MULTI-ROLE AIRCRAFT WITH INTERCHANGEABLE MISSION MODULES

摘要

The present invention relates to a flight-operable, modular aircraft (400) having an operational life, an engine (436, 438) that provides a propulsive force for the aircraft (400) sufficient to counteract a drag of the aircraft at a flight condition, and an originally deployed wing member (402, 404) that provides at least 20% of the lift of the aircraft during at least some portion of cruise flight, the aircraft comprising: a center section (410) that includes a centerline cavity (499), and avionics sufficient to operate the aircraft; a forward coupling (491) adapted to couple or decouple a forward component to the center section (410) during the operational life, facilitated by a quick disconnect connector; and a wing coupling (430, 432) adapted to couple or decouple the wing member (402, 404) during the operational life; and wherein at least one of the forward and wing couplings has a quick disconnect connector.