Abstract:
Disclosed is a data transfer method comprising: performing a refuelling process including receiving, by an aircraft (104), aircraft fuel from a first entity (for example, a tanker aircraft (102)), the first entity being remote from the aircraft (104); and, during the refuelling process, sending data between the aircraft (104) and a second entity (for example, the tanker aircraft (102)), the second entity being remote from the aircraft (104). The data is sent as a radio frequency signal having a frequency in the range 50GHz to 70GHz. Preferably, the data is sent as a radio frequency signal having a frequency in the range 57GHz to 66GHz, for example 60GHz.
Abstract:
The modular aircraft system includes a single fuselage (10) having a permanently installed empennage (12) and plural sets of wing modules (46a, 46b, 66a, 66b, 68a, 68b) and engine modules (56, 60, 64), with each wing and engine module optimized for different flight conditions and missions. The fuselage (10) and each of the modules are configured for rapid removal and installation of the modules to minimize downtime for the aircraft. Short wings (46a, 46b) having relatively low aspect ratio are provided for relatively high speed flight when great endurance and/or weight carrying capacity are not of great concern. Long wings (68a, 68b) having high aspect ratio are provided for longer range and endurance flights where speed is not absolutely vital. A medium span wing module (66a, 66b) is also provided. Turboprop (56), single turbojet (60), and dual turbojet (64) engine modules are provided for installation depending upon mission requirements.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a data transfer method comprising: performing a refuelling process including receiving, by an aircraft (104), aircraft fuel from a first entity (for example, a tanker aircraft (102)), the first entity being remote from the aircraft (104); and, during the refuelling process, sending data between the aircraft (104) and a second entity (for example, the tanker aircraft (102)), the second entity being remote from the aircraft (104). The data is sent as a radio frequency signal having a frequency in the range 50GHz to 70GHz. Preferably, the data is sent as a radio frequency signal having a frequency in the range 57GHz to 66GHz, for example 60GHz.
Abstract:
A system for connecting an all-wing carrier with a parasite flying unit, characterized in that the carrier (1) and the parasite flying unit (2) are connected via energy distribution means (11 a, 21a, 11b, 21b) configured to exchange energy bi-directionally, wherein the system further comprises a controller (41) configured to control the direction of the flow and the amount of said energy.
Abstract:
An automatic-piloting system (15) configured for being set on a receiver aircraft (1) and for controlling operations of in-flight refuelling of said receiver aircraft (1), comprising: first detection means (8), set on the receiver aircraft (1) and configured for acquiring first geometrical information associated to a first detection area (22) and a second detection area (24) belonging to a tanker aircraft (20), the first and second detection areas being linked together by a geometrical relation known to the automatic-piloting system (15); processing means (14), configured for determining, on the basis of the first geometrical information acquired, first position information associated to a relative position of the receiver aircraft (1) with respect to the tanker aircraft (20); and an automatic-pilot device (2) coupled to the processing means (14) and configured for varying flight parameters of the receiver aircraft (1) on the basis of the first position information.
Abstract:
An unmanned aerial vehicle comprising at least one rotor motor. The rotor motor is powered by a micro hybrid generation system. The micro hybrid generator system comprises a rechargeable battery configured to provide power to the at least one rotor motor, a small engine configured to generate mechanical power, a generator motor coupled to the small engine and configured to generate AC power using the mechanical power generated by the small engine, a bridge rectifier configured to convert the AC power generated by the generator motor to DC power and provide the DC power to either or both the rechargeable battery and the at least one rotor motor, and an electronic control unit configured to control a throttle of the small engine based, at least in part, on a power demand of at least one load, the at least one load including the at least one rotor motor.
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:
An aircraft is provided and includes a fuselage, first and second wings extending outwardly from opposite sides of the fuselage, proprotors operably disposed on each of the first and second wings to drive vertical take-off and landing aircraft operations and horizontal flight aircraft operations and a refueling system including at least one fuel tank disposed in at least one or more of the fuselage, the first wing or the second wing and a refueling apparatus. The refueling apparatus is coupled to the at least one fuel tank such that fuel is movable with respect to the at least one fuel tank during aircraft ground and aerial operations.
Abstract:
An unmanned aerial vehicle comprising at least one rotor motor. The rotor motor is powered by a micro hybrid generation system. The micro hybrid generator system comprises a rechargeable battery configured to provide power to the at least one rotor motor, a small engine configured to generate mechanical power, a generator motor coupled to the small engine and configured to generate AC power using the mechanical power generated by the small engine, a bridge rectifier configured to convert the AC power generated by the generator motor to DC power and provide the DC power to either or both the rechargeable battery and the at least one rotor motor, and an electronic control unit configured to control a throttle of the small engine based, at least in part, on a power demand of at least one load, the at least one load including the at least one rotor motor.