Abstract: According to one aspect, a system for launching an aircraft may include an inflatable structure including a balloon and a neck collectively defining a volume; a drain valve including a funnel and a stem coupled to one another, the funnel defining a cavity at least partially disposed in the volume of the inflatable structure, the stem defining a channel and a slot in fluid communication with one another and with the cavity; a coupling defining a first orifice, a second orifice, and a passage therebetween, the passage in fluid communication with the neck of the inflatable structure via the first orifice; and a pin releasably positionable in the slot, the pin in the slot controlling position of the funnel relative to the first orifice defined by the coupling.

Abstract: Presented is a small, unmanned aircraft systems (aka drone) configured for amphibious use in water environments. Also presented is a capture device for the capture and recovery of a small, unmanned aircraft system.

Abstract: A morphing aerodynamic structure includes a body with an outer covering, a bridle attached to the body, and a light-response polymer disposed on at least one of the outer covering and the bridle. The light-responsive polymer is configured to change shape when illuminated with a laser such that at least one of an angle of attack, roll, pitch and yaw of the morphing aerodynamic structure is at least partially controlled without the use of a mechanical or pneumatic control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus comprised of positionally directable masses attached to a binding component that includes a coupling device for payload to reduce gravitational deviation of the apparatus' trajectory by alternatingly accelerating and retracting physically bound component masses in equal and opposite directions to the extents of their bindings, initially and optimally perpendicular to the gravitational field and perpendicular to the apparatus trajectory by using in built transduction componentry located within the masses or the binding componentry or both that utilises electromagnetic forces, forces generated by chemical reactions, or other applied or responsive motive force to positionally direct the bound directable masses.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methodology contemplating AVAAP technology including (1) an “AV Assembly” which can be attached to the underside of a VTOL AV, and (2) the “Receiver Assembly” which can be attached to a Bollard Assembly installed in a Parking Pad. The two main assemblies, including their associated elements, components and parts, work together to automatically and autonomously anchor (secure) a VTOL AV to a Parking Pad just after landing, as well as automatically and autonomously un-anchor the AV from the Parking Pad just prior to take-off. Further, the two main assemblies of the claimed technology, to include their associated elements, components and parts, work together to automatically and autonomously connect electric grid power to a VTOL AV upon landing, and automatically and autonomously disconnect electric grid power from the AV upon take-off.

Abstract: A landing gear system for a vehicle includes a landing gear configured for reciprocating motion between a stowed position and a deployed position. The landing gear has a linkage with a first link rotatably coupled to a second link. The linkage reciprocates between folded and extended states when the landing gear reciprocates between the stowed and deployed positions, respectively. A fail-secure downlock includes first and second electromagnets fixedly positioned relative to the first and second links, respectively. The first electromagnet is proximate to the second electromagnet when the landing gear is in the stowed position. The first electromagnet is attracted to the second electromagnet when the downlock is in the locked state. The first electromagnet is repelled by the second electromagnet when the downlock is in the unlocked state.

Abstract: A bulkhead assembly for an aircraft passenger cabin having a floor and a secondary support member includes upper and lower bulkhead panels and a bulkhead coupling member. The upper bulkhead panel defines an elongated tower portion that protrudes through a slot opening in an overhead closeout panel, and directly or indirectly connects to the secondary support member. The lower bulkhead panel connects to the upper bulkhead panel and to the floor via the bulkhead coupling member. A method for installing the bulkhead assembly in the passenger cabin includes connecting the lower bulkhead panel to the floor, joining the lower bulkhead panel to the base of the upper bulkhead panel using a bulkhead coupling member, inserting the terminal end through the slot opening, and connecting the terminal end to the secondary support member behind the overhead closeout panel.

Abstract: A landing gear system includes a landing gear assembly coupled to a body of a vehicle and configured for reciprocating motion between a retracted position and an extended position. A fail-secure uplock assembly is reciprocal between a locked state and an unlocked state. A first electromagnet and a first permanent magnet are mounted to the body, and a second electromagnet and a second permanent magnet are mounted to a component of the landing gear assembly. The first and second electromagnets generate magnetic fields with reversible polarities. When the landing gear assembly is in the retracted position, the first permanent magnet is attracted to the second permanent magnet. The first electromagnet is attracted to the second electromagnet when the uplock assembly is in the locked state and is repelled by the second electromagnet when the uplock assembly is in the unlocked state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for varying excess thrust of an aircraft include: a first electric fan rotatable about a first axis for directing a first air flow along a first air flow path; and a second electric fan rotatable about a second axis different from the first axis for directing a second air flow along a second air flow path fluidly isolated from the first air flow path, wherein the first electric fan and the second electric fan are disposed radially about a roll axis of the aircraft and adjacent an aft end of the aircraft, and the first electric fan and the second electric fan are configured to intake boundary layer air to form the first air flow and the second air flow.

Abstract: Cameras and lights positioning system for hose inspection during air-to-air refueling, which comprises a substructure that can be attached to a container or capsule or Pod, one or two guidance-substructures (13) that enclose the hose, a toroid volume, to house the cameras (22) and lights (23) and a cameras and lights control subsystem. The system allows for the cameras (22) and lights (23) to maintain a fixed relative position with respect to the hose (1) during moments of imagery acquisition, despite the inclination and the five different movements that the hose has and makes, at the same time allowing protuberances (38) to pass through the system.

