Dual Purpose Jammer

A jammer which eliminates the need for a bobtail in a forward deployment. The jammer has an outwardly extending boom with a table at the distal end of the boom. The table can mount upwardly extending cradles suitable for temporarily holding cargo, such as a munition, during transport and positioning on the underside of an aircraft wing. The table also holds an upstanding pintle hook. The pintle hook provides for attachment of the jammer to a trailer for towing. Using the jammer for both towing of a trailer and positioning of cargo using the boom eliminates the need for a bobtail, conserving both cargo space and payload weight during deployment.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to munition loading vehicles and more particularly to dual purpose munition loading vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Agile combat in a forward deployment must balance competing, dynamic and often unknown interests. Different types of vehicles are typically deployed, each with a specific and dedicated task, for which that vehicle was specifically designed.

For example, a vehicle such as a bobtail is used to tow, maneuver and deliver loads to specific locations. A typical bobtail comprises an open forward cap and open bed in a straight axle configuration. Supplies can be loaded onto the open bed. If the bed reaches capacity, supplies can be loaded onto a trailer which the bobtail pulls.

The bobtail can also tow various supply trailers from a cargo plane to a staging area and from the staging area to the active sites as needed. A common trailer is an open munition trailer. The open munition trailer has a tow bar for connection to the bobtail and has munitions stacked in multiple tiers perpendicular to the tow bar. Bobtail has a bumper mounted horizontally extending pintle for attachment to the tow bar or other towing configurations. But this arrangement has the disadvantage that the bobtail is a single use vehicle - for towing aircraft ground equipment, such as munitions trailers.

Once the munition trailer is towed to the appropriate site, a jammer unloads the munitions from the trailer for installation on an aircraft. A typical jammer, such as a MJ-1 or MHU-83 jammer, is a vehicle having an open cab and cantilevered forward boom. The boom is operable from the cab with up/down capability.

The jammer is driven to the appropriate site for munition retrieval and delivery. The boom then retrieves a munition from the top tier of the munition trailer, with the munition being placed on a table disposed at or near the distal end of the boom. The jammer then drives to the respective aircraft where the boom places the munition proximate to and underneath the plane. Skilled field personnel then load the munition to the plane. This process has been used since the 1950′s without significant modification or updates as relates to the present invention.

In the present state of the art, a bobtail and jammer are both necessary to move trailers to load items to the underside of the aircraft wing, respectively. But cargo space and weight are constrained when equipment is deployed for agile combat. Even since the 1950′s, all military cargo planes have constraints for volume and weight. Each ground vehicle deployed for a specific purpose displaces an equal volume/weight of other equipment in the cargo plane. Each single use vehicle that can be eliminated without loss of functionality allows other needed cargo to be transported to forward deployment on that cargo plane. It can be seen there is a long felt need to conserve weight/volume on forward deployment cargo planes, without undermining munition handling capability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment the invention comprises a jammer suitable for loading/unloading a munition to/from an underside of an aircraft wing. The jammer comprises an articulable boom cantilevered from a proximal end to a remote distal end, a table able juxtaposed with the distal end of said boom, the table being configured to have an upwardly extending cradle mounted thereto and have an upwardly extending pintle hook joined to said table. The cradle is suitable for placement and removal of munitions and other aircraft parts thereon. The pintle hook is suitable for use in towing a trailer. In another embodiment the invention comprises a method of repositioning a trailer without the use of a bobtail. The method comprises the steps of providing a jammer having an outwardly extending boom, the boom extending from a proximal end to a distal end remote therefrom; extending the boom to a position ergonomically suitable for attaching accessories thereto; attaching a jammer table to the boom, whereby the jammer table is juxtaposed with the distal end of said boom; attaching a pintle hook to the table; driving the jammer to a trailer disposed at a first location; attaching the trailer to the pintle hook and without using a bobtail, driving the jammer to a second location while towing said trailer behind said jammer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring toFIG.1, a pintle hook10according to the prior art, is typically bumper19mounted on the front of a bobtail, commonly referred to as a tug. The pintle hook10attaches to the tow bar31of a munition32trailer30for relocation by the bobtail (not shown).

