The Design

Our mounting hardware attaches with a four-point mounting on the rear face of the CONEX to resist all degrees of motion. It also takes advantage of the pre-existing geometry of the CONEX for its mounting points so that it is not necessary to modify the CONEX for our system to attach. Horizontal cargo bars expand positively to lock onto the current attachment points on the top rear of the CONEX and to the bottom skids of the conex. Angled bars, or struts, connect the vertical stabilizer to the CONEX with pinned joints at the cargo bars.

For each different CONEX size, a new set of mounting hardware is needed. Although our mounting hardware is not adjustable, it is easily adapted for different size configurations, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and less bulky due to lack of adjustable parts.

The active vertical fin is an NACA0015airfoil for the 6'x6'x8' CONEX. It is five feet high by three feet wide, and the last 20% of the chord length is made active by a gyroscope and servo system.
PICTURE OF FIN

Testing shows that the overall design will improve the speed capability of the helicoptor with slung load while in flight by substantially reducing the yaw of the CONEX.

The entire system can be reduced by removing the vertical fin and disassembling the mounting hardware. This keeps the system's overall volume to a minimum when it is being stored or transported on board a helicoptor. Each peice weighs under 50 pounds making assembling and disassembling easier and requiring less man power. The mounting hardware is simple and therefore, although it is not designed to be adjustable, is easily adaptable to different CONEX sizes.

The last 20% of the chord length of the vertical fin is actuated by a gyro ??? . All wires are hidden, and necessary electrical equipment is attached to the mounting hardware behind the CONEX, keeping everything out of the way and keeping the system as aerodynamic as possible. The power supply lasts ??? hours.

This outlines the highlights of our design, which meet all the requirements as layed out in the orignial request for proposal.

As requested, we have our complete design includes an actuated vertical stabilizing fin with mouting hardware and power supply that is adaptable to different size CONEX containers and fits the size and weight requirements necessary for ease of operation and ease of storage.