Abstract:
An air vehicle configured to augment effective drag to change the rate of descent of the air vehicle in flight via propeller shaft rotation direction reversal, i.e., thrust reversal.
Abstract:
There is provided an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) including an engine and an airframe, including means for performing a deep stall maneuver at least one inflatable sleeve connected or connectable to the airframe, and means for inflating the sleeve during flight, wherein the inflated sleeve extends along the lower side of the airframe so as to protect same during deep stall landing. A method for operating an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV), including an engine and an airframe is also provided.
Abstract:
A system for controlling flight of an aircraft has sensors (37, 43), a receiver (45), and a digital control system (57), all of which are carried aboard the aircraft. The sensors (37, 43) determine the position of the aircraft relative to the earth and the inertial movement of the aircraft. The receiver (45) receives transmitted data (51, 55) communicating the position and movement of a reference vehicle relative to the earth. The control system (57) calculates the position and velocity of the aircraft relative to the reference vehicle using the data from the sensors (37, 43) and the receiver (45) and then commands flight control devices (33) on the aircraft for maneuvering the aircraft in a manner that maintains a selected position and/or velocity relative to the reference vehicle. The system allows use of a graphical or tactile user interfaces.
Abstract:
A modular unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a fuselage, a nose cone, a left wing piece, a right wing piece, and a tail section. The tail section and nose cone each join to the fuselage through mating bulkhead structures that provide quick connection capability while being readily separated so as to enable the UAV to break apart at these connection points and thereby absorb or dissipate impact upon landing. The UAV is capable of rapid assembly in the field for two-man launch and data retrieval, as well as quick disassembly into these five component parts for transport and storage in a highly compact transport case that can be carried as a backpack.
Abstract:
A method for transferring airplanes and an unmanned airplane transfer system. The airplane transferring system includes: receiving a transfer signal responsive of a movement of an airplane control component; and transferring an airplane, by an unmanned airplane transfer system, in response to the transfer signal.
Abstract:
A modular component set is configurable to form a plurality of flight capable platforms. A plurality of end pieces each has contiguously connected curved outer portions each longitudinally expanding from a tip to terminate at a blunt attachment face. Body members have opposed ends to receive the end piece blunt attachment face, and a rectangular shaped mid-portion having opposed walls. A plurality of task specific panels are each releasably connectable to one of the opposed walls. At least one of the body members with the end pieces joined at the opposed ends, and at least one of the task specific panels connected to one of the opposed walls form a minimum component set for each of the flight capable platforms.
Abstract:
Disclosed is an aircraft, configured to have a wide range of flight speeds, consuming low levels of power for an extended period of time, while supporting a communications platform with an unobstructed downward-looking view. The aircraft includes an extendable slat at the leading edge of the wing, and a reflexed trailing edge. The aircraft comprises a flying wing extending laterally between two ends and a center point. The wing is swept and has a relatively constant chord. The aircraft also includes a power module configured to provide power via a fuel cell. The fuel cell stores liquid hydrogen as fuel, but uses gaseous hydrogen in the fuel cell. A fuel tank heater is used to control the boil-rate of the fuel in the fuel tank. The aircraft of the invention includes a support structure including a plurality of supports, where the supports form a tetrahedron that affixes to the wing.
Abstract:
A method for landing a fixed wing aircraft is provided in which an inversion maneuver is performed so that the aircraft's back is facing the ground, and the aircraft's underside is facing away from the ground. After initiation or completion of this maneuver, deep stall is induced, and the aircraft descends almost vertically to land on its upper side, thus minimizing impact loads or damage on its underside. In a particular aerodynamic arrangement configured for carrying out the method, a flap (24), which may be stowed during normal flight, is deployed in a manner such as to aerodynamically induce a negative pitching moment on the aircraft and deep stall.