Abstract: Techniques are presented for rapidly installing and removing propeller assemblies of unmanned aerial vehicles. Coaxial motor drives allow a coaxial set of propeller assemblies to mount using a locking pin with a captive spring and handle for actuation of an engagement mechanism such as a ball or cam lock. A propellor or other effector mounting hub includes with features, such as a ramp or screw for example, to translate between locked and unlocked positions. The propeller assemblies drive are keyed to be mounted in correspondingly keyed motor assemblies by use of indexing features such as pins or other geometry to act as drive keying for the propeller assembly.

Abstract: An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) payload includes an adaptive Software Defined Radio (SDR) interface that is configurable to communicate with two or more SDRs using two or more protocols, a UAV interface that is configured to communicate with the UAV and a control circuit connected to the adaptive SDR interface and to the UAV interface. The control circuit is configured to communicate with the adaptive SDR interface and with the UAV interface. The control circuit is configured to receive SDR data from the adaptive SDR interface, receive UAV flight data from the UAV interface and use the SDR data and the UAV flight data to generate Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) data regarding the one or more emitter.

Abstract: A plug-and-play Hub that provides an intermediary between an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and peripheral electronic devices. The Hub has a power and data interface to the UAV and peripheral ports that allow the peripheral electronic devices to connect to the Hub. The peripheral ports provide power to the peripheral electronic devices and also allow data communication between the Hub and the peripheral electronic devices. The Hub may detect when a peripheral electronic device has been plugged into a peripheral port and access communication protocol information and voltage level information by way of the peripheral port. A Hub voltage converter receives power from the UAV and converts the UAV power source voltage to a voltage level that is suitable for the various peripheral electronic devices. The Hub has a data hub that mediates data communication between the UAV and the various peripheral electronic devices.

Abstract: An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) mechanical release device includes a quick-release UAV-attachment mechanism to attach the UAV mechanical release device to a UAV and a payload latch mechanism to secure and release a drop-payload from the UAV mechanical release device. A latch actuator is connected to the payload latch mechanism to move the payload latch mechanism between a closed position and an open position to release the drop-payload.

Abstract: A plug-and-play Hub that provides an intermediary between an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and peripheral electronic devices. The Hub has a power and data interface to the UAV and peripheral ports that allow the peripheral electronic devices to connect to the Hub. The peripheral ports provide power to the peripheral electronic devices and also allow data communication between the Hub and the peripheral electronic devices. The Hub may detect when a peripheral electronic device has been plugged into a peripheral port and access communication protocol information and voltage level information by way of the peripheral port. A Hub voltage converter receives power from the UAV and converts the UAV power source voltage to a voltage level that is suitable for the various peripheral electronic devices. The Hub has a data hub that mediates data communication between the UAV and the various peripheral electronic devices.

Abstract: An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) payload includes an adaptive Software Defined Radio (SDR) interface that is configurable to communicate with two or more SDRs using two or more protocols, a UAV interface that is configured to communicate with the UAV and a control circuit connected to the adaptive SDR interface and to the UAV interface. The control circuit is configured to communicate with the adaptive SDR interface and with the UAV interface. The control circuit is configured to receive SDR data from the adaptive SDR interface, receive UAV flight data from the UAV interface and use the SDR data and the UAV flight data to generate Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) data regarding the one or more emitter.

Abstract: An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) mechanical release device includes a quick-release UAV-attachment mechanism to attach the UAV mechanical release device to a UAV and a payload latch mechanism to secure and release a drop-payload from the UAV mechanical release device. A latch actuator is connected to the payload latch mechanism to move the payload latch mechanism between a closed position and an open position to release the drop-payload.

Abstract: An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) drop-plate includes a frame that extends along a plane. The frame includes a plurality of frame members separated by a plurality of openings that extend through the frame. Lugs are attached to the frame and are configured to extend along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the frame. Each lug is configured to engage with a corresponding engagement feature of a UAV Mechanical Release Device (MRD).