Payload delivery vehicle and method
US7753315B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF42B12/625
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An un-manned multi-stage payload delivery vehicle and methods of deployment therefore are disclosed. According to various embodiments, the payload delivery vehicle includes first stage and a second stage. At least one of the first and second stages comprises a jet engine. According to various embodiments, methods of deploying the payload delivery vehicle include the steps of launching the payload delivery vehicle from a launch site, controlling the flight of the payload delivery vehicle in accordance with one or more deployment parameters, deploying a payload attached to the payload delivery vehicle, and controlling the flight of the payload delivery vehicle subsequent to payload deployment such that the payload delivery vehicle is flown to a pre-determined location for recovery and reuse.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.