Abstract: Example methods and systems for coupling and controlling transport of cargo using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are provided, comprising coupling at least one electronically-controllable attachment device positioned on an underside of the UAV to a sling cable, the sling cable being secured to the cargo. The UAV flies to a predetermined area above the cargo, and responsive to determining that the UAV is positioned within the predetermined area, the UAV elevates above the initial operating height to lift the cargo and navigates to a target location.

Abstract: Multi-rotor rotorcraft comprise a fuselage, and at least four rotor assemblies operatively supported by and spaced-around the fuselage. Each of the at least four rotor assemblies defines a spin volume and a spin diameter. Some multi-rotor rotorcraft further comprise at least one rotor guard that is fixed relative to the fuselage, that borders the spin volume of at least one of the at least four rotor assemblies, and that is configured to provide a visual indication of the spin volume of the at least one of the at least four rotor assemblies. Various configurations of rotor guards are disclosed.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for coupling and controlling transport of cargo using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are provided, comprising coupling at least one electronically-controllable attachment device positioned on an underside of the UAV to a sling cable, the sling cable being secured to the cargo. The UAV flies to a predetermined area above the cargo, and responsive to determining that the UAV is positioned within the predetermined area, the UAV elevates above the initial operating height to lift the cargo and navigates to a target location.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for coupling and controlling transport of cargo using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are provided, comprising coupling at least one electronically-controllable attachment device positioned on an underside of the UAV to a sling cable, the sling cable being secured to the cargo. The UAV flies to a predetermined area above the cargo, and responsive to determining that the UAV is positioned within the predetermined area, the UAV elevates above the initial operating height to lift the cargo and navigates to a target location.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for coupling and controlling transport of cargo using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are provided, comprising coupling at least one electronically-controllable attachment device positioned on an underside of the UAV to a sling cable, the sling cable being secured to the cargo. The UAV flies to a predetermined area above the cargo, and responsive to determining that the UAV is positioned within the predetermined area, the UAV elevates above the initial operating height to lift the cargo and navigates to a target location.

Abstract: Multi-rotor rotorcraft (10) comprise a fuselage (12), and at least four rotor assemblies (14) operatively supported by and spaced-around the fuselage (12). Each of the at least four rotor assemblies (14) defines a spin volume (24) and a spin diameter (26). Some multi-rotor rotorcraft (10) further comprise at least one rotor guard (50) that is fixed relative to the fuselage (12), that borders the spin volume (24) of at least one of the at least four rotor assemblies (14), and that is configured to provide a visual indication of the spin volume (24) of the at least one of the at least four rotor assemblies (14). Various configurations of rotor guards (50) are disclosed.

Abstract: A rib structure for use in an aircraft is provided. The rib structure includes a web portion, a plurality of hat stiffener portions coupled to the web portion, and at least one chord portion coupled to the web portion. The plurality of hat stiffener portions extend substantially parallel, and the at least one chord portion extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the plurality of hat stiffener portions. Moreover, the web portion, the plurality of hat stiffener portions, and the at least one chord portion are fabricated from composite material, and include features such that the rib structure has a buckling ratio of at least about 4.

Abstract: An energy absorbing fitting is constructed to absorb tension, shear and compression loads at a joint between two composite material beams of a composite material frame. The fitting is constructed with a band of composite material having an inverted U-shape, a panel of composite material having a U-shaped cross-section configuration that is assembled into the inverted U-shaped configuration of the band, and a sheet of composite material having an inverted L-shape configuration that is secured to the band and to the panel. The fitting is positioned at the intersection of the beams and is secured to the joint between the beams, thereby reinforcing the joint against tension, shear and compression loads.

Abstract: An energy absorbing fitting is constructed to absorb tension, shear and compression loads at a joint between two composite material beams of a composite material frame. The fitting is constructed with a band of composite material having an inverted U-shape, a panel of composite material having a U-shaped cross-section configuration that is assembled into the inverted U-shaped configuration of the band, and a sheet of composite material having an inverted L-shape configuration that is secured to the band and to the panel. The fitting is positioned at the intersection of the beams and is secured to the joint between the beams, thereby reinforcing the joint against tension, shear and compression loads.

Abstract: A rib structure for use in an aircraft is provided. The rib structure includes a web portion, a plurality of hat stiffener portions coupled to the web portion, and at least one chord portion coupled to the web portion. The plurality of hat stiffener portions extend substantially parallel, and the at least one chord portion extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the plurality of hat stiffener portions. Moreover, the web portion, the plurality of hat stiffener portions, and the at least one chord portion are fabricated from composite material, and include features such that the rib structure has a buckling ratio of at least about 4.