Abstract:
A VTOL/STOL free wing aircraft (100) includes a free wing (110) having wings on opposite sides of a fuselage (102) connected to one another respectively adjacent fixed wing inboard or center root sections (117) fixedly attached to the fuselage (102) for free rotation about a spanwise axis (112). Horizontal and vertical tail surfaces (138, 140) are located at the rear end of a boom assembly (120) rotatably connected to the fuselage (102). A gearing (150) or screw rod (160) arrangement controlled by the pilot or remote control operator selectively relatively pivots the fuselage (102) in relation to the tail boom assembly (120) to enable the fuselage to assume a tilted or nose up configuration to enable VTOL/STOL flight.
Abstract:
Eine Hilfstragflügeleinrichtung zur Verwendung mit einem unbemannten Flugkörper (1), der einen Rumpf (10) mit einem Feststoffantrieb (11) sowie am Rumpf (10) angeordnete Flügel (12, 13, 14, 15) und Steuerflächen (16, 17, 18, 19) aufweist, zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass die Hilfstragflügeleinrichtung (2; 102) zumindest eine aerodynamischen Auftrieb erzeugende Tragfläche (23, 24; 121, 122, 123, 124) aufweist und dass die Hilfstragflügeleinrichtung (2) einen Rumpfadapter (20; 120) aufweist, der zur Aufnahme zumindest eines Abschnitts des Rumpfs (10) des unbemannten Flugkörpers (1) oder eines Abschnitts eines den Flugkörper (1) aufnehmenden Startrohrs (100) für den Flugkörper (1) ausgebildet ist.
Abstract:
Un aéronef à décollage et à atterrissage verticaux (10) comprend une aile libre (16) constituée d'ailes situées sur les côtés opposés du fuselage (12) et interconnectées de manière à pouvoir tourner librement sans joints, dont le pas différentiel peut être ajusté par le pilote, par un ordinateur ou par télécommande. Pendant le lancement vertical, les gouvernes de profondeur (26) et de direction (24), ainsi que le réglage du pas différentiel des ailes commandent la profondeur, le lacet et le roulis, respectivement. Pendant le lancement, la gouverne de profondeur (26) incline le nez du fuselage (12) vers le bas afin de modifier le vecteur de poussée et accélérer horizontalement l'aéronef, alors que l'aile libre (16) tourne par rapport au fuselage (12) jusqu'à une position généralement horizontale afin de porter l'aéronef pendant le vol horizontal. La transition du vol horizontal au vol vertical est obtenue par le procédé inverse et l'aéronef peut être doucement récupéré dans ou sur une surface élastique telle qu'un filet (66).
Abstract:
Methods of laser powering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) with heat engines are disclosed. The laser powered heat engines are used in conjunction with devices for absorbing laser optical radiation, turning the laser optical radiation into heat, supplying the heat to a working fluid of the heat engine and harvesting mechanical work from expanding working fluid in the heat engine.
Abstract:
A rocket morphing aerial vehicle has a first rocket configuration and a second aerial vehicle configuration. The rocket morphing aerial vehicle may be used to deploy an aerial vehicle at further distances faster. The rocket configuration may be used to get the aerial vehicle to its desired location, while the aerial vehicle is used for the desired task. The rocket morphing aerial vehicle may include a deceleration mechanism such that the speed of the rocket does not interfere with the deployment of the aerial vehicle.
Abstract:
An aerial vehicle includes independently controlled horizontal thrusters and vertical lifters to provide design and operational simplicity while allowing precision flying with six degrees of freedom and use of mounted devices such as tools, sensors, and instruments. Each horizontal thruster and vertical lifter can be mounted as constant-pitch, fixed-axis rotors while still allowing for precise control of yaw, pitch, roll, horizontal movement, and vertical elevation. Gyroscopes and inclinometers can be used to further enhance flying precision. A controller manages thrust applied the horizontal thrusters and vertical lifters to compensate for forces and torques generated by the use of tools and other devices mounted to the aerial vehicle.
Abstract:
A circular VTOL aircraft with a central vertically mounted jet or rocket engine 7, (or engines) having below vertical thrust vents 14 at cardinal points, together with a jet rocket engine 20 (or engines) horizontally mounted on turntable pod 16 which is steerable through 360 degrees and centrally situated below the vertical engine (s). Alternatively the horizontal engine can be replaced by central thrust vent 36 delivering thrust from the vertical engine to vectored thrust nozzle 37 attached to the turntable. Thrust from the four vertical thrust vents is controlled by valves 21 giving VTOL thrust control as well as pitch and bank control. The horizontal engine provides acceleration and retro-thrust for horizontal flight and directional control through 360 degrees. The passenger cabin is situated in the main body of the aircraft. Fuel tanks are installed around the central engines. The flight-deck is situated at the top-centre of the craft above the engines, which are detachable for maintenance.
Abstract:
The VTOL aircraft includes a free wing having wings on opposite sides of the fuselage 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, rudder and the differential pitch settings of the wings, respectively. At launch, the elevator pitches the fuselage nose downwardly to alter the thrust vector and provide horizontal speed to the aircraft whereby the free wing freely rotates relative to the fuselage into a generally horizontal orientation to provide lift during horizontal flight. Transition from horizontal to vertical flight is achieved by the reverse process and tile aircraft may be gently recovered in or on a resilient surface such as a net.
Abstract:
A method and system for delivery ordnance to a target via a remotely piloted or programmable aircraft including a yaw-to-turn guidance system, a deployment and launching system and packaging for the aircraft are disclosed.
Abstract:
A motor vehicle system includes a motor vehicle including an aircraft landing portion, and an actively propelled unmanned aircraft configured to be supported on the aircraft landing portion. The vehicle and aircraft are configured such that the vehicle can provide at least one of fuel and electrical energy to the aircraft while the aircraft is supported on the aircraft landing portion.