Abstract: A fifth-wheel that includes a horizontal plate and a pair of legs extending upward therefrom. Also including pair of anchors, each having a bushing mounted under the plate, a cap, above the plate, secured to the respective bushing, a T-bolt extending vertically through the respective bushing and cap, and a handle secured to and extending radially outward from the respective T-bolt through a slot in the respective cap; and nuts securing each T-bolt to the respective anchor. The fifth-wheel may also include a cover, pivotable to selectively provide and block access to the anchors.

Abstract: A retrofit assembly for conversion of a wheel driven vehicle to track drive, the vehicle having an undercarriage and left and right final drive mounts, the assembly incorporating left and right setback arms attached to and extending rearwardly from the vehicle's left and right final drive mounts; a “U” bracket having left and right “U” arms, the “U” bracket being fitted for laterally spanning the vehicle's undercarriage, wherein distal ends of the left and right “U” arms are fixedly attached to rearward ends of the left and right setback arms, and wherein forward ends of the setback arms are fixedly attached to the vehicle's left and right final drive mounts; left and right final drives respectively fixedly attached to the rearward ends of the left and right setback arms; and left and right sprocket driven tracks, wherein the track's sprockets are fixedly attached to the left and right final drives.

Abstract: Disclosed is multimaterial 3D printing (MM3P) to fabricate centimeter-scale robots by utilizing soft materials to create soft joints to replace revolute joints and also soft links to replace rigid links. A three-spring rotational-prismatic rotational (RPR) model is developed to approximate the motion of soft joints or links, which is further utilized to numerically predict the motion of the leg mechanism with multiple soft joints and links. The accuracy of the proposed numerical method is validated with experimental results. A functional walking robot actuated by a single DC motor is demonstrated.

Abstract: Spiral drive mechanism, particularly for mechanical vehicles, land and water machines, comprises of deformable spiral (1) of spindle shape, on one side resting on a rocker arm (2) with bearing, attached to the vehicle through a moving joint, through an axle (3) that moves the front part of the spiral in vertical, longitudinal and transverse axis. On the other side, it rests on a pendulum-moving driving axle of the vehicle (4), propelling rotating motion of the spiral and thus causing movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: The analysis method of optimizing a joint location of an automotive body of this disclosure is to determine an additional welded point 75 to be added to an automotive body frame model 31, including: an automobile model generation step S3 to generate an automobile model by joining the automotive body frame model 31 to a chassis model 51 via a joining portion; a driving analysis step S5 to perform a driving analysis of the automobile model to acquire a load generated at the joining portion during driving; an optimization analysis model generation step S7 to generate an optimization analysis model 71 by setting welding candidates 73 on the automotive body frame model 31; an optimization analysis condition setting step S9 to set optimization analysis conditions; and an optimization analysis step S11 to apply the load generated at the joining portion to the optimization analysis mode 71 to select an additional welded point 75 that satisfies the optimization analysis conditions from the welding candidates 73.

Abstract: A bicycle storage assembly includes a vertically oriented track, A carriage is movable on the track from a loading position to a storage position, the storage position being elevated above the loading position. The carriage holds a tire and wheel assembly of the bicycle above the other in a storage, elevated position. In a first aspect the carriage comprising a pair of clamping members being devoid of any element that extends over an inside circumferential surface of a rim of the front or rear tire and wheel assembly in the storage position. A second aspect has nested enclosures to reduce storage space. A third aspect includes a movable member coupled to the carriage. The movable member inhibits removal of the bicycle in the storage position.

Abstract: A vehicle including a light projector, said light projector having a light source disposed to project light through a lens and a removeable imager; a controller coupled to the light projector and operable to receive a user control and direct the light projector to operate the light source; a user control, said user control coupled to the controller, and a rotation sensor coupled to the user control and operable to sense movement of a vehicle steering mechanism, said rotation sensor coupled to the controller, wherein the controller operates the light projector in response to the rotation sensor.

