Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus configured to automatically retrieve, service, and launch an aircraft. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a weighted cable, and pulls it at low relative speed into a broad aperture of the apparatus. In certain instances, the cable is dragged along guiding surfaces of the apparatus into and through a slot until its free end is captured. The aircraft becomes anchored to the apparatus, and is pulled downward by the cable into a receptacle. Guiding surfaces of the receptacle adjust the position and orientation of a probe on the aircraft, directing the probe to mate with a docking fixture of the apparatus. Once mated, the aircraft is automatically shut down and serviced. When desired, the aircraft is automatically started and tested in preparation for launch, and then released into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle is thus accomplished with a simple, economical apparatus.

Abstract: For retrieval of a hovering aircraft, a cable, bar, or similar fixture is suspended in an approximately horizontal orientation across the retrieval area between two well-separated supports. The aircraft slowly flies into this fixture, which then slides along the aircraft in a direction approximately parallel with the aircraft's thrust line. This leads to the aircraft becoming fastened to the fixture by an interceptor or aircraft capturer, which in alternative embodiments are respectively on the aircraft or the fixture or both. Thrust is then reduced, and the aircraft comes to rest hanging from the fixture for subsequent removal. Retrieval is thus accomplished with simple and economical apparatus, light and unobtrusive elements on the aircraft, low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus configured to automatically retrieve, service, and launch an aircraft. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a weighted cable, and pulls it at low relative speed into a broad aperture of the apparatus. In certain instances, the cable is dragged along guiding surfaces of the apparatus into and through a slot until its free end is captured. The aircraft becomes anchored to the apparatus, and is pulled downward by the cable into a receptacle. Guiding surfaces of the receptacle adjust the position and orientation of a probe on the aircraft, directing the probe to mate with a docking fixture of the apparatus. Once mated, the aircraft is automatically shut down and serviced. When desired, the aircraft is automatically started and tested in preparation for launch, and then released into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle is thus accomplished with a simple, economical apparatus.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus configured to automatically retrieve, service, and launch an aircraft. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a weighted cable, and pulls it at low relative speed into a broad aperture of the apparatus. In certain instances, the cable is dragged along guiding surfaces of the apparatus into and through a slot until its free end is captured. The aircraft becomes anchored to the apparatus, and is pulled downward by the cable into a receptacle. Guiding surfaces of the receptacle adjust the position and orientation of a probe on the aircraft, directing the probe to mate with a docking fixture of the apparatus. Once mated, the aircraft is automatically shut down and serviced. When desired, the aircraft is automatically started and tested in preparation for launch, and then released into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle is thus accomplished with a simple, economical apparatus.

Abstract: For retrieval of a hovering aircraft, a cable bar, or similar fixture is suspended in an approximately horizontal orientation across the retrieval area between two well-separatod supports. The aircraft slowly flies into this fixture, which then sides along the aircraft in a direction approximately parallel with the aircraft's thrust. line.. This leads to the aircraft becoming fastened to the fixture by an interceptor or aircraft capturer, which in alternative embodiments are respectively on the aircraft or the fixture or both. Thrust is then reduced, and the aircraft comes to rest hanging from the fixture for subsequent removal. Retrieval is thus accomplished with simple and economical apparatus, light unobtrusive elements on the aircraft, low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy.

Abstract: For retrieval of a hovering aircraft, a cable, bar, or similar fixture is suspended in an approximately horizontal orientation across the retrieval area between two well-separated supports. The aircraft slowly flies into this fixture, which then slides along the aircraft in a direction approximately parallel with the aircraft's thrust line. This leads to the aircraft becoming fastened to the fixture by an interceptor or aircraft capturer, which in alternative embodiments are respectively on the aircraft or the fixture or both. Thrust is then reduced, and the aircraft comes to rest hanging from the fixture for subsequent removal. Retrieval is thus accomplished with simple and economical apparatus, light and unobtrusive elements on the aircraft, low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus configured to automatically retrieve, service, and launch an aircraft. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a weighted cable, and pulls it at low relative speed into a broad aperture of the apparatus. In certain instances, the cable is dragged along guiding surfaces of the apparatus into and through a slot until its free end is captured. The aircraft becomes anchored to the apparatus, and is pulled downward by the cable into a receptacle. Guiding surfaces of the receptacle adjust the position and orientation of a probe on the aircraft, directing the probe to mate with a docking fixture of the apparatus. Once mated, the aircraft is automatically shut down and serviced. When desired, the aircraft is automatically started and tested in preparation for launch, and then released into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle is thus accomplished with a simple, economical apparatus.

