System and method for deployment and retrieval of parasite aircraft
US11104439B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 16, 2018 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2101/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for deploying and retrieving a parasite aircraft includes a parasite aircraft with a dock and a carrier aircraft that includes a maneuverable capture device tethered to the carrier aircraft via a cable. The maneuverable capture device includes a plurality of rotors and is configured to dock in the dock of the parasite aircraft. A method of deploying a parasite aircraft includes positioning a parasite aircraft on a loading surface; positioning a carrier aircraft above the parasite aircraft; releasing, from the carrier aircraft, a maneuverable capture device comprising a plurality of rotors; securing the maneuverable capture device to a dock positioned on the parasite aircraft; lifting, via a cable secured at a first end to the carrier aircraft and at a second end to the maneuverable capture device, the parasite aircraft with the carrier aircraft; and releasing the parasite aircraft from the maneuverable capture device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.