Aircraft camera system deployer
The camera deployer assembly fully supports the MX-15 camera and will be mounted to the existing aircraft seat track structure.
- The camera system deployer is an aluminum frame structure consisting of 4 aluminum tubes and sheet structure with 2 fixed machined aluminum plates at the top and bottom. This provides a substantial structure to support the deployer. There is an aluminum plate and sheet structure that makes up the MX-15 mount which rides on one linear bearing on 1 steel guide tube and 2 side guides. These plates are supported by a fifth plate that translates vertically on 4 linear bearings which control the vertical movement of the MX-15. A bellcrank assembly each side is actuated by a shaft and lever system which travels through an 18” vertical translation to raise and lower the camera gimbal.
- In the fully extended position the camera extends a maximum of 18” below the aircraft belly. In the fully retracted position the camera extends a maximum of zero inches below the aircraft belly.
- With the deployer arm in the aft most position the camera gimbal is in the raised and stowed position. The arm is rotated forward and up to lower the gimbal to the operational position.
- Two gas struts are positioned on either side of the deployer to counter the weight of the gimbal and aid in the manual deployment by the operator. The gas struts are fully extended when the deployer is in the fully up and stowed position.
- Two locking pins, fully independent in operation with the exception of the actuating cables, are utilized to lock the camera in each of the retracted and deployed positions. The pins are spring-loaded to the locked position and are manually retracted by the operator before moving the deployer. Once the deployer reaches the correct position, either up or down, the pins can be engaged into existing holes and lock the deployer in position.
- The deployer is equipped with a secondary emergency winch in case of failure of the main deployer mechanism. When required two cables are attached to hardpoint located on the top of the deployer camera mounting plate with the winch used to retract the camera beyond the belly mounted stone guard.