U.S. patent application number 13/507563 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-09 for underground protection for active aricrafts.
The applicant listed for this patent is David DOR-EL, Itzhak Shalev. Invention is credited to David DOR-EL, Itzhak Shalev.
Application Number | 20140010619 13/507563 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49878646 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140010619 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DOR-EL; David ; et
al. |
January 9, 2014 |
Underground protection for active aricrafts
Abstract
In an airfield with a short bi-directional runway and a long
bi-directional runway intersecting with each other perpendicularly
a system for storing and launching a plurality of airplanes
includes a plurality of platforms, a plurality of rectangular cages
and a frame. Onto each platform one airplane may be placed. Each
cage has an opening into which one platform and one airplane are
inserted through the opening. The frame has a plurality of slots
and is disposed in ground beneath the airfield. One rectangular
cage may be inserted into one of the slots. An elevator is disposed
adjacent to the frame and has a bottom platform and an opening
which may be aligned with the opening of one of the slots.
Inventors: |
DOR-EL; David; (Los
Angleles, CA) ; Shalev; Itzhak; (Bet Gamliel,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DOR-EL; David
Shalev; Itzhak |
Los Angleles
Bet Gamliel |
CA |
US
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
49878646 |
Appl. No.: |
13/507563 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
414/240 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 6/44 20130101; E04H
6/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/240 |
International
Class: |
E04H 6/22 20060101
E04H006/22 |
Claims
1-10. (canceled)
11. In an airfield with a short bi-directional runway and a long
bi-directional runway intersecting with each other perpendicularly
a system for storing and launching a plurality of airplanes
comprising: a. a plurality of platforms onto each of which one of
the airplane may be placed; b. a plurality of cages each of which
has an opening and into each of which one of said platforms and one
of the airplanes is inserted through said opening; c. a frame
having a plurality of slots and disposed in ground beneath the
airfield whereby one of said rectangular cages may be inserted into
one of said slots; d. an elevator disposed adjacent to said frame
and having a bottom platform and an opening which may be aligned
with said opening of one of said slots; and e. a plurality of
moving mechanisms disposed within each of said cage whereby one of
said moving mechanisms moves one of said platform and one of the
airplanes through said opening in one of said slots into said
elevator onto said bottom platform wherein said elevator elevates
one of said platform and one of the airplanes to ground level of
the airfield.
12. In an airfield a system for storing and launching a plurality
of airplanes according to claim 1, said system includes a catapult
launcher disposed on the short bi-directional runway.
13. In an airfield a system for storing and launching a plurality
of airplanes according to claim 1 the airplane nose landing gear
has a mechanism that allows for catapult launching of the
airplane.
14. A lift arrangement according to claim 1, the elevator is a lift
arrangement for conveying a load between at least two levels in a
lift shaft, said lift arrangement including two platform means each
mounted for movement within said lift shaft between one level and
the other, each platform means being changeable between a
load-carrying configuration in which it extends across a
substantial extent of the lift shaft, and a bypass configuration in
which it allows the other platform means to pass it when in a load
carrying configuration, wherein each platform mechanism includes
two floor elements moveable between a generally co-planar
load-carrying configuration and a bypass configuration in which
they lie adjacent the periphery of the lift shaft, wherein said
floor elements of each platform means are pivotally mounted for
separate movement about generally horizontal pivotal axes adjacent
the edge of the shaft.
15. A lift arrangement according to claim 1, the elevator is a lift
arrangement for conveying a load between at least two levels in a
lift shaft, said lift arrangement including two platform means each
mounted for movement within said lift shaft between one level and
the other, each platform means being changeable between a
load-carrying configuration in which it extends across a
substantial extent of the lift shaft, and a bypass configuration in
which it allows the other platform means to pass it when in a load
carrying configuration, wherein each platform means comprises two
planar floor elements moveable between a generally co-planar
load-carrying configuration and a bypass configuration in which
they lie adjacent the periphery of the lift shaft.
16. A lift arrangement according to claim 5 wherein said floor
elements are pivotally mounted on a support structure movable
mounted within said lift shaft.
17. A lift arrangement according to claim 5 wherein wherein said
floor elements are pivotally mounted for movement about generally
horizontal pivotal axes adjacent the edge of the shaft.
18. A lift arrangement according to claim 5 wherein said lift
arrangement includes a control mechanism which controls and
sequences the configuration and movement of said platform
means.
