Abstract: The present invention provides a catch and snare system for an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising: (a) a detection system, (b) a deployment system in communication with the detection system, (c) a capture system placed at an interference position by the deployment system, wherein the capture system comprises a net, a plurality of foam deploying canisters attached to the net for deploying foam, and at least one canister for deploying a decelerating parachute attached to the net, wherein the foam prevents the release of chemical or biological agents from the captured unmanned aerial vehicle, and (d) a descent system to bring the capture system and a captured unmanned aerial vehicle back to earth.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for accurate guidance of small munitions to a target. The guidance for the small munition is mainly provided by a device external to the small munition, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV may provide external guidance commands by use of a command transmitter to the small munition. The small munition is equipped to receive the guidance commands and consequently use a maneuvering mechanism to react to the guidance commands. The UAV may determine a successful release point of the small munition and track a flight path from a release point toward the target of the small munition using a passive sensor mounted in a gimbaled mount, which is controlled by use of a closed-loop control system. The UAV may be controlled by a ground control device, such as an operator control unit (OCU), to release small munitions.

Abstract: Takeoff and landing modes are added to a flight control system of a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV). The takeoff and landing modes use data available to the flight control system and the VTOL UAV's existing control surfaces and throttle control. As a result, the VTOL UAV can takeoff from and land on inclined surfaces without the use of landing gear mechanisms designed to level the UAV on the inclined surfaces.

Abstract: A tether continuous energy supply system for an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising: a ground station, a ground station energy system, a spool coupled to the ground station energy system at a rotating joint, a tether that is wound about the spool, wherein a first end of the tether is coupled to the rotating joint, a tension control motor coupled to both the spool and the ground station energy system, an unmanned aerial vehicle coupled to a second end of the tether, a UAV energy system, a fluid that moves throughout the tether continuous energy supply system, a tension control system that receives and transmits signals from a plurality of sensors contained within the tether continuous energy supply system, and a distributed controls system that receives and transmits signals from the plurality of sensors contained within the tether continuous energy supply system.

Abstract: Takeoff and landing modes are added to a flight control system of a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV). The takeoff and landing modes use data available to the flight control system and the VTOL UAV's existing control surfaces and throttle control. As a result, the VTOL UAV can takeoff from and land on inclined surfaces without the use of landing gear mechanisms designed to level the UAV on the inclined surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for accurate guidance of small munitions to a target. The guidance for the small munition is mainly provided by a device external to the small munition, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV may provide external guidance commands by use of a command transmitter to the small munition. The small munition is equipped to receive the guidance commands and consequently use a maneuvering mechanism to react to the guidance commands. The UAV may determine a successful release point of the small munition and track a flight path from a release point toward the target of the small munition using a passive sensor mounted in a gimbaled mount, which is controlled by use of a closed-loop control system. The UAV may be controlled by a ground control device, such as an operator control unit (OCU), to release small munitions.

Abstract: Takeoff and landing modes are added to a flight control system of a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV). The takeoff and landing modes use data available to the flight control system and the VTOL UAV's existing control surfaces and throttle control. As a result, the VTOL UAV can takeoff from and land on inclined surfaces without the use of landing gear mechanisms designed to level the UAV on the inclined surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catch and snare system for an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising: (a) a detection system, (b) a deployment system in communication with the detection system, (c) a capture system placed at an interference position by the deployment system, wherein the capture system comprises a net, a plurality of foam deploying canisters attached to the net for deploying foam, and at least one canister for deploying a decelerating parachute attached to the net, wherein the foam prevents the release of chemical or biological agents from the captured unmanned aerial vehicle, and (d) a descent system to bring the capture system and a captured unmanned aerial vehicle back to earth.

Abstract: Takeoff and landing modes are added to a flight control system of a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV). The takeoff and landing modes use data available to the flight control system and the VTOL UAV's existing control surfaces and throttle control. As a result, the VTOL UAV can takeoff from and land on inclined surfaces without the use of landing gear mechanisms designed to level the UAV on the inclined surfaces.

Abstract: Reflective movable mirrors are used to reflect an image from a desired direction into the lens of a camera. This apparatus is preferably used with infrared (IR) cameras. To capture images from different directions, the orientations of the mirrors are modified. The mirrors are light, requiring only miniature motors and actuators for moving them. The mirrors are also much smaller than the focal plane electronics and the IR lens, requiring much less space for moving them than would be required for moving the camera. This provides a pointing capability for an airframe-fixed IR camera and this capability is provided with minimum additional payload, space and power requirements. The apparatus and method can be used for IR and electro-optical (EO) cameras.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for publishing selectively altered sensor data. One system includes a plurality of sensors coupled to a processor. The sensors are configured to generate data, and the processor is configured to fuse and publish a portion of the data from each of the plurality of sensors in a fused version of the data. Another system includes a sensor coupled to a processor. The sensor is configured to generate data and the processor is configured to modify the data to create a plurality of modified versions of the data. A method includes receiving data from at least one sensor, altering the data to create an altered version of the data, and publishing the altered version of the data in real time.

Abstract: Reflective movable mirrors are used to reflect an image from a desired direction into the lens of a camera. This apparatus is preferably used with infrared (IR) cameras. To capture images from different directions, the orientations of the mirrors are modified. The mirrors are light, requiring only miniature motors and actuators for moving them. The mirrors are also much smaller than the focal plane electronics and the IR lens, requiring much less space for moving them than would be required for moving the camera. This provides a pointing capability for an airframe-fixed IR camera and this capability is provided with minimum additional payload, space and power requirements. The apparatus and method can be used for IR and electro-optical (EO) cameras.

Abstract: Disclosed is system and method for managing a multiprocessor system including at least one master processor in communication with at least one remote processor. A core interacts with one or more distributed processors through communication channels. The core provides test, synchronization, logging, and management operations to distributed processors. An agent engine, associated with the core, provides operation-related data and software from a combination of user interfaces, test scripts, and databases to the core during its interaction with the distributed processors. Target agents associated with the distributed processors receive commands from the core. Target agents can access library modules for extended command sets for target processor management, testing, and control. Target agent capability can be extended via on-line or real-time task distribution.

Abstract: A method and system for terrain aided navigation which provide more precise and more accurate position, velocity, altitude, and attitude for an air vehicle. The present method is a continuous, active, all-weather, day/night, self-contained vehicle system used for terminal and en route navigation. The present method utilizes on-vehicle sensing elements which require no external stimulation, eliminating dependence on external ground and space-based navigation aides. The present method also provides a drift-free solution. The present method is more difficult to detect (sense) and more difficult to disrupt.

Abstract: A contactless precision, optical distance and angle measurement method and system optically measuring the position of a moveable object, the bending of the object, the torque applied to the object and the object's rotational velocity. The present invention includes a plurality of optical sensors placed around and adjacent to the moveable object which transmit optical signals to a surface of the object and receives the optic signals when predefined marker means are sensed. The received optic signals are then processed by non-linear estimation techniques known to those of skill in the art to obtain the desired information.