Methods and apparatuses for launching and capturing unmanned aircraft, including a combined launch and recovery system
US7114680B2 · kind B2 · utility
84Cited by
105References
32Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 16, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 3, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for launching and capturing unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be launched from an apparatus that includes an extendable boom. The boom can be extended to deploy a recovery line to retrieve the aircraft in flight. The aircraft can then be retrieved from the recovery line. The boom can be retracted when not in use to reduce the volume it occupies.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.