Multi-modal flying airplane and underwater glider

US10661623B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy · US

Inventors

• Daniel J. Edwards · Monroe, US
• Jeffrey W. Book · Slidell, US
• Trent Young · Brisbane, AU
• Andrew J. Quaid · New Orleans, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 1, 2018
• Grant date: May 26, 2020
• Expiry date: Mar 1, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T50/10
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A multi-modal vehicle includes a main fuselage body; one or more wings extending from the main fuselage body and having a shape configured to provide aerodynamic lift when the vehicle travels through the air and hydrodynamic lift when the vehicle travels through the water; and a buoyancy control engine situated within the vehicle and configured to control the buoyancy of the vehicle relative to surrounding water when the vehicle is submerged in water, thereby providing a buoyancy force to selectively propel the vehicle upwards and downwards, respectively, through the water.