Abstract:
A refueling drogue assembly includes a drogue body coupled to a tanker aircraft, and at least one data transmission device coupled to the drogue body. The at least one data transmission device is configured to receive a transmission signal from a partner transmission device coupled to an airborne target aircraft. The transmission signal includes data to be stored. The drogue assembly further includes a data storage device coupled to the tanker aircraft. The data storage device is communicatively coupled to the at least one data transmission device. The data storage device is configured to receive the transmission signal and store the data.
Abstract:
A refueling drogue assembly includes a drogue body coupled to a tanker aircraft, and at least one data transmission device coupled to the drogue body. The at least one data transmission device is configured to receive a transmission signal from a partner transmission device coupled to an airborne target aircraft. The transmission signal includes data to be stored. The drogue assembly further includes a data storage device coupled to the tanker aircraft. The data storage device is communicatively coupled to the at least one data transmission device. The data storage device is configured to receive the transmission signal and store the data.
Abstract:
An automatic-piloting system configured for being set on a receiver aircraft and for controlling operations of in-flight refuelling of said receiver aircraft, comprising: first detection means, set on the receiver aircraft and configured for acquiring first geometrical information associated to a first detection area and a second detection area belonging to a tanker aircraft, the first and second detection areas being linked together by a geometrical relation known to the automatic-piloting system; processing means, configured for determining, on the basis of the first geometrical information acquired, first position information associated to a relative position of the receiver aircraft with respect to the tanker aircraft; and an automatic-pilot device coupled to the processing means and configured for varying flight parameters of the receiver aircraft on the basis of the first position information.
Abstract:
A system for positioning an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided including a position reference system including an electromagnetic radiation transmitter configured to modulate a transmission signal to encode location information associated with a coordinate system relative to the electromagnetic radiation transmitter. The system further includes an unmanned aerial vehicle including at least one control device configured to control a position of the unmanned aerial vehicle and an electromagnetic radiation receiver configured to receive the transmission signal. The unmanned aerial vehicle further includes a control system configured to control the at least one control device based at least in part on the location information received by the electromagnetic radiation receiver.
Abstract:
A system and method for the transfer of cryogenic fluid fuel includes a nozzle positionable with respect to fuel tank inlet, e.g., of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a seal to seal the area where the nozzle and inlet are connected, a collapsible and expandable bellows providing an isolation volume where the fluid is transferred from the nozzle into the inlet; a vacuum is provided in the volume to avoid accumulation of fuel or other species in the volume.
Abstract:
A system for positioning an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided including a position reference system including an electromagnetic radiation transmitter configured to modulate a transmission signal to encode location information associated with a coordinate system relative to the electromagnetic radiation transmitter. The system further includes an unmanned aerial vehicle including at least one control device configured to control a position of the unmanned aerial vehicle and an electromagnetic radiation receiver configured to receive the transmission signal. The unmanned aerial vehicle further includes a control system configured to control the at least one control device based at least in part on the location information received by the electromagnetic radiation receiver.
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:
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:
An apparatus and method for aerial recovery of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are provided. The apparatus includes a rigid base having a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is securely mounted to a floor of an aircraft. The apparatus further includes a servicing platform moveably mounted to the base and configured to move along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aircraft such that in an extended position, the servicing platform at least partially protrudes from a rear cargo door of the aircraft, wherein the servicing platform comprises a capturing mechanism configured to capture the UAV in the extended position.
Abstract:
An unmanned self-sustained fuel dispensing station for fuels of all sorts (gasoline, pesticides, water, fertilizers etc.) a tank, docking, and coupling system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) of the vertical takeoff types. The station can be independent of public power and communication utilities and can operate by remote control without an on-site attendant. The preferred system has a central command center with a control computer in communication with a station control computer located at one or more satellite stations through a communications link. The station control computer can be controlled remotely by the command center. The station control computer programming has control over the activities of the station through an electrical generation subsystem with a solar array, battery bank, battery charger and standby generator; a fuel dispensing subsystem; a security subsystem with video cameras; a communications link and a status sensor subsystem.