Abstract:
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system provides for UAV deployment and remote, unattended operation with reduced logistics requirements. The system includes a launcher that can include one or more containers, or hangars, configured to house vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAVs. The system can further include a VTOL UAV orientation and charging module configured to mechanically position a UAV within a container and facilitate electrical mating and charging of a battery in the UAV. These operations, and others, can be performed by remote command that can initiate a series of pre-programmed steps. The UAV system can further include a power generation and storage subsystem, a security subsystem, a command and control subsystem and a communications subsystem. Command, control and communications can be provided between a remote station and the UAV.
Abstract:
An unmanned aerial system (UAS) including a sonotube deployable multicopter (SDM) having a plurality of rotors for propulsion, a plurality of extension arms, and a central pivot device. Each extension arm supports at least one of the plurality of rotors. The central pivot device supports the plurality of extension arms radially extending from the central pivot device. Pivotal movement of a first arm-support structure of the central pivot device relative to a second arm-support structure of the central pivot device rotates a first pair of the plurality of extension arms in unison relative to a second pair of the plurality of extension arms. The pivotal movement is biased to rotate the plurality of extension arms from a compact configuration to an expanded configuration while the UAS is airborne. The SDM configured to be held inside a sonoshell in the compact configuration.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for remote sensing using a drone. An apparatus for remote sensing using a drone includes: a drone station which communicates with a server through a satellite and includes a containment portion at an upper portion and a post portion at a lower portion; and a drone which is contained in a containment portion of the drone station and communicates with the drone station, and further includes: a solar panel which is installed at the drone station and converts solar energy into electric energy; an capacitor which is installed at the drone station and stores electric energy generated by the solar panel; and a charging container access deck which is installed at the containment portion and charges the drone.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a multicopter-assisted launch and retrieval system generally including: (1) a multi-rotor modular multicopter attachable to (and detachable from) a fixed-wing aircraft to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; (2) a storage and launch system usable to store the modular multicopter and to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; and (3) an anchor system usable (along with the multicopter and a flexible capture member) to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from wing-borne flight.
Abstract:
The present disclosure reveals a drone deployment system for use from an airborne aircraft such that the drone deployment system is capable of moving through the aircraft, picking up a drone with a grappling means attached to an extendable arm, moving to an opening in the aircraft, extending and deploying the drone. The drone deployment system is further capable of retrieving a drone by having the extendable arm extended out the opening in the aircraft, having the drone fly into the grappling means which then engages, holding the drone, and the extendable arm is then retractable so that the opening can be closed and the drone placed in storage.
Abstract:
The present invention includes pilotable capsules, detachable from an aircraft and aircrafts including such capsules. According to some embodiments, there may be provided one or more capsules capable of flight and designed to detachably connect to an aircraft. According to some embodiments, detachable capsules may be designed to carry cargo and/or passengers. According to some embodiments, detachable capsules may, after detachment, be piloted by pilots or by automated systems (unmanned) or a combination of the two.
Abstract:
An unmanned, towable air vehicle is described and includes electronic sensors to increase the detection range relative to the horizon detection limitations of a surface craft, an autogyro assembly to provide lift, and a controller to control operation the autogyro assembly for unmanned flight. A forward motive force powers the autogyro assembly to provide lift. In an example, the autogyro assembly includes a mast extending from the container, a rotatable hub on an end of the mast, and a plurality of blades connected to the hub for rotation to provide lift to the vehicle. In an example, an electrical motor rotates the blades prior to lift off to assist in take off. The electrical motor does not have enough power to sustain flight of the vehicle in an example.
Abstract:
A vehicle-based airborne wind turbine system having an aerial wing, a plurality of rotors each having a plurality of rotatable blades positioned on the aerial wing, an electrically conductive tether secured to the aerial wing and secured to a ground station positioned on a vehicle, wherein the aerial wing is adapted to receive electrical power from the vehicle that is delivered to the aerial wing through the electrically conductive tether; wherein the aerial wing is adapted to operate in a flying mode to harness wind energy to provide a first pulling force through the tether to pull the vehicle; and wherein the aerial wing is also adapted to operate in a powered flying mode wherein the rotors may be powered so that the turbine blades serve as thrust-generating propellers to provide a second pulling force through the tether to pull the vehicle
Abstract:
The system comprises an outer container which is fixed, directly and fully, in the hold of the transport aeroplane (AC), and in which there is an inner container that can be moved longitudinally and brought from a first or carrying position in which it is situated fully inside the outer container into a second or off-loading position (P2) in which it is longitudinally offset towards the rear of the aircraft (AC) so that a part of the inner container is then situated outside the transport aeroplane (AC).
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.