Abstract: An aircraft capable of thrust-borne flight can be automatically retrieved, serviced, and launched using equipment suitable for a small vessel. For retrieval, the aircraft hovers over a base apparatus having one or more rails which bound a space into which the aircraft can safely descend. When the aircraft's measured position and velocity are appropriate, the aircraft descends promptly such that a spanwise component on the aircraft engages the rails. The teeth restrain the aircraft in position and orientation, while the rails bring the aircraft to rest. Articulation of the rails is used to park the aircraft in a servicing station. Connections for refueling, recharging, and/or functional checks are made in preparation for launch. Launch is effected by removing connections and restraints and articulating the rails to put the aircraft in an appropriate position and orientation. The aircraft uses its own thrust to climb out of the apparatus into free flight.

Abstract: An aircraft capable of thrust-borne flight can be automatically retrieved, serviced, and launched using equipment suitable for use on a small vessel, or a base with similarly limited space or irregular motion. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a weighted cable, and pulls it at low relative speed into a broad aperture of a base apparatus. Continued translation of the aircraft may pull the cable clear of the apparatus, in which case it can continue in free flight and return for another retrieval attempt. Alternatively, the cable will be dragged along guiding surfaces of the apparatus into and through a slot or similar channel, until its free end is captured. The aircraft, having thus become anchored to the base station, is then pulled down by the cable into a receptacle. Guiding surfaces of the receptacle adjust the position and orientation of a probe on the aircraft, while directing the probe to mate with a docking fixture.

Abstract: For retrieval of a hovering aircraft, a cable, bar, or similar fixture is suspended in an approximately horizontal orientation across the retrieval area between two well-separated supports. The aircraft slowly flies into this fixture, which then slides along the aircraft in a direction approximately parallel with the aircraft's thrust line. This leads to the aircraft becoming fastened to the fixture by an interceptor or aircraft capturer, which in alternative embodiments are respectively on the aircraft or the fixture or both. Thrust is then reduced, and the aircraft comes to rest hanging from the fixture for subsequent removal. Retrieval is thus accomplished with simple and economical apparatus, light and unobtrusive elements on the aircraft, low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy.

Abstract: For retrieval of a hovering aircraft, a cable, bar, or similar fixture is suspended in an approximately horizontal orientation across the retrieval area between two well-separated supports. The aircraft slowly flies into this fixture, which then slides along the aircraft in a direction approximately parallel with the aircraft's thrust line. This leads to the aircraft becoming fastened to the fixture by an interceptor or aircraft capturer, which in alternative embodiments are respectively on the aircraft or the fixture or both. Thrust is then reduced, and the aircraft comes to rest hanging from the fixture for subsequent removal. Retrieval is thus accomplished with simple and economical apparatus, light and unobtrusive elements on the aircraft, low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy.

Abstract: For retrieval of a hovering aircraft, a cable, bar, or similar fixture is suspended in an approximately horizontal orientation across the retrieval area between two well-separated supports. The aircraft slowly flies into this fixture, which then slides along the aircraft in a direction approximately parallel with the aircraft's thrust line. This leads to the aircraft becoming fastened to the fixture by an interceptor or aircraft capturer, which in alternative embodiments are respectively on the aircraft or the fixture or both. Thrust is then reduced, and the aircraft comes to rest hanging from the fixture for subsequent removal. Retrieval is thus accomplished with simple and economical apparatus, light and unobtrusive elements on the aircraft, low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy.

