Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly between an aircraft pylon (30) and a turbomachine (20) of longitudinal axis (X), the pylon (30) and the turbomachine (20) each comprising front and rear longitudinal regions, the assembly comprising a rear support (40) configured to connect the rear region of the turbomachine (20) to the rear region of the pylon (30), the assembly being characterized in that the rear support (40) comprises a sliding pivot connection arranged between the rear region of the turbomachine (20) and the rear region of the pylon (30), so as to allow the turbomachine (20) only translational and rotational movements along and about the longitudinal axis (X) and along and about a vertical axis (Z) and a rotational movement about a transverse axis (Y).

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a fuselage, a pair of wings attached to the fuselage, and a propulsion system mounted to the wings to provide propulsion to the UAV. The fuselage has an outer fuselage shell that is a first mechanical support structure for an airframe of the UAV. The pair of wings is attached to the fuselage and shaped to provide aerodynamic lift. The wings have outer wing shells that are second mechanical support structures for the airframe. The outer fuselage shell or the outer wing shells comprise one or more formed-metal sheets.

Abstract: A system and method for replacing or retrofitting aircraft galley monuments that include standard inserts therein with monuments that include at least some spaces for larger non-standard inserts.

Abstract: Example flap actuation systems and related methods are disclosed herein. An example control surface actuation system includes processor circuitry to cause a first actuator to generate an output to operatively couple the first actuator to a first drive arm; cause a second actuator to generate an output to operatively couple the second actuator to a second drive arm; cause the first actuator and the second actuator to move a control surface when the first actuator and the second actuator are in an operative state; detect the first actuator as in a failed state; and in response to the first actuator being in the failed state, cause first actuator to refrain from generating the output to disrupt the operative coupling between the first actuator and the first drive arm; and cause the second actuator to move the control surface via the first drive arm and the second drive arm.

Abstract: A gyromesh solar sail spacecraft having a gyromesh of solar sail panel assemblies, each with a reflective solar sail. The gyromesh of solar sail panel assemblies distributed around a hub and rim with a cable structure, the cable structure having a plurality of radial cables and plurality of circular cables, the radial cables extending from the hub linearly and the plurality circular cables encircling the hub. The solar sail panels assemblies attached to at least one of the plurality of circular cables, at least a portion of the solar sail panel assemblies attached to the circular cables by a plurality of actuators, respectively, wherein centrifugal force keeps the plurality of radial cables, plurality of circular cables, and solar sail panels extended from the rim.

Abstract: An improved electrically powered rotorcraft is of the type having a rotor including a rotor hub and a pair of rotor blades mounted to the rotor hub on opposite sides thereof, the rotor being rotatably mounted on a primary drive shaft, and a rotary electric motor coupled to the drive shaft. In this rotorcraft, the improvement includes a common pitch-angle shaft coupled to each of the blades; a limited-angle electric motor, mechanically coupled to the common pitch-angle shaft, and configured to cause rotation of the common pitch angle shaft and therefore adjustment of pitch of the pair of rotor blades; and a controller system in communication with the limited-angle electric motor, configured to provide cyclic control of pitch of the pair of rotor blades.

Abstract: A hover-capable flying machine such as a drone includes a robotic arm extending from the body, and an instrumentality for balancing the machine in response to disturbances such as those caused by picking up and dropping of the payload by the extended robotic arm. In embodiments, the end of the arm is equipped with a balancing rotor assembly that may provide lift sufficient to counteract the weight of the payload and/or of the arm. In embodiments, the machine's power pack is shifted in response to the disturbances. The power pack may be moved, for example, on a rail within and/or extending beyond the machine in a direction generally opposite to the extended arm. The power pack may also be built into a bandolier-like device that can be rolled-in and rolled out, thus changing the center of gravity of the machine.

Abstract: A mechanically secure docking platform for unmanned VTOL aircraft (“drone”) or other automated vehicle, acting as an automated battery recharging system for drones or a battery quick change system for drones. The system also is capable of enabling an automated data logistics system for drones, an autonomous guidance system for landing and docking for drones, and/or an autonomous guidance system for undocking and takeoff for drones.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an aerial device body capable of flying in an unmanned manner, and a load-lowering device mounted to the aerial device body and configured to lower a load from the aerial device body. The load-lowering device has a linear member holder for holding a linear member having one end portion connectable to the load, the linear member holder holding at least the other end portion of the linear member, and a speed limiting mechanism that limits a speed at which the linear member is pulled out of the linear member holder, under a weight of the load.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus are provided for a high-power microwave sensor using an unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle may include a central body, at least one electric motor, and a barometric pressure feedthrough. The central body may include a first enclosure housing a plurality of low voltage components, a voltage feedthrough connector, and a second enclosure housing a plurality of high voltage components. The low voltage components may include a first signal processing system, a first radio transceiver, a flight controller, a second signal processing system, a second radio transceiver, and a navigation system. The high voltage components may include a plurality of electronic speed controllers, a power distribution module, an input power interface, and a plurality of high power filters. The components of each enclosure may be segregated such that the high voltage components do not create electromagnetic interference with the low voltage components.

