Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing and controlling post-recovery motion of an unmanned aircraft are disclosed herein. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, for example, can include a line capture assembly carried by an unmanned aircraft having a fuselage and a lifting surface. The line capture assembly can include a flexible support line having a first portion attached to an attachment point on the fuselage and a second portion extending from the attachment point spanwise along the lifting surface of the aircraft. The line capture assembly can also include an engagement device coupled to the second portion of the support line. The engagement device is releasably secured to the lifting surface.

Abstract: Actuator systems and associated methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the disclosure is directed toward an actuator system that includes a first structure and a second structure movable relative to the first structure. The system further includes an actuator apparatus and an actuator device coupled in series between the first structure and the second structure. The system can still further include a controller operably coupled to the actuator apparatus and the actuator device. The controller can be programmed with instructions to automatically actuate the actuator apparatus and the actuator device so that a position of the first structure relative to the second structure after the actuator apparatus and the actuator device have been actuated is at least approximately the same as a position of the first structure relative to the second structure before the actuator apparatus and the actuator device have been actuated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for measuring and adjusting tension in pliant tension members, including aircraft recovery lines, are disclosed herein. A tool for indicating tension in a pliant tension member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, for example, can include a first support member releasably coupled to a flexible line suspended from a support structure. The first support member is positioned generally parallel to the flexible line. The tool can also include a second support member coupled to the first support member and positioned at an acute angle relative to the first support member. The second support member has a center of gravity at a selected distance from the flexible line. The second support member is generally horizontal when the tension in the flexible line is at a desired value.

Abstract: Fluid sensing systems and methods, including sensors used to sense various fluid levels in vehicles, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a method for sensing a fluid that includes passing electromagnetic radiation through a receptacle positioned to hold a fluid. The receptacle can be configured so that electromagnetic radiation that passes through portions of the receptacle containing fluid is focused. The method can further include determining (a) whether fluid is located in a selected portion of the receptacle based on an amount of electromagnetic radiation that impinges on at least one radiation sensor, (b) a characteristic of fluid located in the passageway of the selected portion based on a pattern of the electromagnetic radiation that is created on the at least one radiation sensor, or (c) both (a) and (b).

Abstract: Controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be accomplished by using a wireless device (e.g., cell phone) to send a control message to a receiver at the UAV via a wireless telecommunication network (e.g., an existing cellular network configured primarily for mobile telephone communication). In addition, the wireless device may be used to receive communications from a transmitter at the UAV, wherein the wireless device receives the communications from the transmitter via the wireless network. Examples of such communications include surveillance information and UAV monitoring information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for launching unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be launched from an apparatus that includes a launch carriage that moves along a launch guide. The carriage can accelerate when portions of the carriage and/or the launch guide move relative to each other. A gripper carried by the launch carriage can have at least one grip portion in contact with the aircraft while the launch carriage accelerates along the launch axis. The at least one grip portion can move out of contact with the aircraft as the launch carriage decelerates, releasing the aircraft for takeoff. A brake can arrest the motion of the gripper after launch.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for launching unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be launched from an apparatus that includes a launch carriage that moves along a launch guide. The carriage can accelerate when portions of the carriage and/or the launch guide move relative to each other. A gripper carried by the launch carriage can have at least one grip portion in contact with the aircraft while the launch carriage accelerates along the launch axis. The at least one grip portion can move out of contact with the aircraft as the launch carriage decelerates, releasing the aircraft for takeoff. A brake can arrest the motion of the gripper after launch.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for supporting aircraft components, including actuators are disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes an actuator housing having an actuator receptacle that securely yet releasably receives an actuator. The actuator receptacle can include conformal walls that conform at least in part to the shape of the actuator and can accordingly squeeze the actuator and properly align the actuator. At least one of the actuator walls can further include a projection that is releasably received in a corresponding recess of the actuator. One of both of these features can releasably secure the actuator relative to the aircraft, reducing and/or eliminating the likelihood that the actuator will be misaligned and/or mispositioned relative to the aircraft during installation and/or replacement.

Abstract: Methods and systems for starting propeller driven aircraft and other devices are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a removable fixture that is coupled to the propeller and has at least one portion exposed to a flowstream to rotate the propeller during engine start-up. The fixture is configured to separate from the propeller after the engine begins to turn over (e.g., after the engine starts and/or rotates above a threshold rate). Accordingly, the system can include a releasable link between the fixture and the propeller.

