Abstract: An unmanned aerial signal relay includes an unmanned aerial vehicle, including a communication relay unit and at least one antenna, communicatively connected to the communication relay unit; a tether comprising at least two wires and at least one fiber optic cable, the wires and cable communicatively connected to the unmanned aerial vehicle; and a surface support system comprising a spool physically connected to the tether and a ground-based receiver communicatively connected to the at least one fiber optic cable, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is powered by electrical energy provided by the at least two wires, and wherein the communication relay unit is configured to relay signals received from the at least one antenna via the fiber optic cable to the ground-based receiver. Various systems and methods related to an unmanned aerial signal relay are also described.

Abstract: A tandem rigid rotor system has a first rigid rotor system and a second rigid rotor system connected by a fuselage. The fuselage has at least one framing member connected between the first rigid rotor system and the second rigid rotor system, such that the framing member is torsionally flexible for controlling yaw of the tandem rigid rotor system. In certain embodiments, multiple framing members are connected between the first rigid rotor system and the second rigid rotor system in parallel. In certain embodiments, the torsional flexibility allows up to 20 degrees of movement away from the lateral axis. In certain embodiments, framing members are vertically and laterally rigid.