Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

US10287013B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Ralph C. Starace · Camarillo, US
• Robert August · Midland, US
• Douglas L. Fronius · San Marcos, US
• Francois Creasman · Poway, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 2, 2016
• Grant date: May 14, 2019
• Expiry date: Feb 5, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64U2201/20
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

One example embodiment includes a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The VTOL UAV includes a flight control system configured to provide avionic control of the VTOL UAV in a hover mode and in a level-flight mode. The VTOL UAV also includes a body encapsulating an engine and the flight control system. The VTOL UAV further includes a rotor disk coupled to the engine and configured to provide vertical thrust and cyclic pitch control in the hover mode and to provide horizontal thrust for flight during the level-flight mode.