Patent · US Active

Release and capture of a fixed-wing aircraft

US10933996B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
25References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 3, 2015
Grant dateMar 2, 2021
Priority date—
Expiry dateJun 4, 2038

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB64U80/82
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

In one embodiment, a system includes an unmanned, multirotor helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft. The multirotor helicopter may couple to the fixed-wing aircraft to support and hold the fixed-wing aircraft. The multirotor helicopter may then elevate the fixed-wing aircraft from a launch site to a release altitude. The multirotor helicopter may also accelerate the fixed-wing aircraft to a release speed and upon reaching the release speed, release the fixed-wing aircraft. The unmanned, multirotor helicopter may then return to the launch site.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.