-05
Classification: B64D,F41F,F42B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A hanger assembly for suspending an external store from an aircraft comprising: a band for coupling to an external store and including an arcuate center panel having first and second ends and outer and inner arcuate surfaces, wherein the band further includes first and second arcuate side panels each having first and second ends, wherein the first end of the center panel is in hinged connection to the first end of the first side panel and the second end of the center panel is in hinged connection to the first end of the second panel, wherein the outer surface of the center panel includes an interface for engagement with an attachment mechanism of an aircraft, wherein the side panels are rotatable at the hinged connection to place the band in a substantially circular configuration where the second ends of the first and second panels face each other and are substantially diametrically opposed to the interface; and a fastening means for coupling the ends of the first and second panels to each other when the band is disposed in a substantially circular configuration, wherein the band has a predetermined longitudinal length, thickness and material strength, and the fastening means is adjustable for applying a predetermined radial loading to a substantially circular portion of an external store disposed in relation to the hanger assembly so that the band substantially encircles and contacts the circular portion of the external store to secure the external store to the hanger assembly, such that a maximum bending moment caused by loading on the hanger assembly with the external store secured thereto is located at a region of the band other than at the interface.