Aircraft capture system and method
US10676189B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 1, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/202
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An aircraft-to-aircraft retrieval system can be used to capture a remote aircraft for retrieval into and service by a transport aircraft during a flight mission. An aircraft capture device can be towed from the transport aircraft and brought into proximity with the remote aircraft during flight. A probe of the remote aircraft can be received within a receptacle of the aircraft capture device, and locking cables or locking arms of the aircraft capture device can be secured onto a portion of the probe. The aircraft capture device can be provided with an activation switch for detecting contact with the probe located in the receptacle and for transmitting an indication of the contact to initiate engagement of the probe. The aircraft capture device can be locked to the probe while it is reeled to the transport aircraft for retrieval of the remote aircraft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.