Maneuverable capture apparatus for airborne deployment and retrieval of parasite aircraft
US11008102B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 16, 2018 |
| Grant date | May 18, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2101/15
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In an embodiment, a maneuverable capture device includes a frame, a plurality of rotors secured to the frame, an attachment point disposed on the frame for securing a cable of a carrier aircraft to the frame, and an attachment feature configured to secure maneuverable capture device to a dock of a parasite aircraft. In an embodiment, a method of docking a maneuverable capture device with a parasite aircraft includes positioning a carrier aircraft above a parasite aircraft, releasing the maneuverable capture device attached to the carrier aircraft by a cable from the carrier aircraft, flying the maneuverable capture device to a dock of the parasite aircraft, and securing the maneuverable capture device to the dock of the parasite aircraft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.