Abstract: A rotorcraft has a horizontal stabilizer movable about an axis of rotation and a horizontal stabilizer control system configured to control the horizontal stabilizer to at least one of move the rotorcraft into a minimum drag position, maintain the aircraft in a minimum drag position, efficiently achieve a maneuver, enter efficient autorotation, and maintain efficient autorotation.

Abstract: A method of operating an under-actuated actuator system including a plurality of actuators (3), preferably for operating a multiactuator aerial vehicle (1), wherein the actuators (3) are individual propulsion units of the multiactuator aerial vehicle (1), each actuator having a maximum physical capacity umax, the method including: controlling the actuators (3) by with an actual control input u?k computed from an allocation equation u=D?1up, wherein D?1 is an inverse allocation matrix and up?m is a pseudo control input defined by a system dynamics equation m(x){dot over (x)}+c(x,{dot over (x)})+g(x)+G(x)up=fext, wherein x?n is an n-dimensional configuration vector of the system, m(x)?n×n is a state dependent generalized moment of inertia, c(x,{dot over (x)})?n are state dependent Coriolis force, g(x)?n are gravitational forces and fext?n are external forces and torques, and G(x)?n×m is a control input matrix which contains the information of under-actuation.

Abstract: To provide an aircraft of which flight efficiency can be improved. An image capturing method according to this embodiment is a method for capturing an image of an object to be photographed by using a plurality of aircrafts including an image capturing part. The image capturing method includes a ranking step of setting up a predetermined ranking for each of the aircrafts, a control step of performing control on the basis of the ranking, and an image capturing step of moving the aircraft and using the image capturing part to capture an image of the object. According to this configuration, a plurality of aircrafts can be used to capture images of a plurality of objects to be photographed simultaneously from different angles.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an actuator for a control surface of an aircraft includes a processing unit configured for acquiring a set of N values of the same parameter, N being equal to 2×p or to 2×p+1, p being an integer greater than or equal to 2, and determining a voted value of the parameter by a voter (15) with N inputs. The voter with N inputs includes a module for determining two intermediate values from among the values of a subset of 2×p values of the set of N values of the parameter, this module including at least p+1 voters with 2×p?1 inputs, receiving as input distinct subsets of 2×p?1 inputs of the subset of 2×p inputs, two sub-modules for determining a maximum value and a minimum value, respectively, each receiving as input the outputs of the various voters with 2×p?1 inputs and delivering as output the two intermediate values.

Abstract: A method for unmanned delivery of an item to a desired delivery location includes receiving, at an unmanned vehicle, first data representative of an approximate geographic location of the desired delivery location, receiving, at the unmanned vehicle, second data representative of a fiducial expected to be detectable at the desired delivery location, using the first data to operate the unmanned vehicle to travel to the approximate geographic location of the desired delivery location, upon arriving at the approximate geographic location of the desired delivery location, using the second data to operate the unmanned vehicle to detect the fiducial; and upon detecting the fiducial, using the fiducial to operate the unmanned vehicle to deliver the item.

Abstract: The present invention is an Electric servo system which controls and automates gate openings based on GPS speed and position data that results in precise and reliable modern variable and constant rate application. The Electric servo system also allows for Mechanical gate linkages to remain intact, resulting in few changes to the aircraft and redundancy of emergency components. A Mechanical input connect/disconnect is used to effortlessly transfer between the automated Electric servo system and the Mechanical gate system.

Abstract: An aircraft defines a longitudinal direction and includes a fuselage extending between a forward end and an aft end along the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. An aft engine is mounted to the aft end of the fuselage. The aft engine further includes a nacelle including a forward section. An airflow duct extends at least partially through the nacelle of the aft engine and defines an outlet on the forward section of the nacelle for providing an airflow to the forward section of the nacelle.

Abstract: A lock system for a landing gear assembly may comprise a housing and a hook configured to rotate relative to the housing. A lock pin may be configured to translate into a rotational path of the hook. An electromechanical actuator may be configured to translate the lock pin.

