Abstract:
The present invention is generally comprised of a sonotube-compatible unmanned aerial vehicle apparatus, hereinafter referred to as a UAV, and systems for launch and control of the UAV. The UAV is generally comprised of modular sections including a nose section, a payload section, a wing and fuel tank section, and a powerplant section. The modular sections are attached to adjacent sections by uniform lock sealing rings and related components. The present invention comprises an apparatus enabling very small, man portable, ballistically launched, autonomously or semi-autonomously controlled vehicle to be deployed with preprogrammed, communicated, or telemetry mission programming. A wide range of payload packages, including emergency supplies, sensors, and antenna assemblies, may be carried, used or deployed in flight. Man-portable operation is accomplished by the use of a launch canister apparatus. The launch canister comprises retractable launch stabilizing legs, turbine engine exhaust orifices, and various antennas. The launch canister apparatus alternatively comprises a modified type "A", "B", or "C" sonotube launch canister. The system of the invention also comprises a portable Command, Control, Communications, Computer, and Intelligence (C4I) control and sensing analysis console. The console is preferably ruggedized, waterproof, shockproof, and comprises necessary control and analysis computers, input/output devices, antennas, and related hardware and software for vehicle and mission control. A C4I console and/or launch canisters may be transported by means of a backpack adapted for man portability.
Abstract:
An unmanned aerial vehicle that includes symmetrical wings, tail section and internal compartments. The wings which include the only control surfaces can be attached to either side of the aircraft. An engine and a payload are non-symmetrically attached modules. Assembly and disassembly is performed with quick release pin and plate latches, quarter turn fasteners and guides that prevent improper assembly. The compartments include quick release hatch covers for the various internal craft compartments.
Abstract:
An unmanned air vehicle (UAV) having a fuselage, a foldable propulsion means to generate thrust leading to the UAV movement, a driving means to drive the propulsion means and a plurality of flight control surfaces actuators are further included. The UAV further includes at least one pair of foldable wings where the rear portion of the wings is pivotally attached to the fuselage. The wings having at least one roll control surface hinged to at least one of the foldable wings. At least a pair of tail stabilizers having ruddervators flight control surfaces hinged to the tail stabilizers. In a fully extended position or in ready to fly state position, each of the foldable wings are deployed perpendicular to one another and perpendicular to the fuselage to form an offset-x shaped wings, and in a stowed position, each of the wings are positioned parallel to one another and positioned parallel to the fuselage.
Abstract:
A remotely controlled or autonomously controlled UAV is disclosed. The UAV has both wings and a deployable parachute to enable both fixed wing flight and paraglider flight. The UAV can fly at a higher speed to a mission area as a fixed wing craft, and loiter over the area as a powered paraglider. In some embodiments, the wings are jettisoned over the mission area and the UAV configured as a powered paraglider completes its mission. In other embodiments the UAV flies to the mission area as a fixed wing craft, deploys the parachute to loiter as a powered paraglider and then jettisons the parachute to fly under a fixed wing back to a base. The former embodiment cannot fly back to a base, they may be used to carry and deploy bombs or grenades, while the latter may be used for surveillance, deliver supplies or the like.
Abstract:
A remotely controlled UAV is disclosed. The UAV includes a parachute, with a cylindrical power and control module suspended vertically below the parachute. In one embodiment, a propulsion source is mounted on top of the power and control module with control lines connected to the module below the propulsion source, and in another embodiment the power and control module is suspended from a point above a propulsion source. The UAV may be flown under a parachute and guided by remote control, or the control module (fuselage) may be released from the parachute and extendable fixed wings deployed to enable the UAV to be flown as a fixed wing vehicle.
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:
A technique is directed to launching an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The technique involves attaching a UAV launcher to a hand-held weapon, and installing a UAV onto the UAV launcher while the UAV launcher is attached to the hand-held weapon. The technique further involves activating the hand-held weapon to launch the UAV into flight from the UAV launcher. Since a user already may be carrying the hand-held weapon for firing ammunition, the user simply needs to further carry the UAV launcher and the UAV which, in some situations, can be packaged into an easy-to-carry container such as a backpack, a carrying case, and so on.
Abstract:
The embodiments herein disclose a personal UAV kit for storing, preparing and remote control of micro UAVs (40). The UAV kit includes a base unit (10), a control unit (30) and at least one UAV. The UAVs can typically be a winged aircraft with foldable wings or a helicopter with a two-bladed or foldable rotor. The base unit comprises UAV compartments for housing at least one UAV, bay (14) for storing the control unit, batteries and electronic components for charging, communication, control and processing and storing of data. In addition, the system includes an eye near display device for viewing system information and sensor data, typically live video, transmitted from the UAV.
Abstract:
A collapsible wing, methods of producing the collapsible wing, and an unmanned aircraft system that includes the collapsible wing are provided.
Abstract:
A portable unmanned aerial vehicle or aircraft, capable of being easily carried by a single individual by means of a mounting device, which can be fastened on a belt or strap. The aerial vehicle comprises a wing attached at one end to a fan or turbine assembly. The fan or turbine assembly may be electrically driven, with power supplied by one or more batteries. In flight, the fan or turbine assembly causes the aerial vehicle to rotate around its center-of-mass (COM), with lift provided by the wing as it rotates. A camera is located on the aircraft at or near the COM.