System and method for carrying an aeronautical or launch vehicle to altitude for release to flight
US11679900B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jun 20, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D1/12
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed are systems and methods for carrying an aeronautical or launch vehicle to altitude for release to independent flight. The system may comprise one or more mounting elements affixed to a carrier aircraft along a mounting axis and actuatable from a retention configuration to a release configuration. The retention configuration enables the mounting elements to secure the vehicle to the carrier aircraft. Actuation from retention configuration to release configuration releases the vehicle from the carrier aircraft. A detent element is configured to restrict movement of the vehicle rotationally about, and axially along, a roll axis of the vehicle with respect to the carrier aircraft when the vehicle is secured to the carrier aircraft. The system may include an adaptor beam to which each mounting element is fastened, and by which the affixing is achieved. The retention configuration may enable the mounting elements to secure the vehicle beneath the carrier aircraft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.