19. A lift arrangement according to claim 5 wherein said control
mechanism is operable to effect reciprocal movement of said
platform means whereby one platform means moves from one level to
the other in a load-carrying configuration as the other platform
means moves from the other level to said one level when in said
bypass configuration.
20. A lift arrangement according to claim 8 wherein said control
means is also operable to cause the respective floor means to move
from said load carrying configuration to said bypass configuration
as required to allow the platform means to pass each other in the
lift shaft.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates in general to a roof-covered
multi-story elevator-type aircraft protection facility with at
least two vertically moveable platforms, and more particularly, to
underground multi-story elevator-type active aircraft protection of
the type stated with each of the vertically moveable platforms
situated one above the other whereby any one platform may be
selected to be moved to a level which is accessible to a drive-in
area.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] During the Cold War, NATO and Warsaw Pact nations erected
numerous hardened aircraft shelters (HASs) to protect their
multi-million dollar combat aircraft during wartime. Over time,
this practice spread throughout the world's conflict zones, with
similar structures being found in many Middle Eastern and Asian
nations. Some nations, however, took this practice one step
further: they began building full underground facilities (UGFs) to
protect aircraft. UGFs are commonly used in many nations to store
and protect military hardware, but only a few nations have used
them to protect their combat aircraft. These nations include the
DPRK, China, and Taiwan in Asia, and Albania, the FRY, Sweden, and
Switzerland in Europe. In this feature, the facilities used by the
DPRK will be examined. Twenty major airfields in the DPRK feature
significant UGFs for protecting combat aircraft. In addition, two
locations feature unique runway layouts incorporating UGFs, and
seven airfields feature no UGF storage facilities. The locations of
these facilities can be seen in the image below. The airbases
incorporating UGFs are marked in red, those lacking UGFs are marked
in blue/white, and those incorporating hardened airfields are
marked in yellow. There are two basic UGF layouts employed by the
DPRK to protect and house combat aircraft. These facilities are
either positioned close to the main runway, facilitating ease of
movement between the UGF and the operations area, or further
afield, suggesting their use primarily for long-term storage. In
addition, they are connected to their assigned facilities using two
different taxiway styles. Some UGFs are connected by simple
taxiways which wind their way through buildings and terrain to
reach the runways, while others appear to have a more interesting
purpose, that of a backup launching strip for concealed assets.
This information, combined with an analysis of the types stationed
at each location, can give an indication as to the employment
strategy or readiness level of aircraft contained within. Three
airbases will be examined in detail to provide an overview of the
DPRK's UGF design, layout, and potential use.
[0005] Sunchon AB is arguably the DPRK AF's most important
installation. Situated approximately 40 kilometers northeast of
Pyongyang, it is home to the most advanced combat aircraft in the
DPRK. Sunchon AB is home to the DPRK's MiG-29 (FULCRUM) and Su-25
(FROGFOOT) fleets. The MiG-29 represents the DPRK's only true
modern, 4th generation fighter aircraft. The Su-25 is likewise the
only true survivable, modern ground attack aircraft in the DPRK.
Sunchon's MiG-29 unit also makes up roughly half of the BVR-capable
combat aircraft in the DPRK, with Pukchang's MiG-23 (FLOGGER) unit
being the only other BVR shooters in the AF's inventory. Despite
widely published claims to the contrary (including a thoroughly
ludicrous Wikipedia article), whereby the MiG-29 fleet is believed
to be based at a host of other locations, Sunchon is the only
facility where the MiG-29 has been imaged inside of the DPRK.
Sunchon's UGF is situated in close proximity to the airfield
itself. There are three main entrances, with two entrances likely
leading to the storage area for operational aircraft. The third
entrance may be for long-term storage of derelict or obsolete
aircraft, or for entrance into a dedicated maintenance or GSE
storage area. Sunchon's UGF is connected by a series of taxiways to
the main apron area. Sunchon AB has ramp space for roughly 34
combat aircraft, with HASs for four more aircraft. There is also an
alert or arming/de-arming pad at the north end of the runway which
can easily park two aircraft. Open ramp space is therefore provided
for at least 38 aircraft. 66 modern aircraft, discounting possible
attrition since delivery, are based at Sunchon AB, indicating that
at least half of them are stored in the UGF at any point in time.
36 Su-25s and 24 MiG-29s were delivered from the USSR, including 4
UB/UBK training versions of each type, as well as 6 MiG-29S
(FULCRUM-C) SKD kits assembled in the DPRK. It was the MiG-29S that
was used to intercept a USAF RC-135 in 2003. Analysis of imagery of
Sunchon AB provides insight into a number of factors. First, while
between 19 and 29 Su-25s are visible depending on the date, only 5
to 9 MiG-29s are visible. This may indicate a much lower readiness
level in the far more technologically complicated MiG-29 fleet.
