Abstract:
A dual ducted fan arrangement in which the duct components (203), engine (10), and avionics/payload pods (300, 302) are capable of being quickly disassembled to fit within common backpacking systems. Each duct is identical in fan (201), stator (102), and control vane design. Assembly connections between ducted fans (203) and electronic modules are also identical. An engine (10) or APU drives the dual ducted fans (203) through a splined shaft (601) to a differential (600) or through electric motors. Energy is transferred to the ducted fans by a single gear mounted to the stator (102) hub. Relative speeds of the individual ducted fans are controlled through separate frictional or generator load control braking mechanisms (603) on each of the splined shafts (601) between the differential (600) and ducted fans (203). In the electric motor case relative speed is through electronic speed control. The fans (201) are counter rotating for torque balancing. The electronic module locations are vertically variable for longitudinal center of gravity for variations in payloads.
Abstract:
The remotely piloted aircraft has control surfaces asymmetrical in the pitch and yaw planes, a sensor, and a guidance system operative in the terminal portions of the flight of the aircraft in a yaw-to- turn mode with a zero roll rate. The system has a directional sensor for providing azimuth and elevation error signals. A device provides guidance signals indicative of the rate of change of the azimuth and elevation signals. A guidance programmer responds to the guidance signals for providing pitch control and yaw control signals. An altitude sensor provides an altitude control signal. Roll, pitch and yaw rate gyros provide a rate control signal and a three axis autopilot.
Abstract:
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch tube (100) that comprises at least one inner layer of prepreg substrate (370) disposed about a right parallelepiped aperture (305), at least one outer layer of prepreg substrate (380) disposed about the right parallelepiped aperture (305), and one or more structural panels (341-344) disposed between the at least one inner layer of prepreg substrate (340) and the at least one outer layer of prepreg substrate (380). An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch tube (100) that comprises a tethered sabot (700,740) configured to engage a UAV within a launcher volume defined by an inner wall, the tethered sabot (700,740) dimensioned to provide a pressure seal at the inner wall and tethered to the inner wall, and wherein the tethered sabot (700,740) is hollow having an open end oriented toward a high pressure volume and a tether (740) attached within a hollow (910) of the sabot (700) and attached to the inner wall retaining the high pressure volume or attach to the inner base wall (1013). A system comprising a communication node (1500-1505) and a launcher (1520) comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a pre-launch state configured to receive and respond to command inputs from the communication node (1500-1505).
Abstract:
A solution to the problem of short battery life of drones and operation in isolated or distant areas of service, by means of docking station/stations that allow for the autonomous landing/takeoff, storage, recharging and/or battery swapping for the drone/drones. The station is multi-cell station for drones with one or more landing/takeoff cells; at least two docking/storage cells; a transitioning closed-loop system configured for transporting the drones within the landing/takeoff cells and docking/storage cells; and control means configured for autonomous control, operation and management of the multi-cell station, where each one of the one or more landing/takeoff cells and at least two docking/storage cells shares at least two sides with neighbouring cells. Recharging mechanism for recharging the stored drones and transitioning mechanism for circulating the drones within the cells of the station are also provided.
Abstract:
The application provides a storage unit for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The storage unit includes a container, a UAV landing platform, and a receptacle. The container is provided for enclosing the UAV. The receptacle is positioned above the UAV landing platform and it includes at least one inclined surface for guiding a landing UAV to a predetermined UAV landing position on the UAV landing platform.
Abstract:
A fully-protected unmanned aerial vehicle comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle body (1) and a rotor (2) connected to the unmanned aerial vehicle body (1), and further comprises a protection housing (3) connected to the unmanned aerial vehicle body (1). The protection housing (3) is a hollowed-out closed housing and has a hollow cavity (31), and the rotor (2) is installed in the hollow cavity (31). Because the rotor is installed in the hollow cavity of the protection housing, the rotor cannot make contact with a human body, so that the unmanned aerial vehicle can be released or reclaimed by an operator with the hand, and the operation portability and safety of the rotor are improved. The hollowed-out structure provides a forming space of lift for the rotor and normal flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle is ensured. The rotor is installed in the protection housing that is connected to the unmanned aerial vehicle body, so that the overall height of the unmanned aerial vehicle is reduced, and the portability of the unmanned aerial vehicle is further improved.
Abstract:
A transportable ground station for a UAV includes a container in which the UAV may be transported and housed. The container includes a wireless or contact-based recharging station that recharges the UAV's batteries or other power sources after the UAV returns from a mission. The recharging station may be directly or indirectly connected to one or more solar panels that generate energy to power the recharging station. The ground station may be deployed virtually anywhere, from any vehicle (e.g., plane, train, boat, truck, etc.), and may operate over an extended period of time without human intervention.