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:
The embodiments herein disclose a personal UAV kit for storing, preparing and remote control of micro UAVs (40). The UAV kit includes a base unit (10), a control unit (30) and at least one UAV. The UAVs can typically be a winged aircraft with foldable wings or a helicopter with a two-bladed or foldable rotor. The base unit comprises UAV compartments for housing at least one UAV, bay (14) for storing the control unit, batteries and electronic components for charging, communication, control and processing and storing of data. In addition, the system includes an eye near display device for viewing system information and sensor data, typically live video, transmitted from the UAV.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for marine deployment according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a floatable housing adapted to be deployed by a marine vehicle. The floatable housing may be adapted to be launched from a marine vehicle and rise to the surface. Assets, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, may be deployed from the surfaced floatable housing.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for marine deployment according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a floatable housing adapted to be deployed by a marine vehicle. The floatable housing may be adapted to be launched from a marine vehicle and rise to the surface. Assets, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, may be deployed from the surfaced floatable housing.
Abstract:
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is launched and recovered using a UAV management system. The UAV is stored in a magazine and moved from the magazine during a launch operation and to the magazine during a recovery operation.
Abstract:
An aerial surveillance device is provided, comprising an image capturing device capable of being supported by an airframe structure above the ground. The airframe structure includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis and configured to support the image-capturing device. A tail portion having control surfaces is operably engaged with the body portion along the axis. Transversely-extending wing portions are directly engaged with the body portion. Each wing portion is defined by longitudinally-opposed spars extending from a spaced-apart disposition at the body portion to a common connection distally from the body portion. The spars have a fabric extending therebetween to provide a wing surface. A support member extends along an aerodynamic center, transversely to the body portion, of each wing portion, to tension and rigidify the wing portions so as to provide a positive camber for the wing portions and to form an airfoil.
Abstract:
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a design for optimum stowability and low cost. The UAV having a collapsible wing section which can be easily removed from the fuselage, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly and ease of portability. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a primary wing assembly, a fuselage, a means for propelling the unmanned aerial vehicle , and means for remotely controlling the unmanned aerial vehicle. The primary wing assembly includes a wing having a center spar and two outwardly diverging side spars. The wing also has a pliable flexible material supported by the center spar and the at least two outwardly diverging side spars. The pylon is connected to the wing and supports the wing. The fuselage is connected to the pylon such that the pylon extends away from the fuselage and spaces the wing a distance from the fuselage. The fuselage includes a tail having a rudder located along a trailing edge and elevators located along the trailing edge.
Abstract:
A flyer assembly (10) is adapted for launching with, transit in, and deployment from an artillery shell (22). The flyer assembly (10) includes a jettisonable shroud (12) and a flyer (14). The flyer (14) is adapted to withstand a launch acceleration force along a flyer axis when in a first state, and to effect aerodynamic flight when in a second state. When in the first state, the flyer (14) is positionable within the shroud (12) with the flyer axis parallel to the shroud axis and the shell axis. The flyer (14) includes a body member disposed about the flyer axis, and a foldable wing assembly (20) mounted to the body member. THe wing assembly (20) is characterized by a plurality of nested wing segments (32) when the flyer is in the first state. THe wing assembly (20) is configurable in an unfolded state characterized by a substantially uninterrupted aerodynamic surface when the flyer is in the second state. The flyer assembly (10) is launched from an artillery cannon, and can thus reach a target quickly, without expending energy stored with theflyer. During launch, the flwyer is coupled to the shroud so as to maintain a portion of the flyer in tension during an acceleration of the flyer along eht flyer axis.
Abstract:
A flyer assembly is adapted for launching with, transit in, and deployment from an artillery shell having a central void region extending along a ballistic shell axis. The flyer assembly includes a jettisonable shroud and a flyer. The shroud extends along a shroud axis, and is positionable within the central void region with the shroud axis substantially parallel to the shell axis. The flyer is adapted to withstand a launch acceleration force along a flyer axis when in a first state, and to effect aerodynamic flight when in a second state. When in the first state, the flyer is positionable within the shroud with the flyer axis parallel to the shroud axis and the shell axis. The flyer includes a body member disposed about the flyer axis, and a foldable wing assembly mounted to the body member. The wing assembly is configurable in a folded state characterized by a plurality of nested wing segments when the flyer is in the first state. The wing assembly is configurable in an unfolded state characterized by a substantially uninterrupted aerodynamic surface when the flyer is in the second state. The flyer assembly is adapted to be launched from a ballistic delivery system such as an artillery cannon, and can thus reach a target quickly, without expending system energy stored within the flyer. During launch, the flyer is coupled to the shroud so as to maintain a portion of the flyer in tension during an acceleration of the flyer along the flyer axis resulting from the launch. The flyer assembly is adapted to withstand the high g-load an high temperature environments of a cannon launch, and can tolerate a set-back g load of about 16,000 g.