Abstract: An assembly includes a lid and a storage compartment for a motorcycle. The storage compartment includes a container body with an access opening, a bottom opposite to the access opening and a side wall perimetrally connected to the bottom. The lid has a first face and an opposite second face. The lid connects to the storage compartment and has an open configuration and a closed configuration. An object blocking system is arranged in the container body to block an object in the container body and includes an elastic membrane or elastic mesh. In a closed configuration, the mesh or membrane has a first face facing towards the second face of the lid and the second face facing towards the bottom of the container body. The elastic membrane or the elastic mesh elastically blocks the object against the bottom of the container body with the lid in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A motorcycle fairing includes a fairing body having a mounting surface for mounting an audio speaker. The fairing body defines an internal space for accommodating a portion of the speaker. The fairing includes an external wall portion. An internal wall is configured, along with the external wall portion, to seal the internal space. An upper portion defines an inboard portion and an outboard portion. An upper surface of the inboard portion is positioned below an upper surface of the outboard portion. An edge is defined by the upper surface of the outboard portion. The upper surface slopes downward on each side of the edge. The edge extends in an inboard-to-outboard direction in a forward-to-rearward direction. In some configurations, the inboard portion defines an airfoil shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a smart mobile vehicle comprising a vehicle body, a chassis, driving wheels, a battery module, a plurality of motors and a vehicle control unit. The chassis has a suspension system, a brake system and a steering system. The two driving wheels are composed of a plurality of circular units, and the driving wheels are embedded in two-wheel frames on two sides of the vehicle body. The battery module provides the smart mobile vehicle with driving power. The plurality of motors disposed between the two circular units or on a surface of any one of the circular units; wherein the motors are electrically connected to the battery module, and the torque and directional outputs of the motors is used to drive the rotation of the two driving wheels. The vehicle control unit is electrically connected to the motors and the battery module to transmit a monitoring signal.

Abstract: A steering assembly for a bicycle includes a front fork that includes an upper crown, a lower crown, and a rigid crown connector that connects the upper crown to the lower crown. The steering assembly also includes an upper cone configured to mount to the upper crown of the front fork. The upper cone includes an upper cone bearing interface configured to interact with an upper bearing assembly seated in an upper portion of a head tube of a bicycle frame. The steering assembly also includes a lower cone configured to mount to the lower crown of the front fork. The lower cone includes a lower cone bearing interface configured to interact with a lower bearing assembly seated in a lower portion of the head tube of the bicycle frame.

Abstract: A balancing transporter is provided to mitigate occurrence of undesired sudden turning and falling of a user by virtue of various mechanisms that control the source/cause of mistakes and implement post-mistake remedies. Two adjusting members are operated by the user for turning control in a manner that interference between operations on the adjusting members and on handles is prevented. Maximum allowance of difference between wheel speeds is introduced to prevent sudden turns due to inappropriate operation. A rotational interlock unit mechanically enables the adjusting members to rotate in opposite directions to prevent sudden turns. Shock absorption and balance compensation mechanisms are introduced to keep the balancing transporter from tilting.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly for use with a ride-on vehicle which has a frame with at least two wheels. The steering wheel assembly comprises a steering rod operatively coupled to the frame of the ride-on vehicle. The steering rod includes a chuck secured to the steering rod. The chuck includes a body extending between a base and an upper end. The steering wheel assembly further comprises a steering wheel with a sleeve adapted to be coupled to the chuck in a tool-less manner such that the steering wheel is configured to be engaged by a rider for moving the steering wheel and thereby steering the ride-on vehicle.

Abstract: Racing bicycle, in particular for time trials, triathlons or suchlike, comprising a frame provided with a head tube, a top tube and a fork connectable on one side to the head tube and on the other side to a wheel of the bicycle; in the fork one or more apertures are made for the passage of the air, made between the external surface of the wheel and the top of the head tube; the one or more apertures are configured to allow at least part of the stream of air that hits the bicycle to pass in a central zone of the bicycle and in proximity to the frame; the top tube is positioned above the one or more apertures in order to leave the central zone free, and therefore not interfere with the stream of air passing in the central zone and below the top tube.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar cushioning system includes a mount that is contoured such that the mount is complementary in shape to a set of bicycle handlebars. The mount has a perimeter wall having a first end and a second end and is elongated from the first end to the second end. The perimeter wall has an elongated break therein extending between and through the first and second ends. The break receives the handlebars and the mount is resiliently bendable such that the mount snaps onto and frictionally engages the bicycle handlebars. The perimeter wall has an outer surface with an elongated trough therein. At least one cushioning member is provided and includes an insert that is removably positioned in the trough. The insert comprises a resiliently compressible material. A securing member releasably secures a bottom side of the insert to a bottom wall of the trough.

