Method and apparatus for automated launch, retrieval, and servicing of a hovering aircraft

US8453966B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Aerovel Corporation · US

Inventors

• Brian T. McGeer · Underwood, US
• Andreas H. von Flotow · Hood River, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 9, 2010
• Grant date: Jun 4, 2013
• Expiry date: Jul 1, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64U80/25
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An aircraft capable of thrust-borne flight can be automatically retrieved, serviced, and launched using equipment suitable for use on a small vessel, or a base with similarly limited space or irregular motion. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a weighted cable, and pulls it at low relative speed into a broad aperture of a base apparatus. Continued translation of the aircraft may pull the cable clear of the apparatus, in which case it can continue in free flight and return for another retrieval attempt. Alternatively, the cable will be dragged along guiding surfaces of the apparatus into and through a slot or similar channel, until its free end is captured. The aircraft, having thus become anchored to the base station, is then pulled down by the cable into a receptacle. Guiding surfaces of the receptacle adjust the position and orientation of a probe on the aircraft, while directing the probe to mate with a docking fixture. Once mated to the fixture, the cable can be released and stored aboard the aircraft; the aircraft can be automatically shut down; and fueling or other servicing can be completed through appropriate connectors in the docking fixture. The aircraft can remain docked…