Abstract: A firefighting aircraft adapted for use in an unmanned aircraft system includes a storage tank for firefighting fluid, having a plurality of filling ports spaced from one another. A probe carries a conduit that is in fluid communication with the storage tank. The conduit receives water from a body of water overflown by the aircraft. A filling system for controls the flow of water to and from the storage tank, and includes a remotely and automatically operable valve respectively associated with each filling port. A control system is in communication with each valve, and is operative to command the position of each valve to regulate the flow of fluid through each filling port. A baffle may be further provided internal to the storage tank at least partially defining a first chamber within the tank.

Abstract: A firefighting aircraft adapted for use in an unmanned aircraft system includes a storage tank for firefighting fluid, having a plurality of filling ports spaced from one another. A probe carries a conduit that is in fluid communication with the storage tank. The conduit receives water from a body of water overflown by the aircraft. A filling system for controls the flow of water to and from the storage tank, and includes a remotely and automatically operable valve respectively associated with each filling port. A control system is in communication with each valve, and is operative to command the position of each valve to regulate the flow of fluid through each filling port. A baffle may be further provided internal to the storage tank at least partially defining a first chamber within the tank.

Abstract: A modular automated air transport system comprising an unmanned autonomous aircraft having a selectively detachable control systems portion and a structural air frame portion, wherein the structural air frame portion contains an interior cargo hold, aerodynamic members having control surfaces and at least one propulsion device attached to the structural air frame portion; and wherein the control system portion includes a control computer for autonomously controlling the flight of said air transport system from one known location to a second known location.

Abstract: A modular automated air transport system comprising an unmanned autonomous aircraft having a selectively detachable control systems portion and a structural air frame portion, wherein the structural air frame portion contains an interior cargo hold, aerodynamic members having control surfaces and at least one propulsion device attached to the structural air frame portion; and wherein the control system portion includes a control computer for autonomously controlling the flight of said air transport system from one known location to a second known location.