Abstract: A bicycle may include a rear suspension system to absorb forces impacting on the bicycle by allowing a rear wheel of the bicycle to be displaced relative to the bicycle frame. The rear suspension system may be adjusted in some versions to affect the travel path of the rear wheel as well as the leverage ratio curve to suit the rider's preference.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pad for a bicycle disc brake. The pad comprises a support frame made of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal conductivity and a first coefficient of thermal expansion, an element made of friction-wearing material associated with a first portion of said support frame and a heat-dissipating element associated with a second portion of said support frame which is distinct from said first portion. The heat-dissipating element is made of a second material different from said first material and having a second coefficient of thermal conductivity greater than said first coefficient of thermal conductivity and a second coefficient of thermal expansion greater than said first coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A brake caliper including a first brake arm, a cable bridge pivotably secured to the first brake arm, a second brake arm having a lower arm portion and an upper arm portion, a cam situated on the upper arm portion, the cam including a cable groove. The brake caliper further including a cam lever having a pivot portion rotatably secured to the upper arm portion at a cam lever axis, a latch portion for releasable securement to the second brake arm, and a cable clamp for securing a brake cable.

Abstract: A bicycle hub assembly includes a hub shell including a braking surface. A coaster brake shoe is accommodated in the hub shell and cooperates with the braking surface to generate braking force. A motor is accommodated in the hub shell and configured to be controlled for at least changing or maintaining a gear ratio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle having an electrically operated drive motor, having a battery for the energy supply of the drive motor, the battery being secured by a battery lock in a battery compartment of the vehicle and being removable from the battery compartment after unlocking the battery lock, and having a control unit for the battery lock.

Abstract: A hydraulic device is provided for a human powered vehicle. The hydraulic device includes a piston, a base member, and a hydraulic cylinder. The base member is made of a first non-metallic material. The hydraulic cylinder is provided to the base member and defines a cylinder bore. The hydraulic cylinder includes a main portion in which the piston is movably arranged. The main portion is made of a second non-metallic material that is different from the first non-metallic material.

Abstract: A disconnectable spread mooring and riser tower system for a vessel floating at a water surface. The system comprises a forward chain table assembly releasably connected to the vessel at the bow via a first connector assembly, and an aft chain table assembly releasably connected at the stem via a second connector assembly. Mooring legs are attached to the chain table assemblies and are capable of being anchored at spaced locations on a seafloor. The first and second connector assemblies are arranged and designed to unlock and release the forward and aft chain table assemblies from the vessel. A riser tower system fixed to the seafloor may be located near the moored vessel and flexible jumper hoses can be extended between the riser tower system and the vessel to transfer fluids, air, power and control signals.

Abstract: A towed vessel suitable for containing and transporting various liquids is disclosed. The vessel further comprises various features useful in the transportation, navigation, and storage of the towable vessel, both when in use for transporting fluids and when transported in an emptied state. Such features include navigational and positioning devices and methods, power supply devices and methods, and means for filling, inflating, emptying, and deflating a non-rigid, towed vessel. Aspects of embodiments of the present invention further include features useful for purifying or preserving the purity of the fluid to be transported.

Abstract: Attachments for a collapsible marine ladder including a rung attachment for attaching to the ladder rungs. Each rung attachment includes an upper part having a first channel defined along a downward facing side of the upper part. The first channel receives an upward facing side of the rung. A downwardly angled section of the upper part extends below the rung when the upper part is attached to the rung. A pad is received on top of an upward facing side of the upper part and interfaces with a user's foot. A second channel on an upward facing side of a lower part receives a downward facing side of the rung such that the upper part attaches to the lower part. A rail attachment attaches to a rail of the ladder and receives a rail extension for extending the length of the rail. The rail extension has a handgrip.

Abstract: A fuel tender for providing fuel to an internal combustion engine of a marine vessel may include a first pontoon, a second pontoon, and a truss structure connecting the first pontoon to the second pontoon with the first pontoon being separated from the second pontoon by a pontoon separation distance that is greater than a vessel width of the marine vessel so that the first pontoon and the second pontoon can straddle a vessel stern of the marine vessel with the truss structure disposed above a stern deck of the marine vessel. A fuel reservoir may be mounted on the truss structure and have a fuel supply line extending therefrom, with the fuel supply line being fluidly connectable to a fuel inlet port for the internal combustion engine when the first pontoon and the second pontoon straddle the vessel stern of the marine vessel.