Abstract: Aerial vehicles may be configured to control their attitudes by changing one or more physical attributes. For example, an aerial vehicle may be outfitted with propulsion motors having repositionable mounts by which the motors may be rotated about one or more axes, in order to redirect forces generated by the motors during operation. An aerial vehicle may also be outfitted with one or more other movable objects such as landing gear, antenna and/or engaged payloads, and one or more of such objects may be translated in one or more directions in order to adjust a center of gravity of the aerial vehicle. By varying angles by which forces are supplied to the aerial vehicle, or locations of the center of gravity of the aerial vehicle, a desired attitude of the aerial vehicle may be maintained irrespective of velocity, altitude and/or forces of thrust, lift, weight or drag acting upon the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided a pivot turn load alleviation (PTLA) brake system for alleviating structural loads on a pivoting main landing gear of an aircraft in a pivot turn maneuver. The PTLA brake system includes a brake control system operatively coupled to at least two main landing gear, each having two or more wheels. The PTLA brake system further includes a PTLA brake inhibit subsystem coupled to the brake control system. The subsystem inhibits braking of one or more of the two or more wheels of the pivoting main landing gear, in the pivot turn maneuver, so that at least one wheel of the two or more wheels is in an unbraked state, and a remaining number of the two or more wheels are in a braked state. The PTLA brake system alleviates structural loads, and reduces wear on the at least one wheel that is in the unbraked state.

Abstract: The multi-rotor helicopter includes an airframe that is a device main body, and a plurality of fan units configured to raise the airframe. Each of the plurality of fan units has a fan frame supported by the airframe, a propeller axially supported by a support arm integrated with the fan frame and configured to generate a lifting power and a propulsion power, a drive motor driven to rotate the propeller, and a motor driver configured to control a driving current supplied to the drive motor and control rotation of the propeller. The motor driver is provided at a position above the propeller.

Abstract: A multicopter is provided. The multicopter may include a main body part, a wing part having one end connected to the main body part, and the other end connected to a propeller assembly, and a foldable part disposed on the wing part to fold the wing part, wherein the wing part is located above the main body part with respect to a Z-axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a universally attachable hinged wing that pivots and provides lift for multirotor drones while moving in a forward direction of flight, thus reducing power consumption and increasing payload capacity or flight duration time and distance, and provides a visual line of sight (VLOS) aid while hovering.

Abstract: An exemplary blade lock for a tiltrotor aircraft to enable and disable a folding degree of freedom and a pitching degree of freedom of a rotor blade assembly includes a link pivotally connected to a lever and a bellcrank, where the link is in a center position when the lever is in a locked position disabling the folding degree of freedom and the lever is secured in the locked position when the link is positioned in an over-center position.

Abstract: A VTOL fixed wing aircraft capable of high-speed forward flight. The aircraft has a main wing internally reinforced with front and aft spars. Spar boxed are located in roll-balanced locations along the wing. Each spar box serves as a connection point for a support linkage that supports a leading-edge and trailing-edge propulsion unit. The leading-edge propulsion unit is fitted with a puller propeller and designed for articulated movement between a VTOL position in front of the wing leading edge and a forward flight position below the wing leading edge. The trailing-edge propulsion unit is fitted with a pusher propeller and designed for articulated movement between a VTOL position in behind the wing trailing edge and a forward flight position above the wing leading edge. The propeller includes a propulsor thrust ring having an aerodynamic profile and a thrust nozzle to capture and vector radial air leakage into thrust.

Abstract: A separated lift-thrust (SLT) aircraft includes a longitudinal-thrust engine and articulated electric rotors, at least some of which are variable-position rotors having variable orientations based on rotor position signals. Control circuitry independently controls thrust of the longitudinal-thrust engine and the thrust and orientation of each of the variable-position rotors, relative to the aircraft lifting surface and longitudinal thrust engine, to provide for commanded thrust-vectoring maneuvering of the aircraft during VTOL, fixed wing flight, and intermediate transitional states, including maintenance of a desired pose of the lifting surface independent of orientation of the rotor orientations when hovering the aircraft in windy conditions. A flight and navigation control system automates flight maneuvers and maintains desired aircraft pose and position relative to static or dynamic coordinates during station keeping, tracking, avoidance, or convergence maneuvers.

Abstract: A short takeoff and landing (STOL) vehicle which comprises a tail having a surface and a fuselage having a surface, where the tail and the fuselage have a continuity of surfaces where the surface of the tail is directly coupled to the surface of the fuselage. The vehicle further includes a forward-swept wing having a trailing edge and a rotor that is attached to the trailing edge of the forward-swept wing via a pylon, where the rotor has a maximum downward angle from horizontal that is less than or equal to 60° and the STOL vehicle takes off and lands using at least some lift from the forward-swept wing and at least some lift from the rotor.