Second, it would appear that aircraft are moved from the UGF to the
parking ramps for operations, before being re-stored. The image
below depicts an open UGF, and an Su-25 being towed from the apron
back to its underground hangar. Furthermore, analyzing the layout
of Sunchon AB in relation to the UGF illustrates an interesting
feature. A 1350 meter taxiway extends from the UGF to a point
beyond the main parking aprons. This taxiway may in fact be an
auxiliary runway, allowing aircraft to be prepared for flight while
concealed within the UGF and then launched with little or no
warning for a strike against the ROK. While the MiG-29 would likely
be employed to defend the skies above Pyongyang, the Su-25 is
certainly a credible platform for use in this capacity given its
relative survivability (compared to other available air to ground
platforms in the inventory) and its high payload. Alternatively,
this may facilitate the storage of armed, combat-ready MiG-29s in
an alert status, protecting them from the elements while other
airframes are removed for training flights as needed. Sunan AB,
situated just north of Pyongyang, is the primary home to the DPRK
AF's air transport assets. Assigned aircraft include the DPRK's
11-76 (CANDID) fleet. It also serves as the major international air
terminal for the DPRK.
[0006] There are no identified combat aircraft at Sunan AB, but the
UGF can be used to illustrate a different layout than that of
Sunchon AB. In the case of Sunan AB, the UGF is situated a much
greater distance from the main operating area, likely indicating
that aircraft stored therein are not operational or are being held
in storage. Also, the UGF is not connected by a taxiway suitable
for use as an auxiliary runway, reducing the chance that assets
contained in the UGF are suitable for rapid deployment. Hwangju's
overall layout is similar in many respects to that of Sunchon AB.
Hwangju features three ramp areas and four HASs for housing its
assigned aircraft. It also features a UGF complex for storing
MiG-21s, which is connected to the main facility by an auxiliary
runway similar to that found at Sunchon AB. The primary difference
in the two facilities is the distance. Sunchon AB features a UGF in
relatively close proximity to the main airfield, suggesting that
combat aircraft may be stored there on a regular basis. Analysis of
the available imagery would seem to validate this theory. In
contrast, the UGF complex at Hwangju AB is much further removed
from the main airbase. Imagery indicates that a consistent number
of MiG-21s, around 20, is parked on the main ramp space of the
airfield. This suggests that the UGF is not used for primary
storage of aircraft, as it appears to be for Sunchon AB's MiG-29
fleet. This illustrates the relationship between UGF location and
storage activity in the DPRK AF. As operational fighter bases, both
Sunchon AB and Hwangju AB possess four HASs in close proximity to
the main runway. These facilities are likely employed for alert
aircraft, enabling them to be protected to a degree from a
preemptive strike. While aircraft parked on open ramp areas are
soft targets, those contained in HASs would potentially be
available for airbase defense or counterstrike sorties in
cooperation with aircraft retained within the UGFs.
[0007] Onchon airbase in the west and Kang Da Ri airfield in the
east feature unique hardened facilities. These airbases incorporate
large UGFs for storage, maintenance, and operations work, with
runway surfaces exiting the UGFs in multiple directions. No
information is available as to the purpose for, use of, or units
assigned to these facilities. The most probable use for these
unique airbases is as dispersal sites for combat aircraft. They
represent very survivable hardened structures, and could
potentially house a significant number of aircraft. The only
drawback is that deploying a significant number of aircraft to each
facility would be a potential identifiable indicator of forthcoming
hostile action. To mask such activity, the DPRK would likely
establish routine training deployments to each location.
[0008] An alternative use for the hardened airbases has nothing to
do with aircraft and at this time represents pure speculation.
Given that air activity at either location has never been publicly
disclosed or identified in imagery, an interesting concept would be
to employ the facilities as hardened SSM bases. The facilities
resemble airfields in their layout, but a concrete SSM launch pad
is little different from a runway surface. Ergo, the DPRK could
stockpile SSMs in these facilities, using the "runways" as mass
launching areas. In this scenario, transporting SSMs to the
facilities would be far easier to mask than the deployment of
combat aircraft. The facilities could represent logical storage and
mating points for nuclear or chemical warheads, allowing them to
remain protected prior to use. Furthermore, what better way to hide
an SSM base than by designing it as an airfield? The only serious
additional expense would be the additional concrete used to create
a "runway" rather than a number of SSM launch pads. In this vein,
given the security and survivability of these facilities, they
could also represent launch points for UAVs or drone conversions of
obsolete aircraft armed with nuclear warheads. At this point in
time, however, the facilities are assumed to be exactly what they
appear to be: hardened airfields.