The pintle hook10typically comprises a mounting plate14which attaches to the bumper19or other mounting surface. The mounting plate14may be generally rectangular with a through hole juxtaposed with each of the four corners. Threaded fasteners15are inserted through the holes for attachment to the mounting surface. Alternatively, the mounting plate14may be welded to the mounting surface. The pintle hook10has a fixed towing horn11protruding outwardly from a proximal end juxtaposed with the mounting plate14to a distal end remote therefrom. The towing horn11may be integrally cast or forged with the mounting plate14or may be removably attached thereto with threaded fasteners15. An articulating latch12extends outwardly from a proximal end juxtaposed with the proximal end of the towing horn11to a distal end remote therefrom. The articulating latch12articulates from an open position for inserting trailer30towing apparatus parts to a closed position for transport. In the closed position the distal ends of the towing horn11and latch12meet, forming a loop for the trailer30towing apparatus parts. Optionally, the latch12may have a lock13, to prevent inadvertent opening during use.

Referring toFIG.2a typical jammer20according to the present invention comprises an aerial lift truck that lifts and secures munitions32such as weapons, rocket launchers and other items to or from the underside of an aircraft wing. The jammer20is self propelled, typically powered by a diesel engine, and has a cantilevered boom21. The boom21extends outwardly, typically forwardly, from a proximal end juxtaposed with the body of the jammer20to a distal end remote therefrom.

A table22is juxtaposed with and preferably disposed at the distal end of the boom21for supporting hardware as set forth below. The table22forms an XY plane with a mutually perpendicular Z axis. The table22may be rotatable about the Z axis. The table22has a front edge facing towards the forward direction of the jammer20, an opposed back edge facing towards the back of the jammer20and two opposed side edges therebetween. In a degenerate case, the table22is rectangular and the side edges are longitudinally parallel, although the invention is not so limted.

The table22has a top surface23for removable attachment of various upstanding cradles26. The cradles26accept complementary pylons, ordinance, electronics, engines, engine components, etc. for attachment to or removal from the underside of the aircraft wing.

The boom21typically comprises two parallel four link mechanisms, so that the table22, mounted onto the boom21as the floating link, can remain parallel to the ground and generally horizontal during raising and lowering of the boom21. The boom21defines a longitudinal axis parallel to and midway between the parallel four link mechanisms. The table22is mountable to the boom21at four pivot points. The pivot points may comprise holes for receiving pivot pins from the boom21or, alternatively, or pins insertable into pivot holes on the boom21. The pivot points are disposed in two longitudinally aligned pairs, with one pair on each side of the table22. In a first embodiment, such as a MH-1 jammer20, each four link mechanism is mounted to the underside of the table22, with the front and back of the table22being pivotably mounted to the input and output links of the respective four link mechanism. In a second embodiment, such as a MHU-83 jammer20, opposed top and bottom edges of each side the table22are pivotably mounted to the respective input and output links of respective four link mechanisms.

In one embodiment, the boom21may have a range of about 4.5 M above ground to 0.7 M below ground and 3100 Kg. lift capacity. The present invention may also be used with a smaller embodiment, such as an MJ-1 jammer20having a 1360 Kg. lift capacity and a lift range of almost 2 M above ground level, and having similar features in all relevant aspects.

Referring toFIG.3A,FIG.3BandFIG.3C, the loop of the latch12and horn11defines a plane of the pintle hook10. Preferably the plane of the pintle hook10is parallel to the towing direction, to reduce bending of the pintle hook10during off-axis towing. Bending superimposes bending stresses with the tensile stresses inherent with towing, reducing towing capacity and possibly leading to premature failure. In a degenerate case, the plane of the pintle hook10is longitudinally parallel and towing occurs in the longitudinal direction, except for routine turns en route to the trailer30destination.

