Importance

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Abstract

An autonomous, heliborne-mobile construction/emergency pod (AHP) system that is structurally and functionally designed and configured to efficiently and expeditiously deploy independently operable, self-contained equipment pods utilizing the operational capabilities provided by helicopters. The AHP system is configured for integration in combination with a helicopter external stores support station. The AHP system includes a dual cable winch and rack (DCWR) assembly and an equipment pod that is configured for provisioning remote and/or inaccessible locations with a full complement of mission specific power actuated equipment and a self-contained power source to facilitate extended mission operations without external support. The DCWR assembly includes a winch subassembly and a suspension rack that provides the mechanical and functional interface between the equipment pod and the winch subassembly and which is operative to lock the equipment pod in combination with the DCWR assembly for up-loading and recovery operations and to release the equipment pod from the DCWR assembly after deployment. The winch subassembly provides the mechanical and functional interface between the suspension rack and the external stores support station and is operative to deploy and recover the equipment pod, suspension rack combination. The AHP system may be used to deploy equipment pods with the helicopter in a hover flight mode or landed.

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First Claim