Abstract:
An apparatus for containing and charging an unmanned VTOL aircraft 300, comprising a post 200 placed on a ground and at least one lateral fastening hole 210 formed in a side of the post, and configured such that a pole 340 of the unmanned VTOL aircraft is inserted and fastened into the lateral fastening hole, wherein an entrance of the lateral fastening hole is formed in a cone shape, and thus the pole of the unmanned VTOL aircraft is easily inserted into the lateral fastening hole during fastening of the unmanned VTOL aircraft. The lateral fastening hole is further configured such that target- and cross-shaped LED/IR lights are lit in order to guide the unmanned VTOL aircraft through automatic insertion via vision of the unmanned VTOL aircraft.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for containing and charging an unmanned VTOL aircraft are disclosed. The apparatus for containing and charging an unmanned VTOL aircraft includes a post 110, an extended member 120, a cover 130, a fastening unit 140, and a charging unit 150. The post is placed on a ground. The extended member is connected to the post. The cover is provided on the extended member, and is configured to be opened or closed in order to contain and protect the unmanned VTOL aircraft. The fastening unit is provided in the cover, and is configured to fasten the unmanned VTOL aircraft. The charging unit is provided in the fastening unit, and is configured to charge the unmanned VTOL aircraft.
Abstract:
A rotary wing vehicle (1) includes a body structure having an elongated tubular backbone or core (40), and a counter-rotating coaxial rotor system (3, 5) having rotors with each rotor having a separate motor (54, 61) to drive the rotors about a common rotor axis of rotation (7), The rotor system is used to move the rotary wing vehicle (1) in directional flight.
Abstract:
The system (1) an external container (15) fixed in a cargo compartment of a transport aircraft (AC). An internal container (4) is arranged in the external container to bring the internal container from a position in which the internal container is entirely located inside the external container to another position (P2) in which the internal container is shifted toward a rear side of the aircraft with respect to the former position such that a release part (7) of the internal container is located outside the aircraft through an opening (8) at a rear side of the compartment.
Abstract:
A launch and capture system for capturing a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle having a thruster (104) and a duct (106) configured to direct airflow generated by the thruster includes a capture plate (120) and an extension (122). The capture plate is configured to alter the airflow and generate a force attracting the duct to the capture plate. The extension is coupled to the capture plate, and is configured to at least facilitate holding the VTOL vehicle against the capture plate.
Abstract:
A method for landing a fixed wing aircraft is provided in which an inversion maneuver is performed so that the aircraft's back is facing the ground, and the aircraft's underside is facing away from the ground. After initiation or completion of this maneuver, deep stall is induced, and the aircraft descends almost vertically to land on its upper side, thus minimizing impact loads or damage on its underside. In a particular aerodynamic arrangement configured for carrying out the method, a flap (24), which may be stowed during normal flight, is deployed in a manner such as to aerodynamically induce a negative pitching moment on the aircraft and deep stall.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for starting propeller driven aircraft and other devices are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a removable fixture that is coupled to the propeller and has at least one portion exposed to a flowstream to rotate the propeller during engine start-up. The fixture is configured to separate from the propeller after the engine begins to turn over (e.g., after the engine starts and/or rotates above a threshold rate). Accordingly, the system can include a releasable link between the fixture and the propeller.