Abstract:
Systems and methods to launch an aircraft are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system to launch an aircraft comprises a launch arm comprising at least one load cell, an aircraft coupled to the launch arm, and a release mechanism in communication with the at least one load cell, wherein the release mechanism releases the aircraft when the at least one load cell indicates that a load on the launch arm is below a predetermined threshold. Other embodiments may be described.
Abstract:
The disclosed embodiments include a trailer for an autonomous vehicle controlled by a command and control interface. The trailer includes a trailer body configured to retain the autonomous vehicle in an undeployed configuration. The trailer also anchors the autonomous vehicle in a deployed configuration. A tether is provided having a first end coupled to the trailer body and a second end that is configured to couple to the autonomous vehicle. A winch is utilized to adjust a length of the tether to move the autonomous vehicle between the undeployed configuration and deployed configuration. Further, a communication system communicates with the command and control interface and the autonomous vehicle to control movement of the autonomous vehicle between the undeployed configuration and deployed configuration.
Abstract:
A vehicle base station comprises a platform on which a vehicle may be positioned, a first battery bay (820) located on a first side of the platform, a battery replacement assembly to remove a battery (712) from the vehicle and to replace the battery (712) with a new battery (712), and a power source adapted to provide power to the vehicle while the vehicle is positioned on the platform.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a cargo transport system and method based on an UAV. The cargo transport system includes an UAV (50) and a vehicle (10) that can send and receive the UAV, so that cargos can be transported between the vehicle (10) and another terminal (60) by the UAV (50); the UAV (50) is provided with a navigation system that guides the UAV (50) to fly between the vehicle (10) and the another terminal (60); the vehicle (10) includes: an UAV accommodating device (40) arranged at a top surface of the vehicle (10); an UAV sending controller (20) and an UAV receiving controller (30), which are arranged at the vehicle (10); and the UAV receiving controller (30) includes an identity verification unit (301) and a short distance guide unit (302). According to the cargo transport system based on an UAV of the present invention, the sending and receiving of the UAV (50) can be controlled by the vehicle (10), and the UAV (50) is accommodated in the UAV accommodating device (40). In addition, the vehicle (10) may also provide the identity verification information and the short distance guide information to the UAV (50) by the identity verification unit (301) and the short distance guide unit (302), so that the UAV (50) can determine a target vehicle and accurately land on the target vehicle.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method of charging and housing of an unmanned vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is disclosed. The apparatus includes an accommodator to accommodate an aircraft, a landing platform on which the aircraft lands, a housing portion to monitor state data by housing or charging the aircraft, and a sensor to assist in landing of the aircraft by allowing the aircraft to communicate with the apparatus. The apparatus enhances operational efficiency by reducing a travel time of the aircraft.