WO2009013502A1

WO2009013502A1 - Anti bomb cell and ejection arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2009013502A1
Application number: PCT/GB2008/002541
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chao Shu Au
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-07-26
Filing date: 2008-07-23
Publication date: 2009-01-29
Anticipated expiration: 2010-01-26
Also published as: GB2441613A; GB2441613B; GB0714630D0

Abstract

The invention provides an anti bomb cell for use with an aircraft for saving the aircraft from destruction in the event of a bomb, wherein the anti bomb cell takes the form of a luggage or cargo storage container capable of storing luggage from passengers in the aircraft, and wherein the container luggage or cargo storage container is detachably securable to the aircraft and is automatically releasable in the event of pressure within the container exceeding a predetermined value following the explosion of a bomb within the container.

Description

AIRCRAFT STORAGE AND EJECTION ARRANGEMENT

This application relates to an aircraft storage and ejection arrangement.

More particularly, the application of this invention relates generally to the cargo, luggage compartment of the aircraft. It is increasingly unsafe to travel because of the bomb threat in the airline industry as a whole. Nobody would be safe with the current threat of suicide bombers. Since they do not treasure their own lives, they will soon decide to strike at the heart of it - the cargo, luggage compartment. Their threat is real, certain and deadly. Therefore effort must be made to tackle this vital problem. The application here is to provide an "anti bomb cell", a container to save the aircraft from destruction. We may stop passengers from carrying bottles of fresh water, toothpaste, hydrogen peroxide, chapatti flour, and sharp objects onto the aircrafts. Objects individually they may be harmless. Putting them together could create something deadly. No authority can stop them carrying large tins of "coffee", "fertilizer" or "whatever" as they claim to be, or rather any unsuspected explosive mixtures onto the airplanes! It is these mixtures that would blast the future aircraft off the sky. No matter how sophisticated and advanced are the scanners, new tactics and the volume of passengers would hinder the thoroughness of the inspection. New procedures and foolproof device is urgently required.

It would be impossible to deal with state sponsored, planted attack in hostile countries. There is none confirmed so far. Here it is intended to cope with the usual fanatic terrorists with little intelligence on explosive to bring on board the aircraft. This covers 100% of the bombs discovered so far. This new revolutionary invention is therefore claiming to be a 100% foolproof device in this respect. These "anti bomb cells" can be dislodged upon receiving threat from the terrorists. The "anti bomb cells" will also be automatically rejected, and render the bomb harmless as they explode making no damage to the aircraft.

The "anti bomb cells", are made from steel cage construction designed to collect all the luggage from the air terminals to be loaded onto the aircraft and secured by hydraulic clamping devices at the top of the undercarriage of the aircraft.

1. Phase 1 - When suicide bombers threaten the aircraft, the pilots can remotely and discreetly operate the device to drop off all the "anti bomb cells" from the cargo compartments making the threat disappear. 2. Phase 2 - The "anti bomb cells" are individually fitted with sensing devices. When the bomb explodes, in a split second, the sensing device will operate the hydraulic cylinders or motors automatically releasing the clamps to drop off the "anti bomb cells" away from the aircraft.

3. Phase 3 - The "anti bomb cells" is so constructed that the main body will contain the debris and part of the unit will be blown off rendering the explosion noneffective. The unit will save the aircraft from destruction.

This is a revolutionary design to the airline industry.

1. The aircraft is designed with a special undercarriage arrangement so that the aircraft can fly without cargo compartment doors. Inside the cargo, luggage compartments are filled with these new individual design "anti bomb cells" to store the entire luggage from the passengers.

2. The "anti bomb cells" can be operated away from the aircraft to collect luggage from the air terminals. The pilot can drop off the "anti bomb cells" on land or in mid air when the aircraft is under threat. They can also be automatically dropped off as the bomb explodes.

According to the present invention, there is provided an "anti bomb cell" to store the luggage for all passengers and which is capable of containing an explosion to save the lives on board the aircraft.

More particularly, the invention provides an anti bomb cell for use with an aircraft for saving the aircraft from destruction in the event of a bomb, wherein the anti bomb cell takes the form of a luggage or cargo storage container capable of storing luggage from passengers in the aircraft, and wherein the container luggage or cargo storage container is detachably securable to the aircraft and is automatically releasable in the event of pressure within the container exceeding a predetermined value following the explosion of a bomb within the container.

The invention also provides an aircraft equipped with one or more anti bomb cell as defined herein.

