Abstract:
An aircraft attack interdiction system using an unmanned interdiction aircraft piloted using a remote control system. In-flight refueling system, weapons launcher systems and intelligence gathering equipment are mounted on the interdiction aircraft. A remote flight control operator to remotely fly the interdiction aircraft can be based on a remote flight control commander aircraft that can be flown at safe distances from targets that are attacked by the interdiction aircraft
Abstract:
A circular VTOL aircraft with a central vertically mounted turboprop engine (14), driving contra-rotating co-axial propellers (24), above a central jet engine, or engines (12), horizontally mounted on a turntable (11) and steerable through 360 degrees. The turboprop provides vertical thrust from propellers compressing air from an upper circular intake (5) downward through a circular funnel-shaped rotor-chamber (6), to a circular vent (10) at the base of the aircraft. The resulting column of compressed air gives lift for VTOL operations and a cushion of air in flight. The horizontally mounted turbine provides acceleration, retro-thrust and directional control for horizontal flight and vectored thrust for VTOL. An alternative engine configuration (Figure 9), replaces the turboprop and propellers with a vertical turbojet or rocket-engine system providing direct vertical thrust via four control vents (12/14), with an optional horizontal vectored thrust vent (15/37). he aircraft. Fuel-tanks are installed around the central engines. The flight-deck is at the top-centre of the craft above the engines, which are detachable for maintenance.
Abstract:
A flying platform (10), propelled by at least one ducted fan (11) causing a vertically downwardly directed airstream in and through a cylindrical duct (12). A vane system in the duct (12) has two mutually perpendicular pairs (31-34) of diametrically opposite first vanes, each extending in from the duct rim toward the center of the duct. Each pair of first vanes provides a pair of generally vertical walls parallel to a diametral line across the duct, and they define duct passages between the pairs of vanes and define quadrants between adjacent pairs. Each first vane has an upper, fixed, rigid portion and a variable camber flap (45, 46) depending therefrom. A first servomotor with linkages vary the camber of each pair of flaps (45, 46), so that the camber of the flaps (45, 46) of each pair is at all times the same amount but in opposite directions. Preferably, there are also four second vanes (41-44), one bisecting each quadrant, and a symmetric pair of spoilers (75-82) is mounted on each second vane (41-44). Each pair of spoilers (75-82) is independently movable, as a pair continuously between a position substantially blocking airflow through the outer portion of said quadrant and a position permitting substantially full airflow therethrough. A second servomotor with linkages symmetrically varies the position of its spoilers (75-82). There may be a radio receiver responsive to remote control signals for actuating each servomotor and its linkages.
Abstract:
A device for obtaining surveillance information from an aerial vehicle. The device includes a camera configured to obtain image data based on a position of the vehicle, a transceiver configured to receive operator controls and output the obtained image data, a designator unit configured to emit a light source onto a surface of an object of interest to illuminate that surface when a designation command is received from an operator, a gimbal mechanism having a plurality of motors configured to orient the designator unit, a gimbal controller configured to control the motors of the gimbal mechanism, and a controller configured to control the designator unit to continuously emit the light source onto the surface of the object irrespective of the position of the vehicle. The controller compensates for an orientation of the designator unit based on the aerial vehicle's movement such that the designator unit continuously illuminates the object.
Abstract:
An apparatus, and a method performed by the apparatus, are disclosed wherein the apparatus can be mounted on an unmanned vehicle and arranged to act upon a payload. The payload can be mounted on the unmanned vehicle and, under an action of the apparatus, is able to be activated. The method can include receiving an activation instruction from an entity remote from the unmanned vehicle; determining whether or not the received activation instruction is valid by performing a validation process; and in response to determining that the received activation instruction is valid, activating the payload. In response to determining that the received activation instruction is not valid, activation of the payload may be prevented or opposed.
Abstract:
A system comprising an aerial vehicle or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (100, 400, 1000, 1500) configured to control pitch, roll, and/or yaw via airfoils (141, 142, 1345, 1346) having resiliently mounted trailing edges opposed by fuselage-house deflecting actuator horns (621, 622). Embodiments include one or more rudder elements (1045, 1046, 1145, 1146, 1245, 1345, 1346, 1445, 1446, 1545, 1546) which may be rotatably attached and actuated by an effector member (1049, 1149, 1249, 1349) disposed within the fuselage housing (1001) and extendible in part to engage the one or more rudder elements.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for countering an unmanned air vehicle are disclosed. Representative methods include directing an interceptor UAV (140) toward a target UAV (199), and directing the interceptor UAV back to ground along a controlled flight path, for example, in response to an instruction not to engage with the target UAV, and/or in response to an unsuccessful engagement. Another representative method includes disabling the target UAV by deploying a disabling element (e.g., a net) from the interceptor UAV to contact the target UAV. Representative systems include a target acquisition system, a launch control system, and an engagement system carried by the interceptor UAV. In particular embodiments, the interceptor UAV can have a generally cylindrical fuselage (112), one or more fins (114) carried by the fuselage, counter-rotating propellers (121a, 121b) carried by the fuselage, and a disabling system that is configured to disable the target UAV.
Abstract:
A system comprising an aerial vehicle or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (100, 400, 1000, 1500) configured to control pitch, roll, and/or yaw via airfoils (141, 142, 1345, 1346) having resiliently mounted trailing edges opposed by fuselage-house deflecting actuator horns (621, 622). Embodiments include one or more rudder elements (1045, 1046, 1145, 1146, 1245, 1345, 1346, 1445, 1446, 1545, 1546) which may be rotatably attached and actuated by an effector member (1049, 1149, 1249, 1349) disposed within the fuselage housing (1001) and extendible in part to engage the one or more rudder elements.
Abstract:
A power safety system (301) is configured to provide power information in an aircraft (101). The power safety system (301) includes a power safety instrument (303) having a power required indicator (311) and a power available indicator (313), each being located on a display. A position of the power required indicator (311) and the power available indicator (313) represent the power available and power required to perform a hover flight maneuver. The power safety system (301) may be operated in a flight planning mode or in a current flight mode. The power safety system (301) uses at least one sensor (309) to measure variables having an effect on the power required and the power available.