Abstract: A tiltrotor has a range of motion between a forward flight position and a hovering position, where a pylon and the tiltrotor are coupled via a telescoping actuator, a rigid bottom bar, and a fixed hinge that is attached between the rigid bottom bar and the tiltrotor. The tiltrotor moves from the forward flight position to the hovering position includes extending the telescoping actuator so that the tilt rotor rotates about the fixed hinge.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aerial vehicle for which landing or movement of the aerial vehicle downward or in the direction of gravitational force, for example, can be easily identified by people in the surrounding area. Also provided is a control method for the aerial vehicle. The aerial vehicle is provided with an alerting device that issues warnings in the velocity vector direction of the aerial vehicle. The alerting device may be equipped with a light projecting device that emits visible light toward the velocity vector direction of the aerial vehicle. The alerting device may also be equipped with a warning sound outputting device that outputs a warning sound toward the velocity vector direction of the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle including a main body, a plurality of arms, a propulsion assembly and a battery assembly, where each arm is coupled to the main body and the propulsion assembly is disposed on the each arm. The battery assembly is accommodated in a battery compartment of the main body. The battery assembly includes a shell, a battery body substantially disposed in the shell, a clamp button, and a restorable elastic piece. An end of the clamp button is mounted or connects to the shell, and the other end of the clamp button is detachably coupled to the main body. An end of the restorable elastic piece is disposed on the shell or connect to the shell, and the other end of the restorable elastic piece contacts the clamp button.

Abstract: A ballistically launched foldable multirotor vehicle has a central body frame. A battery is located in an upper vertical location of the vehicle and positions a center of mass of the vehicle to provide aerodynamic stability during a launch. Fins are attached to the central body frame such that aerodynamic forces on the fins shift an aerodynamic center (AC) of the vehicle downward below the center of mass of the vehicle. Three or more foldable arms are attached to the central body frame via a hinge and exist in two states—a closed state where the foldable arms are parallel to a central body axis, and an open state (after launch) where the foldable arms extend radially outward perpendicular to the central body axis. Rotors mounted to each foldable arm are controlled by a motor to enable flight.

Abstract: In an embodiment an unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a central body and a plurality of support structures extending outwards from the central body. Each support structure supports a rotor blade assembly and is provided with one or more deformable portions. The rotor blade assembly defines a rotational axis of one or more rotor blades associated with the rotor blade assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle, including: a fuselage; a battery accommodation cavity, disposed on the fuselage; a battery pack, including at least two battery blocks and mounted inside the battery accommodation cavity; a battery circuit board, electrically connected to the battery blocks in the battery pack; and a functional module, electrically connected to the battery circuit board, the battery blocks in the battery pack supplying power to the functional module via the battery circuit board at the same time. By using the solution of the present invention, endurance of the unmanned aerial vehicle is increased.

Abstract: A flying machine storage container is provided that comprises multiple charging stations and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism is configured to secure flying machines in the charging stations and securely close charging circuits between the storage container and the flying machines. A system for launching flying machines is also provided. The system comprises two regions and a transition region between the two regions. The two regions each constrain the positioning of a flying machine and the transition region enables a flying machine to move from the first region to the second region to reach an exit. A flying machine having sufficient performance capabilities will be able to successfully launch. Centralized and decentralized communication architectures are also provided for communicating data between a central control system, multiple storage containers, and multiple stored flying machines stored at each of the storage containers.

Abstract: A high transport efficiency aircraft apparatus for precisely delivering a payload at a target area without stopping is disclosed. An aircraft is adapted to fly at low speed and less than 10 feet above ground level over the target area, with a delivery trajectory including a steep descent toward the target area and a steep ascent away from the target area. The aircraft includes a payload bay constructed to contain the payload within the aircraft, and a payload release mechanism adapted to release the payload from the payload bay when the aircraft flies over the target area, allowing the payload to fall and arrive unharmed at the target area unaided by an aerodynamic deceleration device.

Abstract: An aerial firefighting system (AFS) is provided that is more effective and produced at lower cost than existing firefighting systems currently in operation. The AFS may use at least one wing mounted tank having an interior volume and attached to at least one of aircraft wings, the volume of the tank is adapted to hold a fire retardant and includes a nozzle in fluid communication with the volume. The wing mounted tanks are modified with a controllable flow nozzle at the end of each firefighting tank to ensure correct coverage and pinpoint accuracy of aerial drops. An auxiliary tank held within the cargo hold (feed cargo tank) is in fluid communication with the wing mounted tanks. The auxiliary tank may be a palletized tank that can be loaded on to the plane as needed. The auxiliary tank may hold between 4000-5000 gallons so as to allow an aerial tanker to make additional drops without having to land for additional fire retardant liquids.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for picking up, transporting, and lowering a payload coupled to a tether of a winch system arranged on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). For example, the winch system may include a motor for winding and unwinding the tether from a spool, and the UAV's control system may operate the motor to lower the tether toward the ground so a payload may be attached to the tether. The control system may monitor an electric current supplied to the motor to determine whether the payload has been attached to the tether. In another example, when lowering a payload, the control system may monitor the motor current to determine that the payload has reached the ground and responsively operate the motor to detach the payload from the tether. The control system may then monitor the motor current to determine whether the payload has detached from the tether.