Abstract: For retrieval of a hovering aircraft, a cable, bar, or similar fixture is suspended in an approximately horizontal orientation across the retrieval area between two well-separated supports. The aircraft slowly flies into this fixture, which then slides along the aircraft in a direction approximately parallel with the aircraft's thrust line. This leads to the aircraft becoming fastened to the fixture by an interceptor or aircraft capturer, which in alternative embodiments are respectively on the aircraft or the fixture or both. Thrust is then reduced, and the aircraft comes to rest hanging from the fixture for subsequent removal. Retrieval is thus accomplished with simple and economical apparatus, light and unobtrusive elements on the aircraft, low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy.

Abstract: For retrieval of a hovering aircraft, a cable, bar, or similar fixture is suspended in an approximately horizontal orientation across the retrieval area between two well-separated supports. The aircraft slowly flies into this fixture, which then slides along the aircraft in a direction approximately parallel with the aircraft's thrust line. This leads to the aircraft becoming fastened to the fixture by an interceptor or aircraft capturer which in alternative embodiments are respectively on the aircraft or the fixture or both. Thrust is then reduced, and the aircraft comes to rest hanging from the fixture for subsequent removal. Retrieval is thus accomplished with simple and economical apparatus, light and unobtrusive elements on the aircraft, low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy.

Abstract: An aircraft capable of thrust-borne flight can be automatically retrieved, serviced, and launched using equipment suitable for use on a small vessel, or a base with similarly limited space or irregular motion. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a weighted cable, and pulls it at low relative speed into a broad aperture of a base apparatus. Continued translation of the aircraft may pull the cable clear of the apparatus, in which case it can continue in free flight and return for another retrieval attempt. Alternatively, the cable will be dragged along guiding surfaces of the apparatus into and through a slot or similar channel, until its free end is captured. The aircraft, having thus become anchored to the base station, is then pulled down by the cable into a receptacle. Guiding surfaces of the receptacle adjust the position and orientation of a probe on the aircraft, while directing the probe to mate with a docking fixture.

Abstract: A method and system for stabilizing images being taken by a video camera using electromechanical stabilization. The stabilization system performs inter-frame stabilization based on the velocity of a vehicle on which the video camera is mounted and the pan rate of a line-of-sight controller of the video camera. The inter-frame stabilization is performed by a software component by moving a display area (or viewport) within a larger image area. The stabilization system converts an inter-frame stabilization adjustment into a pan rate adjustment so that the line-of-sight controller will keep the desired object within the image area of the camera.

Abstract: The twist distribution of torsionally-flexible rotor blades is adjusted by exploiting centrifugal effect on inertial torquers affixed at one or more stations along the blade span. Twist is thereby made to vary passively as a function of rotor speed and hub incidence angle. With inertias of appropriate size and location, the twist variation is such that high rotor efficiency is maintained over a wide range of operating conditions. Satisfactory dynamic behavior of the blade, including cyclic-pitch response and flutter resistance, is simultaneously achieved.

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: The twist distribution of torsionally-flexible rotor blades is adjusted by exploiting centrifugal effect on inertial torquers affixed at one or more stations along the blade span. Twist is thereby made to vary passively as a function of rotor speed and hub incidence angle. With inertias of appropriate size and location, the twist variation is such that high rotor efficiency is maintained over a wide range of operating conditions. Satisfactory dynamic behavior of the blade, including cyclic-pitch response and flutter resistance, is simultaneously achieved.

Abstract: For retrieval of a hovering aircraft, a cable, bar, or similar fixture is suspended in an approximately horizontal orientation across the retrieval area between two well-separated supports. The aircraft slowly flies into this fixture, which then slides along the aircraft in a direction approximately parallel with the aircraft's thrust line. This leads to the aircraft becoming fastened to the fixture by an interceptor or aircraft capturer which in alternative embodiments are respectively on the aircraft or the fixture or both. Thrust is then reduced, and the aircraft comes to rest hanging from the fixture for subsequent removal. Retrieval is thus accomplished with simple and economical apparatus, light and unobtrusive elements on the aircraft, low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy.