System and method for modular unmanned aerial system

US10196143B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Jesse R. Quinlan · Yorktown, US
• Michael D. Patterson · Yorktown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 2, 2017
• Grant date: Feb 5, 2019
• Expiry date: Jul 26, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64C2211/00
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A modular Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) has first and second flight configurations, and includes an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) parent module and a plurality of UAV child modules. The parent module may have a fuselage, forward and aft wings connected to the fuselage, and a first plurality of flight propulsion devices. The child modules have a corresponding second plurality of flight propulsion devices. Each child module docks wingtip-to-wingtip with the parent module or an adjacent edge of a child module using the docking mechanisms. The child modules undock and separate from the forward wing and each other, and achieve controlled flight independently of the parent module while in the second flight configuration. A method for controlling the modular UAS is also disclosed.