Abstract:
Aircraft systems that are optimized for multiple phases of flight are disclosed. In an aspect, an in-line staged aircraft is disclosed comprising a launch vehicle and a flight vehicle which are configured to join together along a common center line and form a single air foil in the joined configuration. The flight vehicle and the launch vehicle are separable in flight. In an aspect, the flight vehicle is an unmanned aerial vehicle configured for high-altitude, long-endurance operations.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a system for carrying and dropping ammunition for a transport airplane. The system includes a container which contains at least one load, in particular ammunition, which is capable of being brought into a drop position, in which a portion is located outside the airplane, and from which a load can be dropped, usually by simply releasing said load.
Abstract:
A system and methods for airborne launch and recovery of aircraft. In one embodiment the system comprises a flexible tether configured to be towed behind an airborne mother ship. A drag device is secured to a distal end of the flexible tether to generate drag and maintain tension in the flexible tether. A reel associated with the mother ship anchors a proximal portion of the flexible tether and selectively lets out and takes up the flexible tether to adjust a length of the flexible tether. A capture mechanism associated with the aircraft engages the flexible tether to secure the aircraft to the flexible tether. In certain embodiments of the present methods, a flexible tether is deployed from an airborne mother ship. An aircraft translates forward and rearward along the flexible tether. Alternatively, the aircraft translates forward and rearward as the flexible tether taken up and let out from the mother ship. Prior to launch, the weight of the aircraft is transferred from the flexible tether to the wings. During recovery, the weight of the aircraft is transferred from the wings to the flexible tether.
Abstract:
Methods and systems are provided which may allow a first vehicle to recover a second air vehicle while both are moving. The first vehicle and the second air vehicle may be traveling at different velocities. An attachment member of the second air vehicle may attach to a recovery member of the first vehicle while the first vehicle and the second air vehicle are traveling at different velocities. The recovery member attached to the second air vehicle may move relative to and along an exterior surface of the first vehicle in a direction substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the first vehicle.
Abstract:
A system is disclosed whereby a sensor, communication device, or other payload may be lofted to an operational altitude and maintained over an area of interest for some time by a relatively inexpensive and disposable buoyant aircraft, then returned intact to its point of origin or another desired location by a reusable but also relatively inexpensive non-buoyant aircraft. Automatic unpiloted control is used for all stages of flight, including ascent, loiter, return, and landing Specialized equipment can be provided to simplify launch procedures, reducing the number of personnel required to operate the system.
Abstract:
An unmanned aerial vehicle mounts a payload section to an air delivery vehicle. The air delivery vehicle includes deployable wings and tail fins for gliding or powered flight. A set of propeller blades are provided for powered flight. The propeller blades are mounted for movement from a stowed position to deployed position extending radially from the fuselage for powered flight.
Abstract:
A system is disclosed whereby a sensor, communication device, or other payload may be lofted to an operational altitude and maintained over an area of interest for some time by a relatively inexpensive and disposable buoyant aircraft, then returned intact to its point of origin or another desired location by a reusable but also relatively inexpensive non-buoyant aircraft. Automatic unpiloted control is used for all stages of flight, including ascent, loiter, return, and landing Specialized equipment can be provided to simplify launch procedures, reducing the number of personnel required to operate the system.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for starting propeller driven aircraft and other devices are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a removable fixture that is coupled to the propeller and has at least one portion exposed to a flowstream to rotate the propeller during engine start-up. The fixture is configured to separate from the propeller after the engine begins to turn over (e.g., after the engine starts and/or rotates above a threshold rate). Accordingly, the system can include a releasable link between the fixture and the propeller.
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:
Methods and systems for starting propeller driven aircraft and other devices are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a removable fixture that is coupled to the propeller and has at least one portion exposed to a flowstream to rotate the propeller during engine start-up. The fixture is configured to separate from the propeller after the engine begins to turn over (e.g., after the engine starts and/or rotates above a threshold rate). Accordingly, the system can include a releasable link between the fixture and the propeller.