Abstract: A system and method to transmit and receive forward error corrected data in a diversity communications system is provided. Using diversity techniques, multiple copies of the transmitted data are received with varying degrees of corruption due to channel impairments. In addition to the multiple copies of forward error corrected data, an additional data set of implicit parity bits is used in the data decoding process, wherein the reliability of these parity bits is assumed to be very high. The implicit parity bits are not transmitted or received by the system, but are introduced in the receivers' decoding process. These implicit parity bits add an extra highly reliable dimension of forward error correction codes. Therefore the present system and methods provide an improved data decoding process with high coding gain and channel efficiency, while minimizing system resources.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for capturing and constraining motion of unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be captured at an extendable boom. The boom can be extended to deploy a recovery line to retrieve the aircraft in flight. A trigger mechanism coupled to the recovery line can actuate a hoist device to reduce slack in the recovery line. A tension device coupled to the recovery line can absorb forces associated with the impact of the aircraft on the recovery line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for launching unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be launched from an apparatus that includes a launch carriage that moves along a launch guide. The carriage can accelerate when portions of the carriage and/or the launch guide move relative to each other. A gripper carried by the launch carriage can have at least one grip portion in contact with the aircraft while the launch carriage accelerates along the launch axis. The at least one grip portion can move out of contact with the aircraft as the launch carriage decelerates, releasing the aircraft for takeoff. A brake can arrest the motion of the gripper after launch.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for launching, capturing, and storing unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be assembled from a container with little or no manual engagement by an operator. The container can include a guide structure to control motion of the aircraft components. The aircraft can be launched from an apparatus that includes an extendable boom. The boom can be extended to deploy a recovery line to capture the aircraft in flight. The aircraft can then be returned to its launch platform, disassembled, and stored in the container, again with little or no direct manual contact between the operator and the aircraft.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for cable launching airborne devices (e.g., unmanned aircraft) are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongated structure, e.g., a tower, boom or derrick. At least one flexible elongated member (e.g., a cable or rope) can be attached toward one end to the structure and toward another end to the ground or another structure to form an elongated launch path. A cradle, which can carry the airborne device, can also be movably attached to the flexible elongated member and can be accelerated along the launch path. As the cradle decelerates, the aircraft can be released into flight.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for launching unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can belaunched from an apparatus that includes a launch carriage that moves along a launch axis. A gripper carried by the launch carriage can have at least one grip portion in contact with the aircraft while the launch carriage accelerates along the launch axis. The at least one grip portion can move out of contact with the fuselage of the aircraft as the launch carriage decelerates, releasing the aircraft for takeoff.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for launching unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be launched from an apparatus that operates with a wedge action. A launch carriage carrying an unmanned aircraft is positioned on first and second launch members. At least one of the launch members moves relative to the other from a first position to a second position, causing the launch carriage to move from a first launch carriage position to a second launch carriage position. As the launch carriage moves, it accelerates the aircraft and releases the aircraft for takeoff.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for capturing, recovering, disassembling, and storing unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the boom can be extended to deploy a recovery line to capture the aircraft in flight, a process that can be aided by a line capture device having retainers in accordance with further aspects of the invention. The aircraft can then be returned to its launch platform, disassembled, and stored, again with little or no direct manual contact between the operator and the aircraft, for example, by capturing a first wing of the aircraft and securing a second wing before releasing the first.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for launching and capturing unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be launched from an apparatus that includes an extendable boom. The boom can be extended to deploy a recovery line to retrieve the aircraft in flight. The aircraft can then be retrieved from the recovery line. The boom can be retracted when not in use to reduce the volume it occupies.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for launching, capturing, and storing unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be assembled from a container with little or no manual engagement by an operator. The container can include a guide structure to control motion of the aircraft components. The aircraft can be launched from an apparatus that includes an extendable boom. The boom can be extended to deploy a recovery line to capture the aircraft in flight. The aircraft can then be returned to its launch platform, disassembled, and stored in the container, again with little or no direct manual contact between the operator and the aircraft.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for launching unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be launched from an apparatus that includes an extendable boom. A launch carriage is positioned on a launch guide structure of the boom and carries the aircraft during takeoff. An energy reservoir is configured to provide energy to the launch carriage during takeoff of the aircraft, and can absorb energy from the launch carriage to decelerate the launch carriage after takeoff. The apparatus can further include a transmission that smoothly and rapidly accelerates and/or decelerates the launch carriage.