[0009] Onchon AB is unique in the DPRK as it possesses both a
traditionally designed airfield and a separate hardened airbase
facility. The airfield itself is home to a number of old, outdated
combat aircraft including the MiG-19/J-6 (FARMER).
[0010] There were four entrances into underground complex
officially called "KLEK". Main entrance into complex "KLEK" at
Airbase Zeljava was entrance No. #2 which was under control of
Military Police who where letting in with identity card only. Each
of other three entrances was guarded by one soldier. Entrance No.
#4 is the most syn-optical were armor door are way beyond in the
tunnel. Tunnel goes in gentle curve straight to connection with
entrance No. #3. Beyond armor door on entrance No. #4, on left side
was incavation that was used for storing LORAP films (Long range
aerial panoramic photographic system). After that, there was a
hydraulic armor door and corridor to "Star" hall and restaurant. On
right side was ambulance, 352nd Squadron of recognition classroom.
First corridor leads right from "Star" Hall with washrooms, photo
lab and storage for LORAP and guided missile containers and
equipment, armor of 352nd Squadron of recognition and at the end of
the corridor were cryptographers. Left corridor was 352nd Squadron
of recognition headquarter. In the same corridor was settled
intelligence centre, pilot classrooms of 124th and 125th Fighter
Aviation Squadrons and parachutist's room. On the right side of
gallery were various containers of jet equipment, air-missile
lancers, cannons and firefighting equipment. From Entrance No. #4
until the end of 352nd Squadron of recognition gallery, tunnel is
750 meters long and 12 meters wide. Gallery of 124th Fighter
Aviation Squadron was wider where airplanes were stored in Zig-Zag
position. At entrance No. #3 was Kerosene storage which might be
now instable. Apparently, there were a lot of problems during
constructing because of underground gaps and watercourses. During
the night you could hear water hum. Inside complex "KLEK" was build
in kerosene tank colossal sizes, air condition system, kerosene
pipelines and self-power engineering system. All underground
complex was alight and air conditioned with constant temperature of
22 degrees of Celsius and humidity because of kerosene
evaporation.
[0011] Underground facility for high-quality technical maintenance
of planes, engines and electronic equipment of aircraft was
remarkable construction which was the highest and the widest part
of entire complex. It was equipped to support maintenance of 1st,
2nd and 3rd level. Under entire floor of this facility is a huge
abyss. Complete Meteorological Service and Flight Control Center
were settled in bunker some 60 meters above the underground complex
sunken deep into mountain. This bunker was about 70 square meters
big and was reached by elevator only. Concrete walls were 2 meters
thick build with the best cement and armature. War doctrines were
significantly changed during "Cold War" era when Yugoslavian war
strategists were thinking about modernization of underground
complex which would allow storing of airplanes like MIG-29.
However, it was more taken time on precautions for self-destroying
of entire underground complex. Five years before the war in
Slovenia, enhanced was undermine system. Underground complex "KLEK"
had tunnels and galleries altogether 2.7 kilometers long. It was
planned and dimensioned so it can carry between 60 and 80
supersonic jets MIG-21, protecting them from missile and atomic
strikes. Alongside, this underground complex was equipped with all
necessary supplies to survive conventional and atomic weapons: it
had its own airplane technical maintenance room, airplane spare
parts and equipment storage, protected and safe storage for rich
palette of armament that was carrying MIG-21. Kerosene has been
supplied from Bihac suburbs Pokoj and Orljani where hills have been
modified in underground kerosene tanks, especially Grabez hill
which was heavily guarded. Kerosene pipeline was 10 kilometers long
with pipe diameter of 50 centimeters. Explosive storage was settled
in Bihac suburbs Vedro polje, Grabez and Racic, while air bombs
were stored in suburb Ripac. In front of Pljesivica mountain on
plateau was built five runways where two of them were dimensioned
for landing largest transportation aircrafts. Also, there were
three open air parking positions for fighting airplanes that has
been 24 hours ready for immediate and urgent take-off which purpose
has been to intercept enemy airplanes in air space of Socialist
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Stone mine that is located on
Bosnian side of border dates from airbase construction. Employees
parking were near place Baljevac, while "Triangle" runway point was
almost 500 meters beyond. Nobody was allowed to park on "Triangle"
runway point except jet air-starter trucks. On "Triangle" point
road traffic was controlled by signs, road signs and traffic
lights.
