Abstract:
A pod (34) containing sensors and/or targeting systems such as laser designators or range finders are hung on a cable (30) below an aircraft (12). The line (30) can be reeled in or out similar to towed decoys. This allows the aircraft (12) to operate above or in the cloud cover while the sensors/targeting equipment (34) are operating below the cloud cover to find the enemy forces.
Abstract:
An improved method of launching and retrieving a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicl e) (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:
An aircraft adapted for flight in helicopter mode with its longitudinal axis oriented generally vertically and in airplane mode with its longitudinal axis oriented generally horizontally is provided with the capability of launching and landing with the tail end directed skyward. The invention also includes improvements to the controllability and efficiency of aircraft in helicopter mode provided by the stabilizer wings and relative rotation of the fuselage section about the aircraft's longitudinal axis. The aircraft has an elongate boom positioned between the rear fuselage and the stabilizer wings for engagement with a base structure. The base structure may be attached to a building, a trailer transporter, a ship or some other structure. The base may be a beam having latching arms that swing inward when pressure from the boom is applied, then trap the boom in a recess between the latching arm and beam, thereby suspending the aircraft. An actuator for releasing the latching arms is provided to allow the aircraft to launch.
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:
En combinación, un sistema de recuperación aérea de aviones y avión (10; 51; 52; 616;); comprendiendo dicho sistema de recuperación aérea, como mínimo, un cabo de captación (20; 21; 76; 121; 212; 608; 610) mantenido en elevación como mínimo por un extremo superior por una estructura de soporte (8; 78; 600), quedando frenado el extremo inferior del cabo de captación; teniendo dicho avión un dispositivo de recogida (26) para recoger dicho cabo y una estructura de desviación para desviar dicho cabo lateralmente para establecer contacto con el dispositivo de recogida; caracterizado porque la estructura de soporte (8; 78; 600) se extiende desde un punto superior de suspensión para el cabo de captación a una base, y que la estructura de desviación comprende un ala de dicho avión, poseyendo dicha estructura de desviación, como mínimo, un ángulo de 15º dirigido hacia atrás o de 20º dirigido hacia adelante para desviar de manera más fiable dicho cabo de captación lateralmente con respecto a dicho dispositivo de recogida.