Abstract: An aircraft that includes a canard having a leading edge and a trailing edge, a forward swept and fixed wing having a trailing edge, and a plurality of tilt rotor submodules. The plurality of tilt rotor submodules includes a first tilt rotor submodule where the leading edge of the canard contacts the first tilt rotor submodule at position that is within a range of 40% to 60%, inclusive, of the length of the first tilt rotor submodule where 0% corresponds to a forward tip of the first tilt rotor submodule and 100% corresponds to an aft tip of the first tilt rotor submodule. The trailing edge of the canard contacts the first tilt rotor submodule at position that is within a range of 55% to 80%, inclusive, of the length of the first tilt rotor submodule. The plurality of tilt rotor submodules also includes a second tilt rotor submodule that is coupled to the trailing edge of the forward swept and fixed wing.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a multi-rotor aircraft that implements the unconventional use of different sized rotors. The different sized rotors than the main rotors tend to generate an unbalanced torque and pitch on the aircraft that effectively decouples the pitch and yaw control from the main rotors. The atypical design tends to lend itself to improved control capabilities and simplified control systems. Additional configurations implement the use of smaller thrust rotors that can be used to generate thrust as well as control yaw and thus counteract any remaining unbalanced torque from the odd auxiliary rotor.

Abstract: Aspects relate to an aircraft having a controllable center of gravity and methods of controlling the center of gravity. An exemplary aircraft having a controllable center of gravity includes a first tank configured to store a first portion of a ballast, a second tank configured to store a second portion of the ballast disposed substantially aft of the first tank, at least a pipe configured to provide fluidic communication between the first tank and the second tank, at least a pump configured to pump the ballast bidirectionally between the first tank and the second tank by way of the at least a pipe, and a controller in communication with the at least a pump and configured to control a ballast ratio of the first portion of the ballast relative the second portion of the ballast and affect an aircraft center of gravity.

Abstract: A shaft assembly (which may be a rotor mast for a rotorcraft) may include a shaft body formed with composite material and one or more metal fittings attached to the shaft body. A metal fitting may include an interior opening with a cross-section having a non-circular perimeter (such as an oval or an ellipse). The interior opening may also include contouring, such as a first tapered section in which the fitting converges toward the longitudinal axis of the shaft body and a second tapered section in which the fitting diverges from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A hybrid aircraft system uses a combination of direct propeller driven gas engine and electric motor power to provide vertical thrust and control for hover of the aircraft. Furthermore, a portable launch/recovery system is configured for use with an aircraft such as a Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV). The system is configured to enable ships with limited available deck space to become UAV-compatible.

Abstract: A rotary wing aircraft that extends along an associated roll axis between a nose region and an aft region. The rotary wing aircraft comprises a main rotor; a propeller that is at least configured to propel the rotary wing aircraft in forward flight condition, wherein the propeller forms a circular propeller disc in rotation around an associated rotation axis; and a shrouded duct that is arranged in the aft region and that forms an inner air duct which accommodates at least partly the propeller, wherein the shrouded duct comprises a yaw and pitch stability enhancement unit for improving yaw and pitch stability of the rotary wing aircraft in the forward flight condition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a VTOL aircraft with retractable wings and TEMCS (trailing edge mounted control surface) mounted tilt-able engines. The aircraft has two hover modes; a first hover mode with retracted wings which allows takeoff and landing in tight landing spots, and a second hover mode with extended wings, during these hover modes, the aircraft operates as a multi-rotor aircraft with additional means of vectored forces created by tilt-able engines, with engines directed upward, and a cruise mode with the wings extended and the engines directed in forward direction.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle includes a body and a wireless charging receiver pad connected to the body, whereby the aerial vehicle is configured to be wirelessly charged when parked above a wireless charging transmitter pad. The aerial vehicle includes landing gear connected to the body and extending underneath the body. The landing gear is configured for actuation to control the location of the receiver pad with respect to the transmitter pad.

Abstract: Delivery systems for aerial vehicles include a plurality of securement straps configured to secure a package during flight of an aerial vehicle, at least one retaining strap, and a release mechanism. A proximal end region of each securement strap and a first end region of the at least one retaining strap are coupled to the aerial vehicle. A distal end region of each securement strap is coupled to the release mechanism such that when the release mechanism is actuated the release mechanism releases the distal end region of at least one securement strap of the plurality of securement straps, thereby delivering the package. The release mechanism remains coupled to a second end region of the at least one retaining strap when the release mechanism is actuated such that the securement straps, release mechanism, and retaining strap all may be pulled up and away from the package after delivery.

Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing aircraft is provided. The aircraft comprises a fuselage which has a nose end, a tail end, and a plurality of seats disposed in the interior. A pair of rear wings extend outwardly from opposing sides of the fuselage between a cockpit and the tail end, and a pair of front wings extend outwardly from opposing sides of the fuselage between the cockpit and the nose end. Each of the pair of rear wings and front wings includes an adjustably mounted turbine which comprises a statically mounted fan pod, a duct rotatably connected to the fan pod, and an adjustable nozzle rotatably connected to the duct. The nozzle can be adjusted to a variety of configurations ranging between a vertical position and a horizontal position via the duct. The adjustably mounted turbine enables the aircraft to adjust thrust through vectors ranging between horizontal and vertical.

