Abstract:
A collapsible wing, methods of producing the collapsible wing, and an unmanned aircraft system that includes the collapsible wing are provided.
Abstract:
A portable unmanned aerial vehicle or aircraft, capable of being easily carried by a single individual by means of a mounting device, which can be fastened on a belt or strap. The aerial vehicle comprises a wing attached at one end to a fan or turbine assembly. The fan or turbine assembly may be electrically driven, with power supplied by one or more batteries. In flight, the fan or turbine assembly causes the aerial vehicle to rotate around its center-of-mass (COM), with lift provided by the wing as it rotates. A camera is located on the aircraft at or near the COM.
Abstract:
An unmanned aerial vehicle including a controller operating in a search mode of operation where a receiver of an acquisition sensor searches for a target and causes flight control surfaces to guide the vehicle in a downward spiral path, a terminal mode of operation where the acquisition sensor detects a target and causes flight control surfaces to direct the vehicle toward the target, and an activation mode of operation where a trigger sensor detects a target within a predetermined distance to the vehicle and the controller activates a responder.
Abstract:
An unmanned aerial vehicle including a controller operating in a search mode of operation where a receiver of an acquisition sensor searches for a target and causes flight control surfaces to guide the vehicle in a downward spiral path, a terminal mode of operation where the acquisition sensor detects a target and causes flight control surfaces to direct the vehicle toward the target, and an activation mode of operation where a trigger sensor detects a target within a predetermined distance to the vehicle and the controller activates a responder.
Abstract:
A rotary wing vehicle includes a body structure having an elongated tubular backbone or core, and a counter-rotating coaxial rotor system having rotors with each rotor having a separate motor to drive the rotors about a common rotor axis of rotation. The rotor system is used to move the rotary wing vehicle in directional flight.
Abstract:
A flying micro-rotorcraft unit is provided for remote tactical and operational missions. The unit includes an elongated body having an upper and a lower end. The body defines a vertical axis. The unit further includes a navigation module including means for determining a global position of the elongated body during flight of the unit. Rotor means of the unit is coupled to the upper end of the elongated body for generating a thrust force that acts in a direction parallel to the vertical axis to lift the elongated body into the air. The rotor means is located between the elongated body and the navigation module.
Abstract:
A portable unmanned air vehicle and launcher system including a foldable unmanned air vehicle with a pressure tube; a launch gas reservoir for holding launch gas; a launch tube operatively connected to the launch gas reservoir and having a free end that is positioned in the pressure tube of the air vehicle; a free piston positioned within the launch tube; and a free piston stop to prevent the free piston from leaving the launch tube. A first portion of the launch gas in the launch gas reservoir is released into the launch tube and forces the free piston from an initial position to an end position at which the free piston is stopped by the free piston stop.
Abstract:
A portable unmanned air vehicle and launcher system is provided that includes a foldable unmanned air vehicle having a pressure tube; a launch gas reservoir for holding launch gas; a launch tube operatively connected to the launch gas reservoir and having a free end that is positioned in the pressure tube of the air vehicle; a free piston positioned within the launch tube; and a free piston stop to prevent the free piston from leaving the launch tube. A first portion of the launch gas in the launch gas reservoir is released into the launch tube and forces the free piston from an initial position to an end position at which the free piston is stopped by the free piston stop.
Abstract:
A modular unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a fuselage, a nose cone, a left wing piece, a right wing piece, and a tail section. The tail section and nose cone each join to the fuselage through mating bulkhead structures that provide quick connection capability while being readily separated so as to enable the UAV to break apart at these connection points and thereby absorb or dissipate impact upon landing. The UAV is capable of rapid assembly in the field for two-man launch and data retrieval, as well as quick disassembly into these five component parts for transport and storage in a highly compact transport case that can be carried as a backpack.
Abstract:
A flying micro-rotorcraft unit (18, 24, 310, 330, 370) is provided for remote tactical and operational missions. The unit (18, 24, 310, 330, 370) includes an elongated body (52) having an upper and a lower end. The body (52) defines a vertical axis (60). The unit (18, 24, 310, 330, 370) further includes a navigation module (54) including means for determining a global position of the elongated body (52) during flight of the unit (18, 24, 310, 330, 370). Rotor means of the unit (18, 24, 310, 330, 370) is coupled to the upper end of the elongated body (52) for generating a thrust force that acts in a direction parallel to the vertical axis (60) to lift the elongated body (52) into the air. The rotor means is located between the elongated body (52) and the navigation module (54).