Rail recovery system for aircraft
US9010683B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 11, 2012 |
| Grant date | Apr 21, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 26, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U70/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention's side-arm recovery system enables large Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) to operate from small vessels or from ground sites with a minimal footprint. The side-arm recovery system allows arresting an UAS independent of a runway. On the ground or on a ship, the system makes use of a specialized crane system that includes capture and energy absorption devices. A fuselage-mounted top hook snags a horizontal cable and the arresting forces act in the plane of symmetry through the central structure of the UAS. After the capture energy is absorbed, the recovery system safely lowers the aerial vehicle to a ground handling cart. The same system can be combined into a launcher and retriever system which further reduces the footprint by eliminating the need for a separate launcher.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.