Multi-purpose hatch system
A multi-purpose hatch system having a removable antenna mounting plug, block or plate for installing multiple configurations of antennas or sensors is disclosed. The system features a hatch having an opening sized to receive the antenna mounting plug, block or plate. The hatch features handles which aid in installation and removal of the hatch. Multiple configurations of antennas or sensors attached to the plate can easily be removed and quickly installed to configure an aircraft for a specific mission. The system also features a billet machined hatch body, field replaceable seals and easily adaptable antenna or sensor mounting configurations which provide unprecedented ruggedness, antenna options, and field supportability.
1. A multi-purpose hatch system of an aircraft having an aircraft opening, comprising:
A hatch body that seals the aircraft opening;
At least one aperture within the hatch body,
wherein at least one plate is received in the at least one aperture such that the at least one plate closes the aperture,
wherein At least one replaceable antenna is secured to the at least one plate.
2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one plate is configured to be mounted in a flush position with a top surface of the hatch body.
3. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a pair of handles, wherein said handles are connected on either side of the at least one plate.
4. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a box structure mounted below the at least one plate.
5. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the hatch body comprises of radome mounting points.
6. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the hatch body comprises of weather seal mounting points.
7. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a latch mechanism coupler positioned at a location along the periphery of the hatch body.
8. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the hatch body comprises of threaded mounting points.
9. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising of an equipment structure fixedly attached to or hanging from the bottom of the hatch body.
10. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a standoff adapter plate coupled to the at least one plate.
11. A multi-purpose hatch system of an aircraft having an aircraft opening, comprising:
A hatch body that seals the aircraft opening;
At least one aperture within the hatch body,
at least one replaceable antenna mounting plug, block or plate, wherein the at least one replaceable antenna mounting plug, block or plate fits within the at least one aperture to close the aperture;
at least one antenna bracket mounted on to the at least one replaceable antenna mounting plug, block or plate,
wherein an antenna is secured to the at least one antenna bracket,
the at least one antenna bracket adjusts the antenna's orientation relative to the hatch body; and
A retractable latching pin assembly positioned at a location along the periphery of the hatch body.
12. A multi-purpose hatch system of an aircraft having an aircraft opening, comprising:
A hatch body that seals the aircraft opening;
At least one aperture within the hatch body;
A pair of handles bolted to a bottom surface of the hatch body and on either side of the aperture;
At least one replaceable antenna mounting plug, block or plate, fitted and affixed within the at least one aperture to close the aperture;
at least one antenna bracket, the at least one antenna bracket configured to have an antenna mounted thereon and wherein the at least one antenna bracket is mounted on to the at least one replaceable antenna mounting plug, block or plate, the at least one antenna bracket being angled to adjust the antenna's orientation relative to the hatch body; and
A concentric arrangement of a pressure seal, seal retaining ring and a weather seal, wherein the concentric arrangement is circumferentially arranged around the periphery of the hatch body, wherein the pressure seal rings the circumference of the hatch body, wherein the seal retaining ring is circumferentially positioned along the periphery of the pressure seal and wherein the weather seal is circumferentially positioned along an outer periphery of the hatch body.