Abstract: A module includes two main landing gears and a landing gear bay containing the landing gears. The bay has two lateral walls, a roof wall, a front wall and a rear wall. The roof wall, the front wall and the rear wall together form a pressurization barrier between the bay and a pressurized compartment. By virtue of the landing gear module, it is now possible to assemble and test the main landing gears and the one or more doors and the fairing before they are installed on the aircraft.

Abstract: A hybrid airship-aerostat includes a hull, a motor, a fin, a controller, and a bridle system. The motor is coupled to the hull and is configured to rotate between a thrust configuration and a lift configuration. The motor is configured to generate a lift force, a thrust force, or a combination thereof. The fin is coupled to a tail of the hull and is configured to provide directional control of the hull. The controller is configured to operate the motor and the fin to pilot the hull. The bridle system is configured to removably couple to a first end of a tether.

Abstract: A system for an unmanned aerial vehicle can include an altitude control system 320, which further includes a compressor assembly 400, a valve assembly 500, and an electronics control assembly 600. The compressor assembly may include a compressor housing 410 that includes a compressor inlet 402, an outlet 202, and a cavity 414 extending therethrough and joining the inlet to the outlet. A diffuser 408 may be coupled to the compressor housing. A motor housing 407 may be disposed within the central cavity at the inlet of the compressor housing, and a compressor motor 406 may be disposed within the motor housing. An impeller 412 disposed within the compressor housing may be coupled to a driveshaft 444 for rotation therewith. The valve assembly may be coupled to an opening 416 of the compressor inlet. The valve head 502 may be configured to move into and away from the inlet opening so as to change a size of the circumferential area of the inlet opening.

Abstract: An airship utilizing an innovative lift mechanism featuring dynamic and static vacuum chambers. The lift created by the vacuums created in the chambers elevates the ship into the atmosphere, thereby eliminating the need for lighter than air gases.

Abstract: A flow control device on a structure such that strain in the structure is at least partially transferred to the flow control device is disclosed having at least two states, or shapes, separated by an elastic instability region. The flow control device is arranged to rapidly transition, or snap through, from the first state to the second state when strain in the structure exceeds an activation threshold of the flow control device. A spoiler on an aerofoil may have a rest position where it is substantially flush with the low pressure surface and an activated position where it protrudes from the low pressure surface and modifies the airflow over that surface. The spoiler bends to move from the rest position to the activated position when the strain in the aerofoil crosses a threshold. The deployed spoiler reduces the lift on the aerofoil, acting to reduce the lift induced strain of the aerofoil to which the spoiler is attached.

Abstract: A ground station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a box assembly, a hatch assembly, and a landing pad assembly. The hatch assembly is pivotably coupled to the box assembly. The landing pad assembly is movably coupled to the box assembly and is movably coupled to the hatch assembly.

Abstract: A coaxial pressure lock assembly of an aircraft door, the coaxial pressure lock assembly comprises a pressure panel positioned adjacent an opening formed in the aircraft door such that the pressure panel is seated in the opening when the pressure panel is in a closed position, and a latch shaft extending through a clevis of the pressure panel. The latch shaft is configured to rotate about a latch shaft rotational axis extending through the latch shaft. The pressure panel is rotatable between the closed position and an open position about the latch shaft rotational axis. The latch shaft is a portion of a latch assembly configured to allow or prevent unlatching the aircraft door.

Abstract: A drone box landing system includes features for increasing drone docking capacity and positioning drones on the landing pad area. Some embodiments include a dual platform configuration which rotates one platform out of the way for another platform. In some applications, one drone may land on a first platform, be secured into place by an automatic positioning system, and the platform flipped over to reveal a second platform ready to receive a second drone. The positioning system is configured to make contact with a landed drone and guide the drone to a docking position in the landing pad area.

Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle having a foldable fixed wing and a twin-ducted fan power system (7) arranged at a tail portion of a fuselage in a transverse and tail propulsion arrangement provides lift for vertical take-off and landing and propulsion for horizontal flight. By means of deflection of a control servo plane arranged at a duct exit, a vectored thrust is provided to enable a fast attitude change. When the aerial vehicle takes off and lands vertically/flies at a low speed, the wing is folded to reduce the frontal area exposure to crosswind. When the aerial vehicle is flying horizontally, the wing is expanded to obtain larger lift. A Coanda effect is created at a trailing edge of the wing by suction of the duct to improve performance.

Abstract: Air acceleration at slot of aircraft wing. In one embodiment, a wing includes an air duct configured to transport air in a spanwise direction along a leading edge of the wing from an air supply source of the aircraft. The wing further includes a discharge duct configured to transport the air in an aft direction from the air duct to an aft end of the wing, and one or more nozzles disposed on the aft end of the wing and configured to accelerate air into a slot between the wing and a flap of the aircraft to increase lift and reduce drag for the wing.