Systems and methods for recovering and controlling post-recovery motion of unmanned aircraft

US9944408B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• IN-SITU, INC. · US

Inventors

• Robert Gilchrist, III · Jackson, US
• John W. Stafford · Summit, US
• Brian D. Dennis · White Salmon, US
• Allen Smith · Springfield, US
• Jaime Mack · White Salmon, US
• Steven M. Sliwa · Town of West Hartford, US
• Bradley Louis Schrick · Hood River, US
• Robert Hughes · Springfield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 21, 2011
• Grant date: Apr 17, 2018
• Expiry date: Jul 2, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64U70/30
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Systems and methods for recovering unmanned aircraft and controlling post-recovery motion of the aircraft are disclosed herein. An aircraft recovery system for handling an unmanned aircraft in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a base portion and an elongated aircraft capture member having a first end movably coupled to the base portion and a second, free end opposite the first end. The aircraft capture member includes a first portion and a second portion at a distal end of the first portion and positioned to intercept an unmanned aircraft in flight. The first and/or second portions are generally flexible. The system further includes an energy capture and dissipation assembly operably coupled to the aircraft capture member and positioned to receive at least a portion of the landing forces from the aircraft.