Method and device for launching aerial vehicles
US7530527B2 · kind B2 · utility
90Cited by
35References
17Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 20, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 12, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/202
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A heavier-than-air air vehicle, particularly a long endurance, solar powered, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intended for “perpetual” flight within the stratosphere, is carried to its operational altitude suspended on a tether from a helium balloon. The tether is attached at or towards a tip of the UAV's wing so that it is carried in effectively a 90° banked attitude. At the desired altitude the UAV's powerplant is started and it flies on its tether in an upwardly-spiralling path relative to the balloon until a level or near level attitude is attained, when the tether is released and the UAV is permitted to assume free flight.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.