Abstract: A removable storage device adaptable for use in exercise, fishing, paddling, floating, anchoring and other operations pertaining to, but not limited to, recreational operation of watercraft. This storage device has a population of receptacles or storage areas in which a user may rapidly and securely store a variety of objects such as, for example only, paddles, snorkeling gear, valuable items, waterproof pouches and/or containers, lights, personal flotation devices, dog leashes, fishing poles, anchors, food and/or beverage containers, rope, flares and other desired items. This removable storage device may be constructed to allow secure fastening of the storage device to a wide variety of external surfaces such as, for example only paddle craft, docks, boats and other objects and surfaces desired by the operator. The storage device may be an inflatable device, a solid or semi-solid device, and/or a combination inflatable and solid or semi-solid device.

Abstract: A system on a marine vessel or platform supports a load while allowing heave compensation. The load is supported via a hydraulic actuator. A transformer of the system includes a power source and at least one hydraulic pump/motor, for communicating energy between any two of: the hydraulic actuator; a hydraulic accumulator; and a power source. A valve associated with the pump/motor is switchable during at least one cycle of the pump/motor for selectively providing fluid communication between a drive chamber of the pump/motor and any of the hydraulic actuator, the hydraulic accumulator, and a hydraulic fluid reservoir, via at least one port of the drive chamber, so as to allow a desired displacement of hydraulic fluid from the pump/motor to be obtained.

Abstract: An inflatable water sports board rack (100) is described. The inflatable water sports board rack (100) comprises: an inflatable tube comprising multiple paired inflatable uprights (110) with gaps between the uprights (110) configured to receive at least one water sports board there between; wherein the inflatable tube comprises an inflation valve (125) for inflating the inflatable water sports board rack (100). A modular inflatable docking system as a kit of parts is also described, comprising the inflatable water sports board rack (100) as a pair of single inflatable retainers (400) and at least one of: a floatable or inflatable platform to be coupled thereto.

Abstract: A diving mask includes a facial body and at least one transparent element which enables viewing and is adapted to overlap the eye area, made by co-molding at least two different thermoplastic elastomers, the transparent element being made from a thermoplastic elastomer provided with a relatively greater degree of hardness, the facial body being made from a thermoplastic elastomer provided with a relatively lower degree of hardness.

Abstract: An improved hydrodynamic sports snorkel for use in swim training, exercise and other recreational activities, which facilitates efficient swimming by eliminating the need for a swimmer to turn their head to the side for breathing. The sport snorkel device provides a novel design that significantly reduces drag and resistance, including by directing breathing tubes down the sides of the chin and under the jaw line toward the neck, around the neck and rejoining and going to the surface at the back of the neck behind the swimmer's head. This novel design with tubes running under the jawline and behind the head significantly reduces the portion of snorkel tubing directly in the water flow stream and thus reduces drag and resistance. The sport snorkel device also allows the swimmer to hold the snorkel solely by the mouthpiece without the need to fixedly attach the device to the swimmer's head or goggles.

Abstract: A propeller assembly is provided for mounting on a rotatable propeller shaft of a watercraft. The propeller assembly includes a hub structure having a plurality of circumferentially spaced blades projecting therefrom and an inner surface defining a passage. An adaptor is receivable in the passage of the hub structure. The adaptor a plurality of key pairs extending along the outer surface thereof the adaptor which define slots for receiving inserts therein. An inner portion of the first side of each insert forms mating relationship with first portion of the first sidewall of a first key of a corresponding key pair and an inner portion of the second side of the insert forms a mating relationship with the first portion of the second sidewall of a second key of the corresponding key pair with the insert received in the corresponding slot.

Abstract: A system for autonomous ocean data collection includes at least one sensor capable of collecting sensor data, at least one transmission device, and at least one computing device comprising one or more hardware processors and memory coupled to the one or more hardware processors, the memory storing one or more instructions which, when executed by the one or more hardware processors, cause the at least one computing device to generate data for transmission based on the sensor data collected by the at least one sensor, and cause the at least one transmission device to transmit the data.

