Abstract:
Electrically operated propellant thrust assist supplements an airplane's takeoff, landing or inflight maneuvers. Unlike conventional SRM propellants, the burn rate of the electrically operated propellant can be varied via an electrical input and even extinguished by interrupting the electrical to control a secondary thrust profile (e.g., amplitude, transition rates) to fulfill the needs of a given takeoff, inflight or landing maneuver and provide a smooth transition in and out of the maneuver. Multiple pairs of fixed thrusters (opposite sides of the fuselage), a single pair of gimbaled thrusters or a hybrid of fixed and gimbaled thrusters may be configured to provide all such maneuvers. Flight control inputs are passed back and forth through an interface to enable the thrust assist.
Abstract:
A law enforcement drone system is provided. The system features an unmanned aerial vehicle, having a wireless transceiver, an airframe, a propulsion system, a navigation mechanism, a processor, a memory, a power source, and at least one fuel tank. The system also features a control system having a wireless transceiver, an input device, capable of receiving a user's input and converting the user's input to electrical signals, a processor, and a memory. The control system is in wireless communication with the vehicle such that the control system is capable of utilizing the propulsion system in substantially real-time.
Abstract:
An unmanned aerial combat vehicle system is disclosed. The system provides for an unmanned aerial combat vehicle that is capable of performing reconnaissance, disrupting enemy communications, or delivering a weaponized payload. The unmanned aerial combat vehicle may also be equipped with a cloaking mechanism, where it can mask it' s heat signature, or simulate an image on its outer surface.
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.
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.
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:
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:
The remotely piloted aircraft has control surfaces asymmetrical in the pitch and yaw planes, a sensor, and a guidance system operative in the terminal portions of the flight of the aircraft in a yaw-to- turn mode with a zero roll rate. The system has a directional sensor for providing azimuth and elevation error signals. A device provides guidance signals indicative of the rate of change of the azimuth and elevation signals. A guidance programmer responds to the guidance signals for providing pitch control and yaw control signals. An altitude sensor provides an altitude control signal. Roll, pitch and yaw rate gyros provide a rate control signal and a three axis autopilot.
Abstract:
An unmanned aerial combat vehicle system is disclosed. The system provides for an unmanned aerial combat vehicle that is capable of performing reconnaissance, disrupting enemy communications, or delivering a weaponized payload. The unmanned aerial combat vehicle may also be equipped with a cloaking mechanism, where it can mask it's heat signature, or simulate an image on its outer surface.
Abstract:
An unmanned aerial vehicle including a controller operating in a search mode of operation where a receiver of an acquisition sensor searches for a target and causes flight control surfaces to guide the vehicle in a downward spiral path, a terminal mode of operation where the acquisition sensor detects a target and causes flight control surfaces to direct the vehicle toward the target, and an activation mode of operation where a trigger sensor detects a target within a predetermined distance to the vehicle and the controller activates a responder.