Abstract: A separation device for a spacecraft or launcher, separation device being movable from a locked state, in which the separation device is arranged to lock onto a component of a spacecraft or launcher, to a released state, in which component is released, separation device including: an inner housing divided into at least two portions for locking onto component of spacecraft or launcher, and a locking arrangement arranged to move between a locking configuration and a releasing configuration, wherein the locking configuration is such that said at least two portions of inner housing are prevented from separating, wherein said locking arrangement includes: a first part arranged to at least partially enclose said at least two portions of inner housing when locking arrangement is in the locking configuration.

Abstract: A time-delay latch for securing a structure in a specified position includes a housing, a fluid chamber contained within the housing for holding fluid, a pin that extends through the fluid chamber and is axially movable within and through the fluid chamber, and a release frame movably secured within the housing. When the pin is in a latched position, the release frame engages with the pin to prevent axial movement of the pin. When the pin is in an unlatched position, the release frame disengages from the pin to allow axial movement of the pin. The axial movement of the pin between the latched position and the unlatched position requires a prescribed duration of time to elapse. During operation, the axial movement of the pin between the unlatched position and the latched position can occur faster than the prescribed duration of time.

Abstract: An aircraft has retractable landing gear configured to reciprocate between a deployed position and a stowed position. A landing gear door installation includes a first door rotatably coupled to the aircraft about a first axis for movement between a raided position and lowered position. The door installation further includes a second door located aft of the first door and coupled to the aircraft for movement between a first position when the landing gear is in the stowed position, and a second position when the landing gear is in the deployed position. A portion of the first door overlaps a portion of the second door when the first door is in the raised position and the second door is in the first position so that the first door blocks deployment of the second door to the second position.

Abstract: A self-deploying counter for an aircraft monument is disclosed. In embodiments, the monument is installable adjacent to a cabin space within an aircraft passenger cabin (e.g., on either side of an exit door) and the self-deploying counter includes a partition door capable of being pivoted between a default closed position and an open position extending into the cabin space. The self-deploying counter has a horizontal top surface and an undersurface. When the partition door is deployed, the counter pivots in concert with the door's deployment, the fully deployed position corresponding to the open position of the partition door.

Abstract: In various embodiments, specialized vehicle launch systems and methods are provided to enable personnel to launch and operate one or more UAVs from the safety of a vehicle or other mobile location. In various embodiments, a launch system comprises a launch device and an operator terminal. The launch device is adapted to be mounted on an exterior surface of a vehicle and is communicably coupled to the operator terminal, which is operable from the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle launch system allows an operator to control one or more UAVs from inside the vehicle, without requiring the operator to step outside of the vehicle to interact with the UAV or launch device.

Abstract: An aircraft propulsion unit includes an electric motor, at least one accessory unit used for operating the electric motor, an inverter module, the inverter module including a plurality of inverters for powering the electric motor and the at least one accessory unit, and a cooling system coupled to the electric motor and the inverter module, the cooling system comprising a coolant path for circulating a coolant through or adjacent to the electric motor and the at least one accessory unit.

Abstract: A method of generating a momentum change in a vehicle by phase changing matter in a closed system is used to change the momentum of the vehicle without the need of a combustion system for propulsion. The method uses the multi-phase dynamics of fluidic matter to create a momentum differential within a closed system that results in a momentum excess that changes the overall momentum of the system. The change of the overall momentum of the system results in a change in motion of the vehicle. The momentum differential is achieved by phase changing the fluidic matter moving through a heat exchanger. The phase change of the fluidic matter is arranged so that the momentum of the fluidic matter is reduced as the fluidic matter leaves the heat exchanger. The reduction in momentum of the fluidic matter results in the momentum differential that changes the overall momentum of the system.

Abstract: Aspects relate to aircraft and methods of use for aerodynamic control with winglet surfaces. In an aspect an exemplary aircraft includes a first wing having a first winglet at a distal end of the wing, wherein the first winglet comprises at least a first control surface at a first trailing edge of the first winglet and a second wing having a second winglet at a distal end of the wing, wherein the second winglet comprises at least a second control surface at a second trailing edge of the second winglet.

Abstract: An aircraft wing is disclosed herein having a fixed-location trip device placed along the span of the wing to transition airflow from laminar flow to turbulent flow so that potential load increases are limited and flight performance uncertainties associated with laminar flow wings are reduced. Wings designed for extended laminar flow offer the potential to significantly reduce airplane drag and fuel consumption. A collateral impact of a laminar flow wing is the generation of elevated wing loads at critical load conditions. This impact is mitigated by controlling the downstream limit of transition at these critical load conditions.