Particular and preferred aspects of the invention are as described below and as set out in the claims appended hereto. Particular features of the invention are as follows: -

1. The modification of the undercarriage of the aircraft so that it can fly without cargo doors. The "anti bomb cells" are housed in the cargo compartment. The undercarriage may be ideally made from steel cage construction capable of absorbing a small shock should the bomb explod. The shock would be small, as the "anti bomb cells" are expected to have taken the blast and have fallen away from the aircraft. Steel is a better material, but not a requirement, for its rigidity, durability, and the ability to absorb shocks and loading requirement of the "anti bomb cells".

2. The provision of a new type of "anti bomb cell"', a container to save the aircraft from destruction. This is a steel cage construction unit designed, similar in construction to the ocean going containers of the shipping lines, but replacing the steel floor with roller bars and aluminium plates. When all the "anti bomb cells" are properly hoisted together, the bottom aluminium plates appear to be acting as if they were cargo doors to improve the appearance and the airflow of the aircraft.

3. In the event of an explosion, the pressure generated from the explosion will first trigger off the pressure sensing device to operate the hydraulic motors to release the "anti bomb cells" to fall away from the aircraft.

4. The "anti bomb cell" itself is designed and constructed in such a way that the main body will be made from steel or alloy materials capable of containing the debris of the explosion while the bottom part will fall off to minimise the impact of the explosion. The bottom part of the "anti bomb cell" is fitted with roller bars to give strength to hold the cage together and also to assist the loading of the luggage. Temporary platforms may be placed on top of the roller bars for loading. These temporary platforms must be removed or tucked away from the roller bars after loading. Aluminium plates similar to but thinner than the aircraft body held on by rivets form the bottom of the "anti bomb cell".

The current cargo compartment carries most of the luggage carried by the passengers. They may contain an unknown explosive used by terrorists. Indeed the terrorists may have smuggle some into the cabin. There is no provision for the pilot to drop off any known suspected "explosive packages". This invention is to allow the pilot to drop off any suspected package on the ground or in mid air. Even if the "packages" explode on land or during the flight, the pressure sensing devices will automatically trigger off and release the "anti bomb cells" to drop off away from the aircraft.

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, a preferred embodiment will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure (1) is to show the location of the current cargo compartments where the "anti bomb cells" will be installed as indicated by arrow "A". This is also how it will look like after the "anti bomb cells" are properly hoisted together.

Figure (2) shows an ocean going container. This is to give a concept of how the "anti bomb cell" would look like. It is a steel cage construction similar in design to the ocean going containers but with the following modification and addition to make it capable to contain the bomb blast. "B" indicates the hoisting points.

Figure (3) is the front elevation of the "anti bomb cell" looking down from the front of the aircraft in the undercarriage compartment. There are 4 openings, shown in 'B" for the slings to hoist the "anti bomb cell" onto the aircraft by hoisting motor "M" and cable "L". Attached at the top channels are 4 steel bars "C" ready for the hydraulic clamping devices "D" to lock the "anti bomb cell" in position. There are two pressure sensing devices "E" to monitor the pressure inside the "anti bomb cell". When the bomb explodes, and as the pressure inside reaches a calibrated value, it will operate the hydraulic clamping device "D" to drop the "anti bomb cell" away from the aircraft. The bottom of the "anti bomb cell" is made with roller bars 'F" to hold the steel cage together. The thin aluminium plates "G" or polyester sheets form the bottom of the unit. Rubber mouldings "H" are there to restrict airflow through the undercarriage. Supports "N" are to keep the bottom of the "anti bomb cell" off the ground.

Figure (4) The top elevation shows the positioning of the hoisting points "B", the hydraulic clamping points "D" and the pressure sensing devices "E". The bottom elevation shows that the aluminium plates "G" are riveted to the bottom of the "anti bomb cell". The aluminium plates are for visual appearance to enhance the general appearance of the aircraft and to improve the streamline airflow of the aircraft. Thinner gauge plates, or polyester fragile materials can also be used in place of the aluminium plates. Supports "N" are to keep the unit off the ground.

Since rivets are bonding the aluminium plates or polyester sheets to the bottom of the unit, these plates will be blown off, torn apart, as the bomb explodes, thereby diminishing the effectiveness of the explosion. The volume of gases generated by the explosion will escape through the huge hole created. This will prevent the pressure from building up and damaging the aircraft.

Imagine gunpowder inside a crucible. When it is ignited without a cover, the gunpowder simply burns away with a 'puff. If the gunpowder is covered tightly, it will give a very loud bang and the crucible will be shattered into pieces. The "anti bomb cell" with these thin aluminium plates or plastic sheet riveted together will act as if it were the inverted crucible with little or no covering to restrict the explosion. The gases generated by the explosion can escape through the huge hole created as these plates fall apart thereby diminishing the effect of the explosion. The passengers would thus be saved from the explosion.

