Patent ID: 6616097
Filing Date: 2003-09-09
Classification: B64C,B64D

Abstract:
A reconfigurable reconnaissance pod system adapted to be carried by an aircraft having a floor, comprising:a pod having an interior for placement of predetermined sensors selected from a suite of sensors; said pod including a middle section and first and second end sections connected to said middle section and selected from a suite of end sections, as a function of particular sensors used within said pod; said middle section including at least one frame defining an aperture, and a frame insert selected from a suite of inserts, as a function of particular sensors used within said pod; at least some of said suite of end sections including a) end sections having a window to transmit visible light wavelengths, b) end sections having a window to transmit wavelengths other than visible light and c) end sections having no window; and a deployment arrangement for deploying and retrieving said pod from said aircraft, said deploying arrangement comprising: a pod support arm having outer and inner ends; said pod being connected to said outer end of said pod support arm; a moveable carriage assembly; said inner end of said pod support arm being connected to said moveable carriage assembly and adapted to move vertically in said moveable carriage assembly; a base, said base including a pallet for securing to the floor of said aircraft and a rotary table mounted on said pallet; first and second rails carried by said rotary table; and said moveable carriage assembly being mounted for horizontal movement on said rails.