US 12,330,802 B2
Rotorcraft with an energy source storage unit
Martin Blacha, Donauworth (DE); and Sascha Schneider, Meitingen (DE)
Assigned to AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, Donauworth (DE)
Filed by AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, Donauworth (DE)
Filed on Apr. 17, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/135,361.
Claims priority of application No. 22400006 (EP), filed on Jul. 19, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0092188 A1, Mar. 21, 2024
Int. Cl. B64D 37/04 (2006.01); B60L 50/60 (2019.01); B64C 1/06 (2006.01); B64C 27/06 (2006.01)
CPC B64D 37/04 (2013.01) [B60L 50/60 (2019.02); B64C 1/062 (2013.01); B64C 27/06 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A rotorcraft comprising:
a fuselage arranged within a fuselage outer shell;
at least one main rotor located on top of the fuselage;
at least one engine provided for driving the at least one main rotor; and
at least one energy source storage unit comprising at least one energy source configured to provide energy for powering the at least one engine for driving the at least one main rotor;
wherein the at least one energy source storage unit is arranged outside the fuselage outer shell in a subfloor region of the rotorcraft; and
wherein the fuselage and the fuselage outer shell form a central box-like structure in the subfloor region; wherein the at least one energy source storage unit is arranged laterally at the central box-like structure, at least essentially in parallel to a length direction of the fuselage, and wherein the central box-like structure forms a crashable structure that contacts ground in an emergency landing before the at least one energy source storage unit may contact ground in order to deform and dissipate energy.