Abstract:
A takeoff assist device for an air vehicle, such as an unmanned air vehicle is provided. The device features an electric motor and is much less complex and lighter than takeoff assist devices heretofore known. A body member is shaped to fit to a portion of the air vehicle. The body member defines a housing in which the majority of the components are housed, including the electric motor, a motor controller, an electrical power source and a main controller. A propeller is attached to a shaft of the electric motor outside of the housing and rotates with a shaft of the electric motor. In addition, there is a latch mechanism that removeably attaches the body member to the host air vehicle for takeoff, and then is controlled to release from the air vehicle after it is airborne at a desired airspeed and altitude. The electric motor-driven takeoff assist device can launch an air vehicle with minimal auxiliary equipment and can be remotely controlled to launch from a site at which a takeoff ready vehicle can be left for extended periods of time.
Abstract:
The disclosure provides a parachute release device which may include a connecting element capable of connecting to an aircraft and to a parachute and a locking mechanism capable of releasing the connecting element from the aircraft upon being actuated by an actuator, wherein the parachute may be connected to the connecting element by a multiplicity of points, wherein the locking mechanism is adapted to inhibit a force from being applied to the actuator and wherein the device may be suitable for use in small weights aircrafts due to its small size and weight . The disclosure further provides a method for releasing a parachute from an aircraft, the method may include activating an actuator capable of releasing a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is adapted to release a connecting element from an aircraft upon being actuated, wherein the connecting element is adapted to connect a parachute and wherein the locking mechanism is adapted to inhibit a force from being applied to the actuator.
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:
The VTOL aircraft (10) includes a free wing (16) having wings on opposite sides of the fuselage (12) connected to one another for joint free rotation and for differential pitch settings under pilot, computer or remote control. On vertical launch, pitch, yaw and roll control is effected by the elevators (26), rudder (24) and the differential pitch settings of the wings, respectively. At launch, the elevator (26) pitches the fuselage (12) nose downwardly to alter the thrust vector and provide horizontal speed to the aircraft whereby the free wing (16) rotates relative to the fuselage (12) into a generally horizontal orientation to provide lift during horizontal flight. Transition from horizontal to vertical flight is achieved by the reverse process and the aircraft may be gently recovered in or on a resilient surface such as a net (66).
Abstract:
A man-portable unmanned aerial system launcher (UAS) launcher includes a rail assembly having an internal track and a carriage assembly having a base configured to translate within the internal track. The carriage assembly also includes a cradle configured to support a UAS and a bracket configured to support the cradle above the base. The UAS launcher includes a launch control system configured to secure the carriage assembly in the launch-ready position until the launch control system receives a launch signal. The UAS launcher also includes one or more elastic members configured to engage the carriage assembly and the rail assembly. Once the carriage assembly is translated to the launch-ready position, strain is applied to the carriage assembly by the one or more elastic members. Release of the carriage assembly enables force generated by strain of the elastic members to propel the carriage assembly toward a launch position.
Abstract:
An unmanned aerial launch vehicle (UAV) launch apparatus is disclosed that includes a UAV (400) having an exterior surface, an aerial vehicle (AV) tab (510) extending from the exterior surface, a tube (440) containing the UAV (400), the tube (440) including a tab stop (515) configured to controllably hinder travel of the AV tab (510) past the tab stop (515), and a pair of opposing tab guides (700, 705) configured to position the AV tab (510) for travel over the tab stop (515).
Abstract:
A missile comprises a propulsion system, a passageway for delivering air to the propulsion system and a ducting element associated with the passageway. The ducting element has a ducting surface for ducting air into the passageway, and the ducting element is rotatable, about an axis that is aligned, or more preferably co-axial, with the axis of the passageway, from a stowed position in which the ducting surface is received in the passageway, to a deployed position in which the ducting surface protrudes from the passageway to duct air into the passageway.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide a tow hook for use in launching an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the tow hook comprising: a first end capable of releasably engaging a wing of the UAV, a second end capable of being connected to a tow line; and a rigid member connecting the first end to the second end to extend a connection point said tow line below said wing towards a center of gravity of said UAV. Additional embodiments provide for a system and method for launching a UAV using the tow hook.
Abstract:
Малогабаритная беспилотная авиационная система для воздушного наблюдения и разведки, включающая наземную станцию управления; бортовые и наземные средства радиосвязи, навигации и управления полетом; пусковое устройство и несущий полезную нагрузку разборный беспилотный летательный аппарат модульной конструкции, который может быть легко собран для полета и разобран для транспортировки в компактном контейнере, в которой повышение прочности и надежности конструкции беспилотного летательного аппарата при одновременном снижении его массы достигнуто за счет оригинальной конструкции центрального лонжерона фюзеляжа и замочных соединений со стопорными элементами для крепления частей крыла к фюзеляжу. Беспилотный летательный аппарат выполнен по аэродинамической схеме летающее крыло с толкающим воздушным винтом, электрической силовой установкой и снабжен парашютной системой для посадки.