Figure (5) is the side elevation looking from the side of the aircraft. There are 3 "anti bomb cells" housed here in this undercarriage "U". Rubber mouldings "H" are there to stop the air going through the undercarriage to improve the streamline, airflow effect of the aircraft and also to reduce the noise of the "anti bomb cells" knocking against each other. "W" are the hinges of the "anti bomb cells". A sectional view shows how the luggage would be arranged inside the trays "T" in the "anti bomb cells".

Figure (6) consists of detail sectional drawings of hoisting and clamping devices to the "anti bomb cell". In this figure, hydraulic motors are used as the hydraulic clamping device. Section "J" shows that clamping device is open position and the "anti bomb cell" will be hoist up to a locking position to the undercarriage. Section "K" is the locking position when the hydraulic motor operating the clamping to lock the "anti bomb cell" in position. As the bomb explodes, in a split second, the pressure device will operate the hydraulic motor to open the clamping device to open as shown in section "J" and drop the "anti bomb cell" away from the aircraft. The "anti bomb cells" may not be abandoned entirely but may instead be suspended from the aircraft. To abandon the "anti bomb cells" may cause lost of lives below the flight path hence they need to be dropped off in a controlled manner. Figure (7) is an alternative hydraulic clamping device as commonly and conventionally used in many of the ocean terminals to lift the containers. In this case, the "anti bomb cell" is clamped and lock in position by clamping device "S" as shown at points similar to steel bars "C" in Figure (3). When the bomb explodes, the pressure sensing devices will activate the hydraulic cylinders "P" to open the clamps "S" to drop the "anti bomb cells" away from the aircraft. In deed other clamping devices used by military aircraft to secure the jet engines, which are well established, may be more appropriate in this invention.

In order to make this invention more effective, the passengers and the airline industry must cooperate fully on the implementation of these "anti bomb cells" policy. The airline service industry has come a long way. When they were first introduced, they were providing services for very different type of travellers. Their financial, education background, expectation, contributions to society, purposes in life, behaviour, ambition, vision across the continents were all quite different from the current travellers. We are now coping with mostly pleasure seekers, fun loving, football crowds and the latest addition - asylum seekers trying to find refuge in another country; fanatic seeking revenge; turning the aircraft into a battlefield trying to kill all innocent people including themselves to express their grievances especially after the conflicts of the Middle East. Airline industry appears to be an easy target and attracts world attention. Changes must be made to cope with the present environment. A major air disaster per week for one year will ground the entire airline industry to a halt. The innocent majority, as usual, suffer in the hands of the tiny minority. They are going to be with us for decades to come. It is for these reasons that the introduction of this invention is of paramount important. It is recommended that: -

1. The passengers are discouraged to bring any article to the cabin unless they are absolutely essential and are used for the duration of the flight. This is to cut down the potential threat bringing into the cabin to a bare minimum. Articles like jewellery, one book only, computers or small video games, hearing aids and medication equipment required, approved by their doctors must be thoroughly examined and demonstrated before boarding. The lesser article to bring on board, the lesser the chance of concealing explosive materials. All other articles passengers want to take to the destinations, but not use on board, must be stored in the "anti bomb cells". Dedicated experts will be able to concentrate to seek out explosive materials more effectively, away from public view, using extensive and high tech scanning machines including X-ray for the explosive materials. Larger, military bombs would be and should be detected this way. The inspector will sign and seal the "anti bomb cells" prior loading. Prevention is the best policy.

2. The overhead luggage compartment in the cabin will no longer be required and be removed. With the abolition of this compartment, headroom of over one meter could be created. If we were to introduce a double-decked aircraft, a total of two meters would be created. With minor modification, this compartment could easily be converted into basic sleeping cabins. This could make the current aircraft converted into a double-decked airbus to carry twice the amount of passengers and improve the volumetric efficiency of the aircraft. This will also cut down the carbon emission generated per passenger.

3. This is an opportunity to introduce a double-decked airbus at similar costs to an ordinary aircraft and to give better services like providing proper sleeping cabins; recreation area for the long haulage travellers over 10 hours flight. It is high time for the airlines to consider their security and services they offer to long haulage travellers. Are they still contented with allowing hooligans run wild in their airplanes and strapping up the passengers for over 5 or 10 hours in an awkward sausage looking slumbering position covering them with blankets to doss off "sleeping" with a threat of killing them with 'deep vein thrombosis"? Over 95% of the long haulage-passengers need "sleeping" over a 10 - hour's flight. It would be an attractive proposition to introduce a double-deck airbus with proper sleeping cabins and more room for relaxation similar to the train/ferry services. The cost involved would not be prohibitive especially with the abolition of the overhead luggage compartments and abolition of the catering services for all the passengers.

