Powered Rollers for Cargo Aircraft

The Air Mobility Command (AMC) has highlighted the implementation of powered rollers into USAF cargo aircrafts as a source to improve airmen safety and operational efficiency. To accommodate USAF requirements, the powered roller system must support airdrop operations and retract to facilitate the loading of wheeled cargo. To address the needs of the AMC, Urbineer has developed an innovative, robust, self-contained powered roller concept. The concept utilizes a multifunctional electric powertrain to deploy and then power a small pack of rollers while remaining outside of the critical load path. To minimize tripping hazards and system maintenance, the concept integrates a smooth cover that automatically deploys to prevent debris from entering and damaging the powertrain. The concept implements a system of limit switches, load cells, and inductive proximity sensors to redundantly monitor pallet location and intelligently activate rollers with minimal operator input. The enclosed unit contains all necessary systems and sensors, obtains electric power from the aircraft’s APU, and retrofits into USAF aircraft. Urbineer Inc. is an engineering firm composed of experienced, hands-on, multidisciplinary engineers with a strong background in driving complex concepts to completion. The team has extensive experience in design/analysis, fabrication, and program management of complex systems.