Unmanned craft

US4410151A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Vereinigte Flugtechnische Werke Fokker GmbH

Inventors

• Heinz-Jochen Hoppner · Bremen, DE
• Ulrich Kramer · Bensberg, DE
• Hugo Sgarz · Lemwerder, DE
• Herbert Sadowski · Bremen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 28, 1980
• Grant date: Oct 18, 1983
• Expiry date: Aug 28, 2000

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64U2201/20
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle or craft is provided for propeller propulsion with start assist by a releasable rocket engine. The craft is launched from a silo of square-shaped cross-section containing the starter motor for the propeller, whose engine is started while the craft is still in the silo. Diagonally opposed corners of the silo are provided with rails, in which run guides on rudder fins of the craft. The wings are pivoted to the fuselage for deployment whereby the wing tips do not move forward. The rocket engine is jettisoned shortly after take-off by simple disengagement. Parts of the wings and/or the rear of the fuselage may be jettisoned shortly before the craft reaches the target area.