Helicopter docking/transport system
In some embodiments, a system and/or method a may include a helicopter transport system. The helicopter transport system may include a support frame. The support frame may be substantially rectangular. The helicopter transport system may include a first pair of wheels. In some embodiments, the first pair of wheels may be positioned on opposing sides of the outer perimeter of the support frame towards a first end of the support frame. The helicopter transport system may include a second pair of wheels. The second pair of wheels may be positioned adjacent one another within the perimeter of the support frame towards a second end of the support frame. The first end of the support frame may be positioned opposite the second end of the support frame. The helicopter transport system may include a lift mechanism coupled to the support frame. The lift mechanism may elevate, during use, a helicopter above the support frame.
1. A helicopter transport system, comprising:
a support frame, wherein the support frame is substantially rectangular;
a first pair of wheels positioned on opposing sides of the outer perimeter of the support frame towards a first end of the support frame;
a second pair of wheels positioned adjacent one another within the perimeter of the support frame towards a second end of the support frame such that a first distance between outer sides of the second pair of wheels, and all wheels positioned towards the second end of the support frame, is less than a second distance between inner sides of the first pair of wheels and all wheels positioned towards the first end of the support frame, such that the wheels are in a isosceles trapezoidal relationship, wherein the first end of the support frame is positioned opposite the second end of the support frame;
a lift mechanism coupled to the support frame, wherein the lift mechanism elevates, during use, a helicopter above the support frame.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the lift mechanism is positioned between the first and second pair of wheels.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the lift mechanism comprises a coupling mechanism which couples, during use, the lift mechanism to a portion of a helicopter.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the lift mechanism comprises a coupling mechanism which couples, during use, the lift mechanism to a portion of a helicopter, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a saddle comprising a substantially non marring surface.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least the first pair of wheels turn such that the transport may turn.
6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an engine which functions to provide power to the system for movement of the system and/or powering the lift mechanism.
7. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an engine which functions to provide power to the system for movement of the system and/or powering the lift mechanism, wherein the engine comprises an electric engine and a battery powering the electric engine.
8. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a control system coupled to the frame, wherein the control system controls an operation of the helicopter transport system.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the lift mechanism comprises a scissor lift.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the isosceles trapezoidal relationship of the wheels allows for a tighter turning radius relative to systems in which wheels are positioned in a square or rectangular relationship relative to each other.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein all wheels positioned towards the first end of the support frame are positioned outside the outer perimeter of the support frame and all wheels positioned towards the second end of the support frame are positioned within the perimeter of the support frame.
12. A method of transporting a helicopter, comprising:
positioning a helicopter transport system substantially beneath a helicopter positioned on a surface, wherein the helicopter transport system comprises:
a support frame, wherein the support frame is substantially rectangular;
a first pair of wheels positioned on opposing sides of the outer perimeter of the support frame towards a first end of the support frame;
a second pair of wheels positioned adjacent one another within the perimeter of the support frame towards a second end of the support frame such that a first distance between outer sides of the second pair of wheels, and all wheels positioned towards the second end of the support frame, is less than a second distance between inner sides of the first pair of wheels and all wheels positioned towards the first end of the support frame, such that the wheels are in a isosceles trapezoidal relationship, wherein the first end of the support frame is positioned opposite the second end of the support frame; and
a lift mechanism coupled to the support frame;
activating the lift mechanism such that a portion of the lift mechanism engages a portion of the helicopter elevating the helicopter above the surface; and
transporting the helicopter from a first position to a second position.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the portion of the lift mechanism comprises a coupling mechanism, and wherein the portion of the helicopter comprises a landing strut.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the lift mechanism is positioned between the first and second pair of wheels.
15. The method of claim 12 , wherein the portion of the lift mechanism comprises a coupling mechanism, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a saddle comprising a substantially non marring surface.
16. The method of claim 12 , wherein at least the first pair of wheels turn such that the transport may turn.
17. The method of claim 12 , further comprising an engine which functions to provide power to the system for movement of the system and/or powering the lift mechanism.
18. The method of claim 12 , further comprising an engine which functions to provide power to the system for movement of the system and/or powering the lift mechanism, wherein the engine comprises an electric engine and a battery powering the electric engine.
19. The method of claim 12 , further comprising a control system coupled to the frame, wherein the control system controls an operation of the helicopter transport system.
20. The method of claim 12 , wherein the lift mechanism comprises a scissor lift.