[0012] On Bosnian side near place Baljevac, there was a ramp and
entrance processing station that was marked as security point No.
#1. 100 meters after this station on left side of road was located
security point No. #2. At the same point was located storage of Air
Defense Regiment and their weapons: guns 3.times.20 millimeters, 40
mm L/70 "BOFORS" antiaircraft gun, 9K31 Strela-1 system (NATO
reporting name SA-9 "Gaskin"), and radar Giraffe M 85 mounted on
domestic FAP 2026 BDS/A truck. Beside guards, from 8 PM until 8 AM,
there were two dogs (Riki and Ajax) that were the best "alarms".
After security point No. #2, towards runways and entrances to
underground complex, from the right side of road was guardhouse
with crew of six guards, military dog handler, deputy commander and
guard commander. Guardhouse in the past use to be a primary school
before airbase was built. There was another road that was going
opposite of underground complex which leads to hunting lodge,
beautiful house where one private-housekeeper. This lodge
accommodates VIP guests such as Yugoslav Air Force Commander
General Anton Tus, Commander General of 5th Air Corps Ljubomir
Bajic, and once Chairman of the Presidency of Socialist Federal
Republic of Yugoslavia Mr. Dragutin Zelenovic. Guests were usually
arriving without previous notice on weekends by Mi-8 helicopter,
staying for a night. Some 300 meters away from lodge were handgun
range where infantry and officers actively practice. Lodge wasn't
guarded.
[0013] At the end of working time, 100 meters from "Triangle"
towards place Baljevac was a pick-up point for all officers and
other military personals were military buses was parked and driving
them homes to Bihac. Each squadron had assigned their bus in case
of night flights or working overtime. Drivers of these buses where
especially known for managing winter road conditions.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,416,578 teaches a roof-covered multi-story
elevator-type garage having at least two vertically moveable
platforms with one situated above the other by a distance to at
least accommodate an automotive vehicle. Each one of the platforms
is vertically shiftable to an access level. A garage roof is
attached at least in one region to the uppermost of the platforms
and is capable of moving vertically with the platform when said
uppermost platform is raised to a certain position in its vertical
upward movement. The multi-story elevator-type garage for the
temporary storage of moveable vehicles is operable with respect to
an access level where vehicles may be moved into and exit the
garage. The elevator-type garage includes a vertically moveable
carrier, at least two vertically spaced apart vertically moveable
platforms with one situated above the other, each of said platforms
being operatively connected to said carrier for upward and downward
movement with said carrier so that each may be individually
shiftable to said access level, a plurality of vertically disposed
columns extending between said platforms and said columns extending
above the uppermost of said platforms, a garage roof disposed above
the uppermost of said platforms, supports on the underside of said
garage roof and being telescopically connected to said columns so
that said garage roof is operatively connected to at least one of
said platforms and being moveable with the uppermost of the
platforms, said garage roof being disposed above the uppermost
platform by a distance substantially equal to the vertical distance
between each of the other platforms when the carriage and platforms
are in their lowermost positions, and said garage roof being
telescopically lowered relative to said uppermost of the platforms
so that the distance between the uppermost of the platforms and the
platform there-beneath is substantially less than the distance
between the other platforms when said carriage and said platforms
have been raised to their uppermost position. The supports limit
the downward movement of the garage roof, said supports also being
designed so that when the platforms are in their uppermost
position, the roof is at a distance above the upper platform
sufficient to accommodate a motor vehicle. The support is connected
to such garage roof in such manner that when the upper platform is
in its uppermost position, the distance between the garage roof and
the uppermost platform is less than the distance between said
platform and that platform located immediately there-beneath.
[0015] There have been many proposed multi-story elevator-type
garages which includes elevators that are designed to move motor
vehicles from one level to another and to an entrance and exit.
