Compound wing vertical takeoff and landing small unmanned aircraft system

US9708059B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINSTRATOR OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION · US

Inventors

• Michael Logan · Rancho Santa Margarita, US
• Mark A. Motter · Williamsburg, US
• Richard Zane DeLoach · Wentzville, US
• Thomas L. Vranas · Hampton, US
• Joseph M. Prendergast · Boulder, US
• Brittney N. Lipp · El Segundo, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 19, 2015
• Grant date: Jul 18, 2017
• Expiry date: Jul 12, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64U70/80
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices are provided that enable robust operations of a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) using a compound wing. The various embodiments may provide a sUAS with vertical takeoff and landing capability, long endurance, and the capability to operate in adverse environmental conditions. In the various embodiments a sUAS may include a fuselage and a compound wing comprising a fixed portion coupled to the fuselage, a wing lifting portion outboard of the fixed portion comprising a rigid cross member and a controllable articulating portion configured to rotate controllable through a range of motion from a horizontal position to a vertical position, and a freely rotating wing portion outboard of the wing lifting portion and configured to rotate freely based on wind forces incident on the freely rotating wing portion.