Flat plate airfoil platform vehicle
US12330798B2 · kind B2 · utility
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22References
16Claims
0Family size
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Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 18, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/50
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Towed aerodynamic platforms approach the behavior of flat plate airfoils to achieve high lift-to-drag (L:D) performance when operated at low pitch angles. A lead aircraft may tow multiple platforms to form train units. Low form drag and high L:D enable solar aircraft that are more robust and faster than approaches extending wingspan rather than extending the length of the aerial train. Applications extend beyond solar aircraft and include vehicles towed along an overhead monorail system and aerial drones.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.