These garages are typically quite expensive in their constructions
and are not adapted for low cost installation for use at homes and
similar dwelling structures. Multi-story elevator-type garages
offer a possibility to have two vehicles with one above the other
parked on platforms and with each platform capable of receiving one
or more vehicles. Further, the vehicles may be parked on each of
the platforms and which platforms are vertically moveable to an
access level. When the platforms are moveable to a fixed access
level, the motor vehicles do not have to drive up steep ramps or up
and down inclined driveways. Thus, driving in and out is relatively
easy and comfortable, particularly in inclement weather, as for
example when it is raining or during ice and snow conditions. These
constructions further enable entering and exiting of the vehicle
with reduced wear and tear on the vehicle, as for example the
transmission of the vehicle, since the vehicle is maintained in a
generally horizontal position.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 3,858,371 teaches a shelter for airplanes
which is characterized by being flush to the ground when closed
thereby being virtually invisible, and by being highly resistive to
high energy explosive impact. The shelter includes a reinforced
walled subsurface enclosure having a plurality of fixed columns to
support a roof located such that an airplane can be lowered between
the columns; a roof supported by a plurality of telescoping
supports about its periphery such that the roof can be raised to a
level higher than an airplane when the airplane is at ground level
and lowered to be flush with the ground thus closing the subsurface
enclosure and being supported by the fixed columns; and a floor
suspended from the roof whereon an airplane can be placed, said
floor having holes therein over the fixed columns such that when
the roof is raised, the floor and airplane will be at ground level
with the tops of the fixed columns being below the floor, and when
the roof is lowered, the fixed columns will pass through the holes
in the floor as the floor descends passing alongside the airplane
to support the roof in its fully lowered position. The shelter for
airplanes disclosed being further provided with sealable ducts for
the intake of air and outlet of exhaust fumes so that the engine of
the airplane contained therein may be started when the shelter is
in the closed position for maintenance and instant readiness for
takeoff after attack. The shelter for an airplane includes a fixed
floor, a substantially vertical wall disposed about the perimeter
of the fixed floor with the wall defining an enclosure wherein the
airplane can be placed without any member of the airplane extending
above the top of the wall, a plurality of fixed support columns
attached to the fixed floor with the support columns being disposed
to pass alongside the members of the airplane when the airplane is
in the enclosure while being substantially equally dispersed over
the fixed floor, a movable roof so shaped as to be supportable
about its periphery by the top of said substantially vertical wall
and additionally supportable by the tops of the support columns
when the movable roof is resting upon the top of the substantially
vertical wall, a movable floor above said fixed floor, below the
movable roof and within said enclosure with the movable floor being
located a sufficient distance below the movable roof to allow the
airplane to be placed between the movable roof and the movable
floor and with the movable floor containing holes for the passage
there-through of the fixed support columns as the movable floor is
moved up and down. The movable floor is so shaped and movable that
in one position the tops of the fixed support columns will be
disposed sufficiently close to the surface of said movable floor to
allow the airplane to be moved onto and off of said movable floor.
There is a mechanism for connecting the movable roof to the movable
floor such that the movable roof and the movable floor will move up
and down in combination. There is also a mechanism for moving the
movable roof and the movable floor up and down in combination.
[0017] In a bomb-proof airplane shelter the primary consideration
is making the structure capable of withstanding the energy impulse
of an exploding bomb. This is, of course, even more critical when
nuclear devices are considered. A curved roof such as a quonset or
dome has a natural strength from the shape. Likewise, the shelter
can be built into a hillside or mountain for additional strength.
Hillsides and mountains, however, are not always available. Any
structure rising above ground level is visible to enemy aircraft or
ground observers and, therefore, more likely to receive a direct
hit and indicate critical target locations. A flat roof, on the
other hand, needs numerous supports or columns to resist the energy
impact. With standard aircraft, there is insufficient room between
columns to more the aircraft. In one typical prior art teaching
this problem is solved by having the columns hydraulically
retractable. Not only is this a more complex structure than
desirable, but it must be open on one side for the airplane to pass
in or out with the opening closable with blast-proof doors.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 8,020,506 teaches a double level flight deck
type aircraft carrier which includes a second level of flight deck
so that aircraft launching and landing operations can be separately
performed on the decks. The double deck design doubles the
operation capacity and capability. An aircraft carrier having a
second level flight deck spaced above a first level flight deck and
a second aircraft elevator platform outward from said second level
flight deck and spaced above a first aircraft elevator platform at
an outer side of said first level flight deck; and, a runway buffer
device mounted on said second level flight deck for reducing a
required runway landing distance for aircraft, said runway buffer
device including a conveyor, a plurality of rollers, a plurality of
driving rollers for linearly displacing said conveyor, a control
system, and an aircraft speed sensor; said runway buffer device
being activated by said control system to displace the conveyor in
an opposite direction to a landing direction of an aircraft when
said aircraft is landing on said second level flight deck, said
speed sensor for sending a signal to said control system or to the
speed of said aircraft landing on said second level flight deck,
said control system being coupled to said rollers and driving
rollers for rotation of said driving rollers and rollers and
responsively driving said conveyor for buffering a forward landing
speed of said aircraft responsive to the speed of said aircraft
detected by the sensor.