Referring toFIG.4AandFIG.4B, a pintle hook10is permanently or preferably removably attached to the table22. As used herein, such attachment includes both direct attachment to the table22(with or without a bridge50described below) and attachment through an intermediate component such as an adapter40, as described below.

The pintle hook10extends vertically from the table22in the Z direction, and is preferably disposed within the footprint of the table22to reduce interference in close quarters. The loop may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the boom21, for secure attachment of towing equipment. The boom21may be longitudinally extended and the top surface23of the table22is disposed at an elevation convenient for ground personnel to perform maintenance, attachment/removal of towing connections, etc. Particularly, the latch12may be opened and a tow hook, clevis, eye of a tow bar31, etc. may be attached to the pintle hook10in known fashion. The latch12is closed and optionally locked for security. With the jammer20now connected to a trailer30, the jammer20can deliver the trailer30to a desired location without the use of a bobtail. The space, weight and subsequent maintenance of the bobtail are obviated and forward deployment carries on with a leaner, but equally effective, equipment inventory. If the trailer30is disposed in close quarters and not directly accessible by a bobtail with a bumper19mounted pintle, then mission efficacy can even be improved.

Referring toFIG.5, if desired the table22may comprise plural and mutually different attached pintle hooks10. This arrangement provides for towing trailers30with different towing connections. If desired, one or more pintle hooks10may have different azimuthal orientations. This arrangement provides the benefit that trailers30which are not longitudinally aligned with the boom21, due to challenging forward deployment conditions, can be towed with a pintle hook10aligned with the towing angle. As noted above, it is preferable to tow trailers30in line with the plane of the pintle hook10, to reduce bending stresses and unduly limit capacity.

The trailer30has a hitch for attachment to the pintle hook10. Attachment includes both direct attachment and connection through intermediate components, such as a chain or tow bar31. A tow bar31may comprise an elongate webbing made of nylon or polyester, as is known to one of skill. As used herein a hitch includes various embodiments such as a ball and socket joint, closed loop, open hook, clevis, etc.

Referring toFIG.6, if desired the pintle hook10may be attached to an adapter40, which in turn, is attached to the table22. The adapter40may have three trisections41,42, in cross section, comprising a central trisection41and two outboard trisections42extending symmetrically and outwardly therefrom. Each outboard trisection42is in mutually acute angular relationship with the central trisection41, so that the outboard trisections42can rest upon the table22with the central trisection41elevated above the table22.

This arrangement provides the benefit that existing tables22may be used without drilling and tapping holes for the specific geometry of the pintle hook10mounting plate14holes. Instead, the central trisection41of the adapter40may have holes which match the holes in the mounting plate14. The outboard trisections42may have holes which already available in the table22. In use, the pintle hook10is attached to the central trisection41and extends upwardly in the Z direction. Alternatively, the pintle hook10may extending downwardly, if there is sufficient clearance between the central trisection41and the top surface23of the table22.

In use, the pintle hook10is attached to the central trisection41and the outboard trisections42are attached to the table22. This arrangement preserves the original configuration of the table22, and allows sheet steel to be used for the adapter40.

Referring toFIG.6AandFIG.6B, a typical adapter40has lug holes44which are drilled and tapped into the central trisection41. The lug holes44are used to attach threaded lugs (not shown) for securing cargo to the adapter40. The lug holes44are preferably through holes, but may be blind holes, if desired. A lug is unscrewed and set aside. A pintle hook10is provided. The pintle hook10has a screw thread15extending rearwardly from the mounting plate14and securely affixed thereto. The screw thread15is sized to fit into the tapped lug hole44in the adapter40.

The pintle hook10is screwed into the tapped lug hole44and tightened. If desired, a jam nut may be provided on the underside of the adapter for security. The tow bar31may then be attached to the pintle hook10.

Oftentimes a jammer20is nuclear certified, i.e. certified to handle nuclear munitions32. Any permanent change to a nuclear certified jammer is time-consuming and costly. Permanent changes include drilling new holes, resizing existing holes and permanently attaching new items, such as a pintle hook10. The embodiments ofFIG.6overcomes this problem by not requiring permanent attachment of the pintle hook10to the jammer20table22. Instead, the pintle hook10may be attached to the adapter40, which, in turn, is attached to the top surface23of the table22without modification or the need for recertification.

