Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided in which a wing of a tiltrotor aircraft is rotated during operational flight, for example from a position perpendicular to the aircraft's fuselage through an angle of 30° or more in the direction of flight. This effectively narrows the maximum width of the aircraft, and facilitates maneuvering through closely spaced obstacles.

Abstract: Systems and methods are contemplated for favorably improving flight dynamics of aircraft, including enhanced aerodynamic braking and improved flight maneuverability. Air braking systems selectively position a first set of blades at a negative thrust pitch to product a net negative thrust across first and second sets of blades, while balancing torque of the drive shafts to zero. First and second sets of IBC blades can be driven by the same shaft or torque-linked shafts. Flight maneuver systems operate a powerplant at a high power mode, and dissipate the energy from the high power output by positioning a first set of IBC blades at a low efficiency pitch while maintaining constant thrust. As increased or rapid flight maneuverability is required, the first set of blades is positioned toward a high efficiency pitch to instantly increase thrust to the aircraft without requiring a related increase in energy output from the powerplant.

Abstract: Exhaust redirecting devices are described that are suitable for use in tilt rotor aircraft. Such devices are constructed of light weight material and permit redirection of exhaust gases from turbojet engines of tilt rotor aircraft as nacelles of the aircraft transition between vertical and horizontal flight. Use of a controller permits coordination between exhaust redirection and nacelle position.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are contemplated for electric powered vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Such are craft are engineered to carry safely carry at least 500 pounds (approx. 227 kg) using a few (e.g., 2-4) rotors, generally variable speed rigid (non-articulated) rotors. It is contemplated that one or more rotors generate a significant amount of lift (e.g., 70%) during rotorborne flight (e.g., vertical takeoff, hover, etc), and tilt to provide forward propulsion during wingborne flight. The rotors preferably employ individual blade control, and are battery powered. The vehicle preferably flies in an autopilot or pilotless mode and has a relatively small (e.g., less than 45? diameter) footprint.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are contemplated for electric powered vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Such are craft are engineered to carry safely carry at least 500 pounds (approx. 227 kg) using at least four, and more preferably at least six variable speed tilt rotors. In some embodiments one or more rotors cooperate to generate at least 50% of the lift, and more preferably at least 70% of the lift, during rotorborne flight (e.g., vertical takeoff, hover, etc). At least some of the blades of each of the at least four rotors are not feathered, retracted, or folded during forward flight. At least one of the variable speed tilt rotors is engineered to be optionally powered by multiple motors, and by multiple battery packs or other independently operating electric power sources. The vehicle preferably flies in an autopilot or pilotless mode and has a relatively small (e.g., less than 45? diameter) footprint.

Abstract: Devices and systems of the inventive concept provide a durable, all-weather manned or unmanned aircraft that is capable of vertical flight and provides improved stability upon payload launch or delivery. The payload bay is positioned along the central axis of the aircraft and proximal to the aircraft's center of gravity. Control and fuel systems are positioned fore and aft of the payload bay, respectively. The payload bay is configured to store and deliver a wide variety of payload types. The aircraft also includes features that reduce vibration, prolong the interval between necessary maintenance, and permit all-weather operation.

Abstract: Devices and systems of the inventive concept provide an aircraft flap system is deflected to achieve minimum drag in cruise, maximum coefficient of lift (CL) at low speed, and minimum download in hover. It does so by opening a gap or slot between an aircraft's wing body and an associated trailing flap during hover flight, while providing a continuous aerodynamic contour under other conditions.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided in which a wing of a tiltrotor aircraft is rotated during operational flight, for example from a position perpendicular to the aircraft's fuselage through an angle of 30° or more in the direction of flight. This effectively narrows the maximum width of the aircraft, and facilitates maneuvering through closely spaced obstacles.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are contemplated for electric powered vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Such are craft are engineered to carry safely carry at least 500 pounds (approx. 227 kg) using at least four, and more preferably at least six variable speed tilt rotors. In some embodiments one or more rotors cooperate to generate at least 50% of the lift, and more preferably at least 70% of the lift, during rotorborne flight (e.g., vertical takeoff, hover, etc). At least some of the blades of each of the at least four rotors are not feathered, retracted, or folded during forward flight. At least one of the variable speed tilt rotors is engineered to be optionally powered by multiple motors, and by multiple battery packs or other independently operating electric power sources. The vehicle preferably flies in an autopilot or pilotless mode and has a relatively small (e.g., less than 45? diameter) footprint.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are contemplated for electric powered vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Such are craft are engineered to carry safely carry at least 500 pounds (approx. 227 kg) using a few (e.g., 2-4) rotors, generally variable speed rigid (non-articulated) rotors. It is contemplated that one or more rotors generate a significant amount of lift (e.g., 70%) during rotorborne flight (e.g., vertical takeoff, hover, etc), and tilt to provide forward propulsion during wingborne flight. The rotors preferably employ individual blade control, and are battery powered. The vehicle preferably flies in an autopilot or pilotless mode and has a relatively small (e.g., less than 45? diameter) footprint.

Abstract: Exhaust redirecting devices are described that are suitable for use in tilt rotor aircraft. Such devices are constructed of light weight material and permit redirection of exhaust gases from turbojet engines of tilt rotor aircraft as nacelles of the aircraft transition between vertical and horizontal flight. Use of a controller permits coordination between exhaust redirection and nacelle position.