[0019] A conventional aircraft carrier has one single flight deck
for the operations of aircraft A launching and landing. Because the
flight deck has a very limited space and a short runway, it is very
crowed and dangerous to let a number of aircrafts perform launching
and landing operations on this single flight deck 51. An accident
may happen when aircrafts are landing on the flight deck one after
another within a short interval. To improve this problem, the Navy
needs to build larger aircraft carriers that provide a relatively
greater runway for aircrafts. In consequence, the aircraft carrier
construction cost is getting higher. Further, the aircraft elevator
platforms of the conventional aircraft carrier are a part of the
flight deck. When one aircraft elevator platform of the flight deck
is lowered to carry the landed aircraft A to the bottom hanger
deck, a dangerous opening is left on the flight deck above the
respective aircraft elevator platform.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,218,921 teaches a vessel able to deploy
V/STOL aircraft which includes: a hull, a main deck with forward
and aft exposed sections and an intermediate section comprising a
tenth to half the main deck; on the forward, intermediate and
perhaps aft sections a take-off runway with a ski jump; a hangar
straddling the intermediate section and its runway portion and
having walls supporting an upper deck on which functional items are
located; pads on the forward and/or aft sections; and an aft
section area where aircraft park when others launch through the
hangar.
[0021] The inventors hereby incorporate all of the above referenced
patents into his specification.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The present invention is generally directed to an airfield
with a short bi-directional runway and a long bi-directional runway
intersecting with each other perpendicularly a system for
protecting and launching a plurality of airplanes. The systems
includes a plurality of platforms onto each of which one of the
airplane may be placed and a plurality of cages each of which has
an opening and into each of which one of said platforms and one of
the airplanes is inserted through said opening.
[0023] It is a first aspect of the present invention that a frame
having a plurality of slots and disposed in ground beneath the
airfield so that one of the cages may be inserted into one of the
slots.
[0024] It is a second aspect of the present invention that an
elevator is disposed adjacent to the frame and has a bottom
platform and an opening that may be aligned with the opening of one
of the slots.
[0025] It is a third aspect of the present invention that a
plurality of moving mechanisms are disposed within each of the
cages so that one of the moving mechanisms moves one of the
platform and one of the airplanes through the opening in one of the
slots into the elevator onto the bottom platform and so that the
elevator elevates one of platforms and one of the airplanes to
ground level of the airfield.
[0026] It is a fourth aspect of the present invention that the
system includes a catapult launcher that is disposed on the short
bi-directional runway.
[0027] It is a fifth aspect of the present invention that the
airplane's nose landing gear has a mechanism which allows for
catapult launching of the airplane.
[0028] It is a sixth aspect of the present invention that the
elevator using a lift arrangement conveys a load between at least
two levels in a lift shaft. The lift arrangement includes two
platform means each mounted for movement within said lift shaft
between one level and the other, each platform means being
changeable between a load-carrying configuration in which it
extends across a substantial extent of the lift shaft, and a bypass
configuration in which it allows the other platform means to pass
it when in a load carrying configuration, wherein each platform
mechanism includes two floor elements moveable between a generally
co-planar load-carrying configuration and a bypass configuration in
which they lie adjacent the periphery of the lift shaft. The floor
elements of each platform means are pivotally mounted for separate
movement about generally horizontal pivotal axes adjacent the edge
of the shaft.
[0029] It is a seventh aspect of the present invention that the
elevator is a lift arrangement for conveying a load between at
least two levels in a lift shaft. The lift arrangement includes two
platform means each mounted for movement within the lift shaft
between one level and the other, each platform means being
changeable between a load-carrying configuration in which it
extends across a substantial extent of the lift shaft, and a bypass
configuration in which it allows the other platform means to pass
it when in a load carrying configuration, wherein each platform
means comprises two planar floor elements moveable between a
generally co-planar load-carrying configuration and a bypass
configuration in which they lie adjacent the periphery of the lift
shaft.
[0030] It is an eighth aspect of the present invention that the
floor elements are pivotally mounted on a support structure movable
mounted within the lift shaft.
[0031] It is a ninth aspect of the present invention that the
floor-elements are pivotally mounted for movement about generally
horizontal pivotal axes adjacent the edge of the shaft.