4. For safety reasons, no alcohol will be served or sold on board to cut down the drunkenness disturbances on flight. Most, if not all, passengers would agree. This is a safety measure.

5. There should have at the least 4 airhostesses, male or female, fully trained air marshals under cover, evenly distributed throughout the aircraft, equipped with concealed basic equipment like handcrafts, CO₂ canisters and electronic teser stun guns to control the violent passengers. Indeed, most of the airhostesses should be given basic training on first aid and as air marshals and are empowered to lock up uncontrollable passengers for the duration of the flight. This right can be implemented at the point of accepting the condition of travel. Most passengers would welcome this. This could easily be accepted as the safety features and a selling attraction for most safety conscious travellers.

6. With the introduction of the recreation area, it would cut down the threat of killing them with 'deep vein thrombosis". Passengers are encouraged to have a small walk to purchase their own food from a counter - some exercises, like walking to buying their own food will be beneficial for them. The airlines can cut down the enormous cost of providing full catering service to every passenger who does not require this type of services.

7. Basic security like stopping unauthorised person entering the cockpit is so easy, fundamental and necessary and must be implemented with stringent measure.

8. In reality, there are five distinctive stages - five folds achievements to stop the destruction of the aircraft. a. By the introduction of the screening process above, most of the threat would have been eliminated. b. The sensing devices will make the "anti bomb cells" drop away from the aircraft making the explosion occurs outside the aircraft. c. The bottom of the "anti bomb cells" - aluminium/polyester plates will be blown away making the explosion non-effective.

d. The main body of the "anti bomb cells" will stop the debris, acting as inverted crucibles as described to protect the aircraft.

e. The undercarriage will again be acting as another inverted crucible.

With the introduction of the "anti bomb cell" and the implementation of the above policy, it would have improve the security and services tremendously. It is utmost important to provide safety for all travellers. This would have upgraded the "Airbus" into "Airferry" services. This would certainly give comfort to the travellers physically and mentally. Government bodies and airlines operators are urged to recommend the installation of these "anti bomb cell", a container to save the aircraft from destruction, and the implementation of the above policy. It is the legal responsibility for the airline industry and government bodies to provide safety travel for all passengers.

Claims

1. An anti bomb cell for use with an aircraft for saving the aircraft from destruction in the event of a bomb, wherein the anti bomb cell takes the form of a luggage or cargo storage container capable of storing luggage from passengers in the aircraft, and wherein the container luggage or cargo storage container is detachably securable to the aircraft and is automatically releasable in the event of pressure within the container exceeding a predetermined value following the explosion of a bomb within the container.

2. An anti bomb cell according to claim 1 wherein means are provided for enabling a pilot of the aircraft to drop off and abandon the anti bomb cell remotely from the aircraft in the event that it is discovered that there is a suspected bomb in the cargo on board.

3. An anti bomb cell according to claim 1 which is made from steel or any alloy material capable of absorbing the blast of a bomb and stopping debris damaging the aircraft.

4. An anti bomb cell according to claim 1 which has a main body constructed from steel or alloy materials capable of containing the debris of an explosion within the anti bomb cell and has a bottom part that falls off to minimise the impact of an explosion.

5. An anti bomb cell according to claim 1 in which part of the anti bomb cell is made from aluminium plates or polyester or fragile materials which, in the event of an explosion will fly off thereby stopping pressure build up and reducing the destructive effect of the explosion.

6. An anti bomb cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the anti bomb cell has a main body constructed from steel or alloy materials capable of containing the force of an explosion within the anti bomb cell and has a blow out section which is displaced by the force of an explosion within the anti bomb cell.

7. An anti bomb cell according to claim 6 wherein the blow out section comprises all or part of the floor of the anti bomb cell.

8. An anti bomb cell according to claim 6 wherein the container is in the form of a steel cage having a floor comprising roller bars and aluminium plates, wherein the aluminium plates constitute the blow out section.

9. An anti bomb cell according to claim 6 in which the blow out section is formed from aluminium plates or polyester or fragile materials.

10. An aircraft equipped with one or more anti bomb cells as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An aircraft according to claim 10 which is provided with a cargo compartment that does not have doors and wherein one or more anti bomb cells are housed in the cargo compartment.

12. An aircraft according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein hydraulic clamping devices are provided for releasably securing the anti bomb cells in place.

13. An aircraft according to claim 12 wherein the or each anti bomb cell has one or more pressure sensing devices therein which are operatively linked to the hydraulic clamping devices so that the said clamping devices are actuated to release the anti bomb cell when the pressure in the anti bomb cell reaches a predetermined pressure following an explosion therein.