Mutually symbiotic aircraft systems
US10392109B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 2016 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/50
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An aircraft system includes a wing member and a plurality of unmanned aircraft systems selectively connectable to the wing member. The wing member has a generally airfoil cross-section, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The unmanned aircraft systems have a connected flight mode while coupled to the wing member and an independent flight mode when detached from the wing member. In the connected flight mode, the unmanned aircraft systems are operable to provide propulsion to the wing member to enable flight. The unmanned aircraft systems are operable to be launched from the wing member to perform aerial missions in the independent flight mode and are operable to be recovered by the wing member and returned to the connected flight mode. Thereafter, in the connected flight mode, the unmanned aircraft systems are operable to be resupplied by the wing member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.