Abstract: Loads from the propeller-gearbox-engine assembly are transferred to an airframe directly, without concentrated internal structure. In preferred embodiments this is accomplished using a lightweight, structurally efficient hub and gearbox that transfer their rotor loads directly to the nacelle OML (Out Mold Line) monocoque. By keeping the load path direct and at the largest diameter, the structure achieves higher stiffness and strength efficiency than conventional point loaded internal frames.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are contemplated for electric powered vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Such are craft are engineered to carry safely carry at least 500 pounds (approx. 227 kg) using a few (e.g., 2-4) rotors, generally variable speed rigid (non-articulated) rotors. It is contemplated that one or more rotors generate a significant amount of lift (e.g., 70%) during rotorborne flight (e.g., vertical takeoff, hover, etc), and tilt to provide forward propulsion during wingborne flight. The rotors preferably employ individual blade control, and are battery powered. The vehicle preferably flies in an autopilot or pilotless mode and has a relatively small (e.g., less than 45? diameter) footprint.

Abstract: Systems and methods are contemplated for favorably improving flight dynamics of aircraft, including enhanced aerodynamic braking and improved flight maneuverability. Air braking systems selectively position a first set of blades at a negative thrust pitch to product a net negative thrust across first and second sets of blades, while balancing torque of the drive shafts to zero. First and second sets of IBC blades can be driven by the same shaft or torque-linked shafts. Flight maneuver systems operate a powerplant at a high power mode, and dissipate the energy from the high power output by positioning a first set of IBC blades at a low efficiency pitch while maintaining constant thrust. As increased or rapid flight maneuverability is required, the first set of blades is positioned toward a high efficiency pitch to instantly increase thrust to the aircraft without requiring a related increase in energy output from the powerplant.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are contemplated for electric powered vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Such are craft are engineered to carry safely carry at least 500 pounds (approx. 227 kg) using a few (e.g., 2-4) rotors, generally variable speed rigid (non-articulated) rotors. It is contemplated that one or more rotors generate a significant amount of lift (e.g., 70%) during rotorborne flight (e.g., vertical takeoff, hover, etc), and tilt to provide forward propulsion during wingborne flight. The rotors preferably employ individual blade control, and are battery powered. The vehicle preferably flies in an autopilot or pilotless mode and has a relatively small (e.g., less than 45? diameter) footprint.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing and operating a solar powered aircraft having segmented wings that can be reconfigured during flight to optimize collection of solar energy are described. The aircraft have rigid construction that is resistant to inclement weather and is configured to rely on free flight control at high altitude and under conventional conditions, thereby providing flight duration in excess of 2 months. The aircraft is particularly suitable for use as part of a telecommunications network.

Abstract: An aerial surveillance and reconnaissance system includes a gimbal-stabilized ISR imaging sensor with 0.8-1.2 microradian optical resolution, using pulsed ultraviolet laser (0.330-0.380 micrometer wavelength) radiation to illuminate the observed target, and a narrow-band-pass filter at the focal plane detector to remove light at frequencies other than the illuminating frequency. Preferred sensors can be operated in a snapshot mode using intermittent illuminating pulses, with timing of the pulses selected for minimum detectability based on observations made with a lower-resolution sensor, or in a video-mode with illuminating pulses selected to generate full-motion video at operator-selectable frame rates. Some sensor embodiments may further combine the UV system described above with conventional daylight optical and sensor systems, though alternative arrangements could also include an IR sensor as well (either using a common aperture with the UV system or with a separate set of light-gathering optics).

Abstract: A solar powered aircraft having segmented wings that can be reconfigured during flight to optimize collection of solar energy are described. The aircraft have rigid construction that is resistant to inclement weather and is configured to rely on free flight control at high altitude and under conventional conditions, thereby providing flight duration in excess of 2 months. The aircraft is particularly suitable for use as part of a telecommunications network. A telecommunications network incorporating such aircraft is also discussed.

Abstract: A flight-operable, truly modular aircraft has an aircraft core to which one or more of outer wings members, fuselage, cockpit, leading and trailing edge couplings, and empennage and tail sections can be removably coupled and/or replaced during the operating life span of the aircraft. In preferred embodiments the aircraft core houses the propulsive engines, avionics, at least 80% of the fuel, and all of the landing gear. The aircraft core is preferably constructed with curved forward and aft composite spars, that transfer loads across the center section, while accommodating a mid-wing configuration. The aircraft core preferably has a large central cavity dimensioned to interchangeably carry an ordnance launcher, a surveillance payload, electronic countermeasures, and other types of cargo. Contemplated aircraft can be quite large, for example having a wing span of at least 80 ft.

Abstract: Tapered layers of pre-cured composite material are integrated into a tapered, highly stressed laminate structure in order to provide improved compressive strength. The pre-cured composite material can advantageously be cured under tension as pultruded material, to further augment compressive strength. The thickness of composite layers can be tapered on their termination edges by mechanically abrading, chemical abrading, or other methods. Especially preferred embodiments include aircraft structural components such as wings, wing spars, wing skins, fuselage skins, rotor blades, propellers, and propeller blades. Preferred laminates can be constructed to have at least 6, 10, 30, 50, or 100 layers of material, and can have a maximum thickness of at least 0.15, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 5.0 inches.