Abstract:
Disclosed herein are aircraft and landing gear systems configured to fix an aircraft to the ground. For example, the aircraft and aircraft systems configured for ground manipulation. In one aspect, an aircraft with an arm and end-effector may be fixed a ground surface to facilitate ground-based robotic manipulation tasks.
Abstract:
This disclosure generally relates to an automotive drone deployment system that includes at least a vehicle and a deployable drone that is configured to attach and detach from the vehicle. More specifically, the disclosure describes the vehicle and drone remaining in communication with each other to exchange information while the vehicle is being operated in an autonomous driving mode so that the vehicle's performance under the autonomous driving mode is enhanced.
Abstract:
The vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicle includes a pair of selectively rotatable ducted fans and a selectively rotatable thrust vectoring nozzle providing vertical takeoff and landing for an unmanned aerial vehicle or a similar type of aircraft. A pair of fixed forward-swept wings are mounted on a rear portion of a fuselage, and a pair of canards are mounted on a top end of a forward portion of the fuselage. The pair of ducted fans are respectively mounted on free ends of the pair of canards, and are selectively rotatable about an axis parallel to a pitch axis of the fuselage. An engine is mounted in the rear portion of the fuselage, and a thrust vectoring nozzle is mounted on the rear portion of the fuselage for directing thrust exhaust from the engine. The thrust vectoring nozzle is selectively rotatable about an axis parallel to the pitch axis.
Abstract:
This disclosure describes a configuration of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) landing gear assembly that includes adjustable landing gear extension that may be extended or contracted so that the body of the UAV is contained in a horizontal plane when the UAV is landed, even on sloping surfaces. For example, when a UAV is landing, the slope of the surface may be determined and the landing gear extensions adjusted based on the slope so that the body of the UAV remains approximately horizontal when the UAV lands and is supported by the landing gear extensions.
Abstract:
An embodiment of an unmanned aerial vehicle, which may be connected to a lighter-than-air carrier, may have a ratio of a lifting force of the carrier to a weight of the vehicle from 1.1:1 to 3:1. The vehicle, excluding payload, may have a mass of from 30 kg to 150 kg. The vehicle may have a wingspan of from 20 m to 60 m.
Abstract:
Electric aircraft, including in-flight rechargeable electric aircraft, and methods of operating electric aircraft, including methods for recharging electric aircraft in-flight, through the use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) packs flying independent of and in proximity to the electric aircraft.
Abstract:
This disclosure describes a configuration of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) landing gear assembly that includes adjustable landing gear extension that may be extended or contracted so that the body of the UAV is contained in a horizontal plane when the UAV is landed, even on sloping surfaces. For example, when a UAV is landing, the slope of the surface may be determined and the landing gear extensions adjusted based on the slope so that the body of the UAV remains approximately horizontal when the UAV lands and is supported by the landing gear extensions.
Abstract:
This disclosure generally relates to an automotive drone deployment system that includes at least a vehicle and a deployable drone that is configured to attach and detach from the vehicle. More specifically, the disclosure describes the vehicle and drone remaining in communication with each other to exchange information while the vehicle is being operated in an autonomous driving mode so that the vehicle's performance under the autonomous driving mode is enhanced.
Abstract:
Various embodiments provide a method for landing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the presence of a wind. The method comprises: performing a first flare-maneuver whilst the UAV is flying. The flare-maneuver causes a front portion of the UAV to rise with respect to a rear portion of the UAV. The method also comprises steering the UAV along a path heading into a direction of the wind. The method further comprises performing a second flare-maneuver before the UAV impacts a landing surface to land. Various embodiments provide a corresponding UAV.
Abstract:
Electric aircraft, including in-flight rechargeable electric aircraft, and methods of operating electric aircraft, including methods for recharging electric aircraft in-flight, and method of deploying and retrieving secondary aircrafts.