Abstract: An airship and its long-term floating capacity maintenance method are disclosed. The airship includes an airship capsule and a pod at bottom. A renewable fuel cell and a water tank communicated with each other are arranged in the pod. The water tank is provided with a water inlet connected with a filling aircraft outside the airship. The airship capsule is provided with a solar cell. The interior of the airship capsule is provided with a hydrogen storage bag. The solar cell is electrically connected with the renewable fuel cell. The renewable fuel cell can use electric energy provided by the solar cell to electrolyze water provided by the filling aircraft into hydrogen and supplement the hydrogen to the hydrogen storage bag. The airship can supplement hydrogen to the airship capsule by electrolyzing water to reduce the phenomenon of insufficient gas in the airship capsule.

Abstract: An envelope portion of an airborne craft comprises a metallic outer wall and a metallic inner wall arranged interior to the outer wall. The outer and inner walls delimit an inter-wall volume configured to support a flow of coolant to cool the outer wall during atmospheric heating of the outer wall.

Abstract: A galley cart stowage system for stowing galley carts in a galley of an aircraft includes a lower cart compartment and an upper cart compartment located above the lower cart compartment both configured to receive at least one galley cart. At least one vertical conveyance device extends between the cart compartments to move the galley carts between the cart compartments. A galley workspace having a workspace volume is located between the cart compartments. The galley workspace has a countertop movable between a deployed position and a clearance position to form an opening between the lower cart compartment and the upper cart compartment to allow movement of the galley carts between the lower cart compartment and the upper cart compartment.

Abstract: A table is incorporated into an aircraft staircase design. The table can be deployed when the stairs are stowed inside the aircraft cabin area. The table is upwardly biased such that when it is released from a locking mechanism the table flips up to horizontal.

Abstract: An aircraft landing gear comprising: a first member, a second member pivotally coupled to the first member, and a spring coupled to the first and second members, the spring comprising a plurality of elastically deformable washers, the spring being arranged to generate a biasing force between the first and second members to bias the first member toward a predetermined orientation relative to the second member.

Abstract: An aircraft includes an airfoil and a hinge member to rotatably couple the airfoil to a structure of an aircraft. The hinge member defines at least a portion of a rotational axis. The aircraft also includes an indexing mechanism coupled to the airfoil and configured to, in a first state, inhibit rotation of the airfoil about the rotational axis, and in a second state, to permit rotation of the airfoil about the rotational axis between a first position and a second position that is angularly indexed relative to the first position. The aircraft further includes an actuator to selectively change a state of the indexing mechanism from the first state to the second state, from the second state to the first state, or both.

Abstract: An aircraft provided with a rotary wing driven by a mechanical kinematic linkage, the aircraft having a power plant provided with at least one engine, the mechanical kinematic linkage comprising a free-wheel associated with the engine, the free-wheel comprising a driving part and a driven part, the driving part being connected by a mechanical connection to a working shaft of the associated engine and the driven part being connected kinematically to the rotary wing. A disengageable connection is arranged in parallel with the free-wheel in order to transmit mechanical power between the rotary wing and the engine on request, the power plant having a braking system comprising an engine brake of the engine.

Abstract: A landing gear system for an aircraft is disclosed. In various embodiments, the system includes a truss frame pivotally connected to a frame of the aircraft and configured to rotate about an axis; a retraction actuator configured to rotate the truss frame about the axis; a first truss link pivotally connected to the truss frame; a second truss link pivotally connected to the first truss link; a truss locking link pivotally connected to the truss frame and to the second truss link; and an articulation actuator configured to pivot the first truss link with respect to the truss frame.

Abstract: A method is described for the folding of a convertiplane with a fuselage having a first axis, a pair of wings and a pair of rotors arranged on respective mutually opposite sides of the respective wings; each rotor comprises a mast rotatable about a second axis and a plurality of blades; each wing comprises a first portion fixed with respect to the fuselage; a second tip portion opposite to the first portion; and a third intermediate portion, which is interposed between the associated first portion and second tip portion; the mast of each rotor is integrally tiltable with the second axis and associated second tip portion about a third axis transversal to the second axis and the fuselage so as to set said convertiplane between a helicopter configuration and an aeroplane configuration; the method comprises the steps i) of arranging the convertiplane in the helicopter configuration and ii) rotating a pair of assemblies of respective wings with respect to the fuselage and the associated first portion about respect

Abstract: An aircraft with folding mechanism, the aircraft including a fuselage, optionally a payload and/or landing gear attached to the fuselage, at least two longitudinal beams attached to the fuselage that preferably extend parallel to each other and parallel to a first aircraft axis, with lifting units attached to each of the longitudinal beams. At least one crossbeam is attached to the fuselage, and preferably extending parallel to a second aircraft axis and at right angles with respect to the longitudinal beams, with lifting units attached to the crossbeam. The longitudinal beams are rotatably attached to the fuselage by at least one respective first pivot joint configured for pivoting the longitudinal beams around a respective first pivot axis to a pivoted position. The crossbeam is rotatably attached to the fuselage, preferably by at least one second pivot joint, for pivoting the crossbeam around a second pivot axis to a pivoted position.