Abstract: A multi-functional composite system, the multi-functional composite system comprising a core, a plurality of structural composite fiber layers, a matrix material, a composite conductor assembly, the composite conductor assembly having one or more conductors disposed between two or more insulating layers, and an electric power source electronically coupled with said composite conductor assembly, the electric power source is configured to pass electric current through at least one of said one or more conductors.

Abstract: A capturing hook for engaging a cable during capture and release of an aerial vehicle may comprise a first and second gate pivotally supported at their first ends by a base portion and each being movable between a closed position and an open position, but spring-biased to the closed position. The capturing hook may further include a latch device comprising a movable locking part biased by a return spring to a locked position to lock the second gate in the closed position.

Abstract: A multi-functional composite system generally comprises a core, a plurality of structural composite fiber layers, a matrix material, a connector configured to interface with one or more electrical devices and a composite conductor assembly, the composite conductor assembly having one or more conductors disposed between two or more insulating layers.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle landing station comprising a first post and a second post, wherein the second post is spaced apart from the first post and a cable to capture an aerial vehicle, wherein the cable is stretched between the first post and the second post and configured to support the weight of the aerial vehicle once captured and the cable may provide a charging current to the aerial vehicle once captured. One or more markers may be further positioned on the cable to designate a landing point, wherein the one or more markers are configured to be visually tracked by the aerial vehicle. A cable management device coupled to the cable via one or more pulleys may regulate tension of the cable. A communications transceiver at the aerial vehicle landing station may wirelessly communicate data with the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A hybrid propulsion aircraft is described having a distributed electric propulsion system. The distributed electric propulsion system includes a turbo shaft engine that drives one or more generators through a gearbox. The generator provides AC power to a plurality of ducted fans (each being driven by an electric motor). The ducted fans may be integrated with the hybrid propulsion aircraft's wings. The wings can be pivotally attached to the fuselage, thereby allowing for vertical take-off and landing. The design of the hybrid propulsion aircraft mitigates undesirable transient behavior traditionally encountered during a transition from vertical flight to horizontal flight. Moreover, the hybrid propulsion aircraft offers a fast, constant-altitude transition, without requiring a climb or dive to transition. It also offers increased efficiency in both hover and forward flight versus other VTOL aircraft and a higher forward max speed than traditional rotorcraft.

Abstract: A capturing hook for engaging a cable during capture and release of an aerial vehicle may comprise a first and second gate pivotally supported at their first ends by a base portion and each being movable between a closed position and an open position, but spring-biased to the closed position. The capturing hook may further include a latch device comprising a movable locking part biased by a return spring to a locked position to lock the second gate in the closed position.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle landing station comprising a first post and a second post, wherein the second post is spaced apart from the first post and a cable to capture an aerial vehicle, wherein the cable is stretched between the first post and the second post and configured to support the weight of the aerial vehicle once captured and the cable may provide a charging current to the aerial vehicle once captured. One or more markers may be further positioned on the cable to designate a landing point, wherein the one or more markers are configured to be visually tracked by the aerial vehicle. A cable management device coupled to the cable via one or more pulleys may regulate tension of the cable. A communications transceiver at the aerial vehicle landing station may wirelessly communicate data with the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle system for gathering data may comprise a Waypoint Location, wherein the Waypoint Location comprises an arresting cable; a Ground Control Station, wherein the Ground Control Station comprises a charging cable; and an aerial vehicle, wherein the aerial vehicle comprises an onboard battery, a capturing hook and a sensor payload for generating surveillance data. The aerial vehicle may be configured to autonomously travel between the Waypoint Location and the Ground Control Station. The aerial vehicle may be configured to couple with the arresting cable via the capturing hook. The aerial vehicle may be configured to electronically couple with the charging cable via the capturing hook to facilitate charging the aerial vehicle's onboard battery.

Abstract: A multi-functional composite system generally comprises a core, a plurality of structural composite fiber layers, a matrix material, a connector configured to interface with one or more electrical devices and a composite conductor assembly, the composite conductor assembly having one or more conductors disposed between two or more insulating layers.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle system for gathering data may comprise a Waypoint Location, wherein the Waypoint Location comprises an arresting cable; a Ground Control Station, wherein the Ground Control Station comprises a charging cable; and an aerial vehicle, wherein the aerial vehicle comprises an onboard battery, a capturing hook and a sensor payload for generating surveillance data. The aerial vehicle may be configured to autonomously travel between the Waypoint Location and the Ground Control Station. The aerial vehicle may be configured to couple with the arresting cable via the capturing hook. The aerial vehicle may be configured to electronically couple with the charging cable via the capturing hook to facilitate charging the aerial vehicle's onboard battery.

Abstract: A multi-functional composite system, the multi-functional composite system comprising a core, a plurality of structural composite fiber layers, a matrix material, a composite conductor assembly, the composite conductor assembly having one or more conductors disposed between two or more insulating layers, and an electric power source electronically coupled with said composite conductor assembly, the electric power source is configured to pass electric current through at least one of said one or more conductors.