Abstract: A collective pitch adjustment mechanism for a variable-pitch rotor that has blades for rotation about a rotor axis, e.g., for a flight vehicle or drone, via a motor. The mechanism has a servo actuator and a bearing cage for blade rotation. The servo actuator varies the collective pitch of the blades via a pushrod, and a servo actuator arm is configured for rotation and connected to the pushrod via a joint. Mounting portions are provided for securement of the blades and an actuation horn is coupled to the pushrod. The blades are rotationally and/or translationally coupled to the actuation horn via the mounting portions. The servo actuator causes rotational movement of the servo actuator arm, which in turn causes translational movement of the pushrod, which causes linear movement of the actuation horn to thereby collectively cause a collective change in a pitch angle, i.e. the collective pitch, of the blades.

Abstract: A coaxial rotor pair assembly, e.g., for a flight vehicle or drone, with a fixed-pitch rotor and a variable-pitch rotor that are axially spaced relative to one another on a rotor axis for rotation via rotor shafts. A first motor and a second motor are provided for the rotors to drive the respective rotor about the rotor axis. The first and second motors are each controlled by a speed controller, and speed controllers are controlled by a vehicle flight controller. A collective pitch of the plurality of blades of the variable-pitch rotor is configured to be selectively varied by the vehicle flight controller during rotation of both the fixed-pitch rotor and the variable-pitch rotor about the rotor axis. The plurality of blades of the fixed-pitch rotor are maintained a constant, fixed pitch, e.g., during operation of the flight vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a multi-rotor aircraft that implements the unconventional use of an odd number of rotors. The odd or auxiliary rotor is designed to be smaller in diameter than the remaining main rotors and accordingly generates a smaller unbalanced torque and pitch on the aircraft. 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: 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: A system of a multi-rotor aircraft that capitalizes on the advantages of fixed wing elements combined with rotary wing structures. The fixed wing elements can help to generate lift once the aircraft is airborne and can thus reduce the need for larger lifting rotors which can allow for longer flight times and distances. Additionally, the systems disclosed herein take advantage of a partial in-wing configuration with a number of rotors to reduce the overall footprint of the vehicle while maintaining the flight efficiency that comes with combining features of fixed and rotary wing elements, and increasing operator safety by shrouding rotating parts. The unique configurations allow for a decoupling of the pitch, yaw and roll authority to reduce the complexity in control systems and improve the flight efficiency of the aircraft. 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.

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: A network of high-resolution cameras for monitoring and controlling a drone within a specific operational environment such that the latency time for communication between the cameras and drone is less than that of human controlled drones. The drone can communication drone health data to the network of cameras where such information can be combined with visual image data of the drone to determine the appropriate flight path of the drone within the operational environment. The drone can then subsequently be controlled by the network of cameras by maintaining a constant visual image and flight control data of the drone as it operates within the environment.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a multi-rotor aircraft that implements the unconventional use of an odd number of rotors. The odd or auxiliary rotor is designed to be smaller in diameter than the remaining main rotors and accordingly generates a smaller unbalanced torque and pitch on the aircraft. 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.