Abstract: A jet propulsion device is mounted to a vessel body and connected to a drive shaft. A bearing rotatably supports the drive shaft. A bulkhead is disposed inside the vessel body and below a deck. The bulkhead supports the bearing and includes a gap disposed between the drive shaft and the deck. The drive shaft and the gap overlap as seen in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A paddle mount for a boat is described. The mount includes a generally t-shaped tubular body including a flange and a stem, where the length of the flange and the stem is adjustable and the ends of the flange are configured to rest on opposite sides of the boat cockpit. The mount is configured to couple to the front end of the cockpit and to an end of the stem, such that the t-shaped body may be rotated upwards away from the boat. A mount adapter is also described that may be used to attach a paddle to the boat using the mount.

Abstract: A marine vessel including a hybrid propulsion system including one or more diesel engines and electrically-driven thrusters. A hybrid propulsion management system may be configured to manage the hybrid propulsion system during free-floating, stationary operations by executing an embedded power simulation and control function that performs a real-time simulation to determine minimum RPM requirements of the diesel engine(s) for each power bus (e.g., electrical buses to which the electrically-driven thrusters are electrically connected) to fulfill a stationary position holding objective by the hybrid propulsion system of the marine vessel. By determining minimum RPM requirements for the diesel engine(s), reduced fuel consumption and emissions may be achieved, while ensuring safety of the marine vessel, closely located structures, and people.

Abstract: A boat includes an engine, an input that receives an input operation performed by an operator, and a controller connected to the input. The controller is powered off when the input does not receive the input operation within a first length of time after the engine is stopped. The controller is not powered off when the input receives the input operation within the first length of time after the engine is stopped.

Abstract: A steering system for a marine vessel comprises a helm, a control head, and a joystick. The helm and control head may respectively provide user inputted steering commands and user inputted shift and throttle commands on a first CAN network. The joystick and the control head may respectively provide user inputted steering commands and user inputted shift and throttle commands on a second CAN network. The helm may provide user inputted steering commands on the first CAN network. The control head may provide user inputted shift and throttle commands on the second CAN network. The joystick may provide user inputted steering commands and user inputted shift and throttle commands on either the first CAN network or the second CAN network.

Abstract: An interior configuration for an aircraft including a longitudinal aisle and rows of passenger seats, wherein a row of the passenger seats is disposed in a flexible use space adjacent the aisle and a bulkhead, and wherein the flexible use space includes a floor palette and attendant seats equipped with flip-up seat bottoms such that the flexible use space can be configured for passenger seating or to provide securement space within the flexible use space for securing items such as a wheelchair, pet carrier, large items and items of value.

Abstract: A fitting for attaching the horizontal tail stabilizer of an aircraft, allowing the formation of a lighter component, without a fatigue failure mode and with a significant reduction in the installation time. The fitting comprises: a core piece having a regular thickness, the core piece having a U configuration, according to a plan view, thereby being composed of two lateral areas and a central area located between the lateral areas, at least one central reinforcement having a regular thickness and joined to one side of the central area and comprising a flange located on an inner edge of the core piece, at least two lateral reinforcements having a regular thickness and each lateral reinforcement being joined to one side of a different lateral area and comprising a flange located on the inner edge of the core piece.

Abstract: A method of repairing an over-frame blanket assembly in an aircraft includes identifying an aperture in an over-frame blanket piece having an exposed sound barrier layer. The method further includes cutting an acoustic barrier patch to a size that is larger than the aperture. The method includes adhering a sound barrier layer of the acoustic barrier patch to the exposed sound barrier layer of the over-frame blanket piece around the aperture to cover the aperture.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a fuselage having a longitudinal axis and a propulsion system that is coupled to the fuselage. The vehicle also includes a pair of articulated appendages that is coupled to the fuselage. Each one of the articulated appendages includes a plurality of airfoil segments and is moveable between a ground configuration, in which each one of the pair of articulated appendages supports the vehicle during takeoff or landing of the vehicle, and a flight configuration, in which each one of the pair of articulated appendages produces lift during flight of the vehicle.

Abstract: Stop pads for aircraft folding wing tips are described herein. An example aircraft wing includes a fixed wing portion and a wing tip moveably coupled to the fixed wing portion about a hinge axis. The wing tip is moveable between an extended position and a folded position. The aircraft wing also includes a first stop pad coupled to the fixed wing portion, the first stop pad having a first contact surface, and a second stop pad coupled to the wing tip, the second stop pad having a second contact surface. The first and second contact surfaces are to engage each other when the wing tip is in the extended position. A contact plane between the first and second contact surfaces is coplanar with the hinge axis.

