Abstract:
A method and an apparatus for capturing a flying object (5) are revealed. The apparatus includes a generally linear fixture (2), such as a length of rope; a means for suspending (1) the fixture (2) across the path of the flying object (5); and one or more hooks (19) on the flying object (5). The method involves suspending the fixture (2) such that its orientation includes a component normal to the flying object's line of approach; striking the fixture (2) with the flying object (5), which causes the flying object (5) to rotate and decelerate, while the fixture (2) slides along a surface of the flying object (5) into a hook (19); capturing the fixture (2) in the hook (19); and retrieving the flying object (5) from the fixure (2).
Abstract:
An improved method of launching and retrieving a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) (10) is disclosed. The preferred method of launch involves carrying the UAV (10) up to altitude using a parasail (8) similar to that used to carry tourists aloft. The UAV is dropped and picks up enough airspeed in the dive to perform a pull-up into level controlled flight. The preferred method of recovery is for the UAV to fly into and latch onto the parasail tow line (4) or cables hanging off the tow line and then be winched back down to the boat (2).
Abstract:
A transportable ground station for a UAV includes a container in which the UAV may be transported and housed. The container includes a wireless or contact-based recharging station that recharges the UAV's batteries or other power sources after the UAV returns from a mission. The recharging station may be directly or indirectly connected to one or more solar panels that generate energy to power the recharging station. The ground station may be deployed virtually anywhere, from any vehicle (e.g., plane, train, boat, truck, etc.), and may operate over an extended period of time without human intervention.
Abstract:
Systems, apparatuses and methods for landing an unmanned aircraft on a mobile structure are presented. Sensors on the aircraft identify a predetermined landing area on a mobile structure. The aircraft monitors the sensor data to maintain its position hovering over the landing area. The aircraft estimates a future attitude of the surface of the landing area and determines a landing time that corresponds to a desired attitude of the surface of the landing area. The unmanned aircraft executes a landing maneuver to bring the aircraft into contact with the surface of the landing area at the determined landing time.
Abstract:
A rotary wing vehicle includes a body structure having an elongated tubular backbone or core, and a counter-rotating coaxial rotor system having rotors with each rotor having a separate motor to drive the rotors about a common rotor axis of rotation. The rotor system is used to move the rotary wing vehicle in directional flight.
Abstract:
An apparatus for launching a remotely piloted aircraft (50) from a submarine (100) comprises a tubular body (2) insertable into a mast (103) of the submarine (100), extending along a respective principal direction (C) and defining an ejector mouth (3) for the remotely piloted aircraft (50), a projectile (10) housed in the tubular body (2) and comprising the remotely piloted aircraft (50) and launching means (4) by which the projectile (10) is propelled into the air from the mast (103) of the submarine (100). The launching means (4) comprise a pneumatic ejection device (5) connected to the tubular body (2) and configured to push the projectile (10) out of the ejector mouth (3) until reaching a first height (Ql) and a fuel-driven propulsion unit (11) connected to the projectile (10), during launching, and designed to be activated when the projectile (10) is outside the tubular body (2) to propel it to a second height (Q2) greater than the first height (Ql).
Abstract:
A launch and capture system for capturing a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle having a thruster (104) and a duct (106) configured to direct airflow generated by the thruster includes a capture plate (120) and an extension (122). The capture plate is configured to alter the airflow and generate a force attracting the duct to the capture plate. The extension is coupled to the capture plate, and is configured to at least facilitate holding the VTOL vehicle against the capture plate.