Abstract:
A system for landing UAV's comprising a slingshot structure (25) that includes a central arm (26) and an axis means (45) installed along the central arm of the structure and wherein it enables the central arm to move around it in addition, the system comprises base means (50) connecting the axis means to a platform (20) at which the system is installable. The system also include a controlled pulling and braking means (55) that connects between lower end of the central arm of the structure and the platform upon which the system is installable and an assembly (35), essentially formed as a substantially 'Y' shape part that is installable unto the top end of the central arm of the structure and a stretchable elastic means (30) installed in a stretched manner at a gap formed between the two arms of the assembly and set to connect with a landing UAV(15). At the landing phase, the controlled pulling and braking means of the system, essentially brakes the motion of the central arm of the structure that is propelled to revolve around the system's axis means, from a time that the UAV forms contact with the elastic means and with it propels the structure to move around the axis means.
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.
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 in simplified Chinese:本发明揭示一可不管其方位而咬合的连接器之二具体实施例。一具体实施例系自发地咬合及解开,而当作用于复原、接合、再充电及重新发射无人飞行载具之系统的一部份。另一具体实施例被使用在船之甲板上,以有利于提供不同功能的各种设备之咬合及解开,以重新建构该艘船。因为两具体实施例被建构用于超过360度连接,而不管角度方位,它们系特别适合用于严苛环境,包括自发操作、汹涌之海面、黑暗等。
Abstract:
A technique is directed to launching an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The technique involves positioning a UAV launcher over a ground location. The technique further involves installing, after the UAV launcher is positioned over the ground location and prior to launching the UAV, an anchor into the ground location to anchor the UAV launcher to the ground location. The technique further involves operating, after the UAV launcher is anchored to the ground location, the UAV launcher to impart launching force onto the UAV to launch the UAV, the anchor holding the UAV launcher substantially in place at the ground location to minimize energy loss as the UAV launcher imparts launching force onto the UAV. In some arrangements, the UAV launcher is capable of pivoting while remaining anchored between launches to accommodate changes in wind direction while maintaining substantial connection to the ground location for enhanced consistency and performance.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide improvements to UAV launching systems. The disclosed launching system eliminates the use of hydraulic fluid and compressed nitrogen or air by providing an electric motor-driven tape that causes movement of a shuttle along a launcher rail.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus configured to automatically retrieve, service, and launch an aircraft. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a weighted cable, and pulls it at low relative speed into a broad aperture of the apparatus. In certain instances, the cable is dragged along guiding surfaces of the apparatus into and through a slot until its free end is captured. The aircraft becomes anchored to the apparatus, and is pulled downward by the cable into a receptacle. Guiding surfaces of the receptacle adjust the position and orientation of a probe on the aircraft, directing the probe to mate with a docking fixture of the apparatus. Once mated, the aircraft is automatically shut down and serviced. When desired, the aircraft is automatically started and tested in preparation for launch, and then released into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle is thus accomplished with a simple, economical apparatus.
Abstract:
This disclosure pertains to the field of small-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The delta wing vehicle consists of an isosceles triangular shaped lifting body milled from Styrofoam. The longitudinal axis is approximately 65% of the lateral axis. The horizontal wing projections, or tiplets, are attached to the main lifting body at an approximately 10 degree upward angle from horizontal, have a 30 degree sweep back leading edge, and each one comprises 5% of the total wing area. The airfoil is a rhomboid or diamond shape. The chord is swept back at a 45-degree angle from the longitudinal centerline. The airfoil is symmetrical about the longitudinal center. The aircraft is controlled by a set of combined elevator/aileron surfaces (elevons) at the rear as well as a vertical stabilizer/rudder combination. This resulting lightweight UAV can make flat (unbanked) unbanked turns, fly in high winds, and has superior flexibility in payload capability.
Abstract:
The self-sustaining drone aircraft freight and observation system (5) comprises a fleet of jet-powered drone aircraft (10) designed to carry freight (12) only. The drones (10) operate from a separate airfield in outlying areas to decrease land costs and to avoid disturbing residential and business areas. Navigation is automated using guidance from GPS satellites (16), and the aircraft (10) can be assisted by a hydraulic catapult (13) during takeoff to reduce the fuel payload. The observation component (18) includes sensors that can observe weather conditions and emergency signals from boats, ships and other sources. The system (5) may include a large-scale energy production center and multi-acre vegetable, herb and flower production center (26). The energy production center includes solar panels (30), fuel cells (38), and batteries (44). Thus, the system (5) does not need to be connected to the public utility electrical grid.
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.