Abstract: A folding wing hinge for a wing having a fixed wing portion and a folding wing portion, the folding wing hinge including a hinge pin including a hinge pin spline and having a first longitudinal axis, an input fitting coupled to one of the fixed wing portion and the folding wing portion, the input fitting including an input fitting spline and a second longitudinal axis, and a spline coupling member having a coupling spline configured to couple with the hinge pin spline and the input fitting spline so that the first longitudinal axis moves relative to the second longitudinal axis by a first predetermined amount of movement.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an aerial vehicle with a horizontal tailplane disposed along a bottom edge of a vertical tailfin. Namely, the aerial vehicle includes an empennage attached to the fuselage via a tail boom and a tail coupling. The empennage includes a vertical tailfin that extends below the tail coupling. The empennage also includes a tube arranged along a leading edge of the vertical tailfin and below the tail coupling of the aerial vehicle. The empennage additionally includes one or more rotating actuators and a horizontal tailplane. The horizontal tailplane is coupled to the tail via the tube and includes a continuous leading edge and a cutout. The one or more rotating actuators are configured rotate the horizontal tailplane about an axis of the tube. At least a portion of the vertical tailfin is configured to pass through the cutout.

Abstract: A rotor blade locking assembly for locking a rotor blade in a deployed position. The rotor blade locking assembly comprises a locking mechanism configured to be coupled to a blade grip. The locking mechanism comprises a latch and an actuator configured to cause the latch to move between an unlocked position and a locked position. The assembly comprises a locking plate configured to be coupled to the rotor blade. The locking plate comprises a bearing surface configured to bear against a contact surface of the latch, when the latch is in the locked position.

Abstract: A propeller includes a blade free to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the blade. The propeller also includes a mechanical stop positioned to engage mechanically a first portion of the blade and/or a first structure coupled mechanically to the blade when the blade is in a first position. The propeller also includes a magnetic stop positioned to engage magnetically a second portion of the blade and/or a second structure coupled mechanically to the blade when the blade is in a second position. The blade rotates to the first position against the mechanical stop when the propeller is rotated at a first rotational speed and the blade rotates to the second position against the magnetic stop when the propeller is rotated at a second rotational speed in a same direction as when the blade is in the first position.

Abstract: The variable pitch propeller control system can have a source of adjustable, actuation hydraulic pressure, a feather valve openable to provide an actuation path of the actuation hydraulic pressure between the source and the actuator, and closeable to connect the actuator to a drain below the actuation hydraulic pressure and close the actuator path, and a bypass path parallel to the actuator path, the bypass path having a restricted flow area relative to a flow area of the actuator path.

Abstract: A system comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having wing elements and tail elements configured to roll to angularly orient the UAV by rolling so as to align a longitudinal plane of the UAV, in its late terminal phase, with a target. A method of UAV body re-orientation comprising: (a) determining by a processor a boresight angle error correction value bases on distance between a target point and a boresight point of a body-fixed frame; and (b) effecting a UAV maneuver comprising an angular role rate component translating the target point to a re-oriented target point in the body-fixed frame, to maintain the offset angle via the offset angle correction value.

Abstract: An actuator assembly includes a primary load path for tightly coupling an actuated surface to a reference structure, and a secondary load path having a backlash portion for coupling the actuated surface to the reference structure with backlash, wherein the secondary load path is unloaded during an operative state of the primary load path and loaded during a failure state of the primary load path. A first sensor is configured to sense relative displacement between a portion of the primary load path and a portion of the secondary load path. A controller is operatively coupled to the first sensor, the controller configured to determine a load on the primary load path based on relative displacement sensed by the first sensor.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the state of an unmanned aircraft includes a first communication unit, a second communication unit that can be integrated within the aircraft, a state transmission unit that can be integrated within the aircraft for transferring state data of the aircraft, a receiving unit integrated within the aircraft for receiving control commands, a computing unit assigned to the aircraft for validating the state of the aircraft, and an external control and monitoring unit connected to the computing unit. The computing unit executes a simulation model of the aircraft, which is based on numerical integration of a system of equations with a simulation state vector. The computing unit sends a warning signal to the control and monitoring unit on the occurrence of one or repeated instances of a model error correction term exceeding specified interval limits.