Likewise the embodiment ofFIG.6AandFIG.6Bprovides for attachment of the pintle hook10to the top surface23of the table22without recertification. These embodiments advantageously avoid time-consuming and costly recertification, maintains the flexibility of the present invention and still obviates the need for a bobtail and its attendant weight and cargo space.

Referring toFIG.7, if desired a bridge50may be permanently or removably attached to the table22in addition to one or more pintle hooks10. The bridge50may have two or more uprights51and an elevated joist52therebetween. In a first embodiment, the uprights51may be drilled and tapped from the bottom to accept threaded fasteners15through holes in the table22. Alternatively and preferably, the uprights51are flanged, as shown. In a second embodiment, the flanges have through holes to accept threaded fasteners15for attachment to the table22. The flanged embodiment prophetically provides the benefit of easier alignment of the flange holes with the table22holes.

The elevated joist52is disposed above the pintle hook10in the Z-direction, so that the pintle hook10is accessible for attaching and removing towing equipment. The joist52also protects the pintle hook10from falling debris as may occur in hostile environments. If desire, the bridge50may be closed on three sides to further protect the pintle hook10and other sensitive component disposed underneath the joist52.

The joist52has a bottom joist52surface facing towards the table22and pintle hook10in the Z-direction and a top joist52surface opposed thereto. The top surface23of the joist52may have the aforementioned cradles26to accept complementary pylons, ordinance, electronics, engines, engine components, etc. for attachment to or removal from the underside of the aircraft wing. The embodiment ofFIG.7provides the benefit that the cradle26may carry a munition32while the trailer30is still attached to the pintle hook10.

In a hybrid embodiment, the flange holes of a bridge50may be sized to correspond to the holes of outboard trisections42of an adapter40so both may be used in conjunction. This arrangement provides the dual benefits of a bridge50to support the cradles26and an adapter40for ease of application of the pintle to the table22.

In operation, the jammer20is driven to a site judged safe enough to carry out the next steps. The boom21is articulated to a position where table22is at an ergonomically appropriate height. The pintle hook10is attached to an adapter40, if one is to be used. The adapter40is then attached to the table22. Otherwise, the pintle hook10is directly attached to the table22. Alternatively, the adapter40may be attached to the table22and the pintle hook10subsequently attached to the adapter40. The jammer20is driven to the trailer30pickup location, if remote from the initial site. The boom21is extended and articulated as necessary for the pintle hook10to access the tow hitch of the trailer30, accounting for any tow bar31which may be present. The boom21is particularly articulated to avoid interference with cargo on the trailer30, the sides of the trailer30, etc. The pintle hook10is attached to the hitch, either directly or through an intermediate connection, such as a tow bar31. The jammer20then tows the trailer30to a desired first location for unloading and use of the cargo, such as a munition32to be attached to the underside of an aircraft wing. The boom21is articulated to an ergonomically comfortable position for manipulation of the cargo. The jammer20may then tow the trailer to the other wing of the aircraft for additional unloading and attachment of cargo at a second location. The towing process is repeated as necessary for other trailers30. Additionally, the jammer20can tow other aviation ground equipment as needed.

All of the jammers20according to the present invention provide the benefit of serving dual purposes for both bobtail towing and loading/unloading munitions from an aircraft wing. The need for a bobtail is eliminated - and the space and weight that would be allocated to a bobtail can be redeployed for other needed supplies. Given that an Air Force bobtail can have a footprint of about 7 square meters and a weight of at least about 3800 kg., the savings in weight and cargo space is significant.

The present invention also provides the benefit that while the jammer20pulls the trailer30the jammer20is moving in its reverse direction. The operator is facing forward, towards the table22. In contrast, the operator of a bobtail is facing away from the munitions32on the trailer. This present invention provides the benefit that it is now easier for the operator to monitor sensitive munitions32during transport.