Abstract:
This disclosure generally relates to an automotive drone deployment system that includes at least a vehicle and a deployable drone that is configured to attach and detach from the vehicle. More specifically, the disclosure describes the vehicle and drone remaining in communication with each other to exchange information while the vehicle is being operated in an autonomous driving mode so that the vehicle's performance under the autonomous driving mode is enhanced.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for capturing and controlling post-recovery motion of an unmanned aircraft are disclosed herein. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, for example, can include a line capture assembly carried by an unmanned aircraft having a fuselage and a lifting surface. The line capture assembly can include a flexible support line having a first portion attached to an attachment point on the fuselage and a second portion extending from the attachment point spanwise along the lifting surface of the aircraft. The line capture assembly can also include an engagement device coupled to the second portion of the support line. The engagement device is releasably secured to the lifting surface.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for aircraft according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a fuselage and a wing. The fuselage may be configured to generate lift in response to airflow over the fuselage. In addition, the fuselage may have at least one hole defined therethrough. A spar may be disposed through the hole and extend into at least a portion of the wing and at least a portion of the fuselage. The spar may connect the fuselage to the wings.
Abstract:
An aircraft 1 comprising interchangeable wings 5 detachedly connected to a fuselage 3, each wing 5 containing the fuel and flight systems 13, 15 for engines 7 mounted to the wings 5, so that the fuselage 3 need contain no flight systems, simply a nullbusnull 23 for communication and the transfer of data between the wings.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a small-sized radio controlled flying device propelled by a thermal engine (20) with pusher type airscrew (19) for remote sensing, said device enabling short take-off and landing and flying at maximum speed of 35 Km/h. The device comprises a pod and wings, the pod (1) being a rigid tricycle carriage dismountable by disengagement of substantially pyramidal jig with rear base (2) and front apex (7), lower plane (3), two lateral planes (4, 5) and an upper plane (6), the base being a welded one-piece element and comprising the engine, the airscrew, a tank and the radio control, the apex being a welded one-piece element, the lower plane and the two lateral planes comprising spars (11, 12) at least assembled at the base and at the apex, the lower plane comprising at its three end angles two rear wheels (8) and a front wheel (9), the front wheel being provided to protrude towards the front in the apex and the wheels being low pressure tires, the wings (13) being a caisson-type supple parachute, said wings being connected to the pod in an adjustable fashion by two front slings (17), two braking slings (18) acting on the two flaps/ailerons.
Abstract:
Disclosed is an aircraft, configured to have a wide range of flight speeds, consuming low levels of power for an extended period of time, while supporting a communications platform with an unobstructed downward-looking view. The aircraft includes an extendable slat at the leading edge of the wing, and a reflexed trailing edge. The aircraft comprises a flying wing extending laterally between two ends and a center point. The wing is swept and has a relatively constant chord. The aircraft also includes a power module configured to provide power via a fuel cell. The fuel cell stores liquid hydrogen as fuel, but uses gaseous hydrogen in the fuel cell. A fuel tank heater is used to control the boil-rate of the fuel in the fuel tank. The aircraft of the invention includes a support structure including a plurality of supports, where the supports form a tetrahedron that affixes to the wing.
Abstract:
Disclosed is an aircraft, configured to have a wide range of flight speeds, consuming low levels of power for an extended period of time, while supporting a communications platform with an unobstructed downward-looking view. The aircraft includes an extendable slat at the leading edge of the wing, and a reflexed trailing edge. The aircraft comprises a flying wing extending laterally between two ends and a center point. The wing is swept and has a relatively constant chord. The aircraft also includes a power module configured to provide power via a fuel cell. The fuel cell stores liquid hydrogen as fuel, but uses gaseous hydrogen in the fuel cell. A fuel tank heater is used to control the boil-rate of the fuel in the fuel tank. The aircraft of the invention includes a support structure including a plurality of supports, where the supports form a tetrahedron that affixes to the wing.
Abstract:
An improved VTOL/STOL free wing aircraft providing damping and absorption of shock landing loads upon landing. A pair of resilient struts is provided, projecting forwardly from the trailing edge of either side of the fuselage when the fuselage is tilted. Preferably, the aircraft includes a pair of articulated tail booms, the strut being a portion of the tail boom extending forward from the pivot axis of the tail boom. Landing wheels are disposed on the strut in tandem spaced relationship. The resiliency of the strut causes the strut to act as a leaf spring and thus dampen shock landing loads. Operatively secured to the bottom surface of the fixed wing portions and the forward portion of the landing gear struts is a pair of dashpots for absorbing the shock landing loads.
Abstract:
A VTOL/STOL free wing aircraft includes a free wing having wings on opposite sides of a fuselage connected to one another respectively for free rotation about a spanwise access. Improved control upon landing of the aircraft is achieved by utilizing a variable pitch propulsion system, enabling the pitch of the propeller to be varied corresponding to the speed of the aircraft and angle of approach upon descent.
Abstract:
A VTOL/STOL free wing aircraft includes a free wing having wings on opposite sides of a fuselage connected to one another respectively adjacent fixed wing inboard or center root sections fixedly attached to the fuselage for free rotation about a spanwise access. Horizontal and vertical tail surfaces are located at the rear end of a boom assembly rotatably connected to the fuselage. A gearing or screw rod arrangement controlled by the pilot or remote control operator selectively relatively pivots the fuselage in relation to the tail boom assembly to enable the fuselage to assume a tilted or nose up configuration to enable VTOL/STOL flight.