[0032] It is a tenth aspect of the present invention that the lift
arrangement includes a control mechanism which controls and
sequences the configuration and movement of the platform means.
[0033] It is an eleventh aspect of the present invention that the
control mechanism is operable to effect reciprocal movement of the
platform means whereby one platform means moves from one level to
the other in a load-carrying configuration as the other platform
means moves from the other level to said one level when in said
bypass configuration.
[0034] It is a twelfth aspect of the present invention that the
control means is also operable to cause the respective floor means
to move from the load carrying configuration to said bypass
configuration as required to allow the platform means to pass each
other in the lift shaft.
[0035] Other aspects and many of the attendant advantages will be
more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by
reference to the following detailed description and considered in
connection with the accompanying drawing in which like reference
symbols designate like parts throughout the figures.
[0036] The features of the present invention which are believed to
be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a system for protecting and
launching a plurality of airplanes according to the present
invention.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of
intersecting orthogonal runways for use with the system of FIG.
1.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of
intersecting orthogonal runways for use with the system of FIG.
1.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a third embodiment of
intersecting orthogonal runways for use with the system of FIG.
1.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a partial, top plan view of the third embodiment
of the intersecting orthogonal runways of FIG. 4 for use with the
system of FIG. 1.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a frame of the system of
FIG. 1.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view in cross-section of the
frame of FIG. 6.
[0044] FIG. 8 is a right side perspective drawing of a cage of the
system of FIG. 1.
[0045] FIG. 9 is a left side perspective drawing of a cage of the
system of FIG. 1.
[0046] FIG. 10 is a front side perspective drawing of a cage of the
system of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0047] Referring to FIG. 1 in conjunction with FIG. 2 in an
airfield with a short bi-directional runway and a long
bi-directional runway intersecting with each other perpendicularly
a system for protecting and launching a plurality of airplanes
includes a plurality of platforms onto each of which one of the
airplanes may be placed, a plurality of cages each of which has an
opening and into each of which one of the platforms and one of the
airplanes is inserted through the opening and a frame having a
plurality of slots and disposed in ground beneath the airfield so
that one of the cages may be inserted into one of the slots. An
elevator is disposed adjacent to the frame and has a bottom
platform and an opening that may be aligned with the opening of one
of the slots. A plurality of moving mechanisms disposed within each
of the cages so that one of the moving mechanisms moves one of the
platforms and one of the airplanes through the opening in one of
the slots into the elevator onto said bottom platform. The elevator
elevates one of the platforms and one of the airplanes to ground
level of the airfield. A catapult launcher is disposed on the short
bi-directional runway. The airplane nose landing gear has a
mechanism that allows for catapult launching of the airplane. The
elevator is a lift arrangement for conveying a load between at
least two levels in a lift shaft. The lift arrangement includes two
platform means each mounted for movement within the lift shaft
between one level and the other. Each platform means is changeable
between a load-carrying configuration in which it extends across a
substantial extent of the lift shaft, and a bypass configuration in
which it allows the other platform means to pass it when in a load
carrying configuration. Each platform mechanism includes two floor
elements moveable between a generally co-planar load-carrying
configuration and a bypass configuration in which they lie adjacent
the periphery of the lift shaft. The floor elements of each
platform means are pivotally mounted for separate movement about
generally horizontal pivotal axes adjacent the edge of the
shaft.
[0048] In an airfield with a short bi-directional runway and a long
bi-directional runway intersecting with each other perpendicularly
a system for protecting and launching a plurality of airplanes
includes a plurality of platforms onto each of which one of the
airplane may be placed and a plurality of cages each of which has
an opening and into each of which one of said platforms and one of
the airplanes is inserted through said opening. A frame has a
plurality of slots and disposed in ground beneath the airfield so
that one of the cages may be inserted into one of the slots. An
elevator is disposed adjacent to the frame and has a bottom
platform and an opening that may be aligned with the opening of one
of the slots. A plurality of moving mechanisms are disposed within
each of the cages so that one of the moving mechanisms moves one of
the platform and one of the airplanes through the opening in one of
the slots into the elevator onto the bottom platform and so that
the elevator elevates one of platforms and one of the airplanes to
ground level of the airfield.
[0049] From the foregoing it can be seen that an underground system
for protecting and launching aircraft from an airfield has been
described. It should be noted that the sketches are not drawn to
scale and that distances of and between the figures are not to be
considered significant.
[0050] Accordingly it is intended that the foregoing disclosure and
showing made in the drawing shall be considered only as an
illustration of the principle of the present invention.
* * * * *