Abstract:
A sonar buoy includes a fuselage having a tube-like shape, one or more wings coupled to the fuselage, an engine coupled to the fuselage and operable to propel the sonar buoy through flight, and a guidance computer operable to direct the sonar buoy to a predetermined location. The sonar buoy further includes a sonar detachably coupled to the fuselage and forming at least a part of the fuselage, and a rocket motor detachably coupled to the fuselage. The one or more wings are operable to be folded into a position to allow the sonar buoy to be disposed within a launch tube coupled to a vehicle and to automatically deploy to an appropriate position for flight after the sonar buoy is launched from the launch tube. The rocket motor propels the sonar buoy from the launch tube and detaches from the fuselage after launch.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for a transforming aerial vehicle according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a launch system configured to rotate the aerial vehicle about its longitudinal axis. A lifting surface pivotally connected to the aerial vehicle may be positioned such that the rotation of the aerial vehicle causes the lifting surface to generate a lifting force on the aerial vehicle. This lift causes the aerial vehicle to rise gyroscopically before the lifting surface is rotated to a second position such that the aerial vehicle transforms from a gyroscopic mode to a fixed-wing aerial vehicle. The lifting surface may then be rotated again to allow the aerial vehicle to land as an auto gyro.
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 invention provides a system, method and landing device for landing an aircraft (50) with respect to a predetermined landing location (P). The aircraft is configured for powered flight at least when the parafoil (60) is deployed, and includes an automatic landing system for controllably executing a landing approach maneuver for the aircraft while in free powered flight with the parafoil deployed to enable the aircraft to be brought into overlying proximity with the landing location. A landing device in the form of an energy absorbing landing net arrangement (20) is provided at the landing location for enabling the aircraft to be landed thereon at least partially vertically when in overlying proximity, and for dampening the landing impact of the aircraft.
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:
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:
휴대용 무인 항공 시스템(UAS) 발사장치는 내부 트랙을 갖는 레일 조립체, 및 내부 트랙 내에서 이동하도록 구성된 베이스를 갖는 캐리지 조립체를 포함한다. 캐리지 조립체는 또한 UAS를 지지하도록 구성된 크래들, 및 크래들을 베이스 위에 지지하도록 구성된 브래킷을 포함한다. UAS 발사장치는 발사 제어 시스템을 포함하며, 발사 제어 시스템은 발사 제어 시스템이 발사 신호를 수신할 때까지 캐리지 조립체를 발사-준비 위치에 고정시키도록 구성된다. UAS 발사장치는 또한 캐리지 조립체 및 레일 조립체와 맞물리도록 구성된 하나 이상의 탄성 부재를 포함한다. 일단 캐리지 조립체가 발사-준비 위치로 이동되면, 하나 이상의 탄성 부재에 의해 긴장이 캐리지 조립체에 가해진다. 캐리지 조립체의 해제는 탄성 부재의 긴장에 의해 발생된 힘이 캐리지 조립체를 발사 위치를 향해 추진시키는 것을 가능하게 한다.