Textron Inc.
Two position cowling assembly for single person operation

Abstract:

One example of a cowling assembly for a rotorcraft includes a stationary fairing affixed to an airframe of the rotorcraft, an articulated fairing hinged on the stationary fairing for articulation relative to the stationary fairing between a closed position, a first partially open maintenance position and a second fully open maintenance position. The articulated fairing is supported in the first maintenance position by a for example gas-charged strut and is releasably locked in the second maintenance position against the stationary fairing by a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a latch blade disposed on the stationary fairing and a latch arranged on the articulated fairing, wherein a latch pin engages with a hole or recess in the latch blade when the latch blade extends through a slot in the articulated fairing.