Abstract: Techniques involve releasing and/or capturing a fixed-wing aircraft using an aerial vehicle with VTOL capabilities while the fixed-wing aircraft is in flight. For example, the VTOL aerial vehicle may take off vertically while carrying the fixed-wing aircraft and then fly horizontally before releasing the fixed-wing aircraft. Upon release, the fixed-wing aircraft flies independently to perform a mission (e.g., surveillance, payload delivery, combinations thereof, etc.). After the fixed-wing aircraft has completed its mission, the VTOL aerial vehicle may capture the fixed-wing aircraft while both are in flight, and then land together vertically. Such operation enables the fixed-wing aircraft to vertically take off and/or land while avoiding certain drawbacks associated with a conventional VTOL kit such as being burdened by weight and drag from the VTOL kit's rotors/propellers, mounting hardware, etc.

Abstract: A payload elevator system and method are disclosed, configured for providing a plurality of alternative payload elevator configurations, each payload elevator configuration being configured for transporting a payload module. A composite air vehicle configuration is also provided, including a respective payload elevator configuration, the payload elevator configuration being defined by and provided by the payload elevator system, and also including at least one payload module reversibly engaged to the payload elevator configuration via a corresponding engagement and release system.

Abstract: A projectile module is attached to a gun component which operates as a system to launch a projectile at a flying device. The gun component is configured to be removably and electro-mechanically attached to a flying vehicle. A cylindrical gas valve is part of the gun component and has a safety component configured on an exterior surface of the cylindrical gas valve to enable the gun component only to attach to the flying vehicle when the projectile module is locked into position. A splitter component configured on the gun component adjacent to the cylindrical gas valve and has an output opening for gas flow. The projectile module is removable and includes weights attached to a projectile, wherein the weights are positioned in channels on the projectile module. The projectile is fired when gas flow is initiated from a reservoir the cylindrical gas valve and splitter component to the channels containing the weights.

Abstract: A galley system within an internal cabin of an aircraft includes one or more inboard cart compartments that are configured to removably retain one or more first galley carts, and one or more outboard cart compartments. The outboard cart compartment(s) are configured to removably retain one or more second galley carts. The inboard cart compartment(s) extend forwardly and/or rearwardly in relation to the outboard cart compartment(s).

Abstract: A seating system for an internal cabin of an aircraft includes a table having at least one panel that is configured to be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position, and at least one seat assembly proximate to the table. The seat assembly is configured to be moved between a forward orientation in which the seat assembly faces away from the table, and a lateral orientation in which the seat assembly faces towards the table.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a seat unit and a lower structure thereof that are not restricted in their positional relationship with seat tracks provided in advance in the airframe. One representative seat unit of the present invention and the lower structure thereof includes a hollow structure integrally formed using a composite member. The hollow structure is hollow in a front direction of the seat unit. The hollow structure has a quadrilateral shape in the front direction of the seat unit. In addition, a partition plate is disposed in the hollow structure. Furthermore, the lower structure includes attachment points to an aircraft at three locations on its bottom. In addition, a block is embedded in the composite member at the attachment point, and a thickness of the composite member around a bracket coupled to the block is less than thickness at other locations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a life vest device, in particular for a fixation on at least one aircraft seat, with at least one life vest unit, with at least one packaging unit for an, in particular sealed, accommodation of the at least one life vest unit and with at least one opening unit for an opening of the at least one packaging unit. It is proposed that the at least one opening unit is functionally connected with the at least one life vest unit and that the at least one packaging unit comprises at least one fixation unit for a fixation on an aircraft seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a life vest container device, in particular aircraft seat life vest container device, for a life vest unit, with a life vest container comprising an accommodation unit that has an accommodation space as well as an access opening to the accommodation space, and with a monitoring device. It is proposed that the monitoring device is at least configured to capture a change of at least one characteristic via at least one electric and/or electronic signal.

Abstract: Provided is an aircraft seat that enhances passenger comfort and reduces the burden on cabin attendants. The aircraft seat includes a base with a relatively movable seat portion and a backrest portion; an actuator for relatively moving the seat portion and the backrest portion; a biometric sensor installed on the base and configured to obtain biometric information of a passenger; a plurality of elastic members installed on the base; a modification device configured to change an elastic force of at least one elastic member, and a control device, wherein the control device operates the actuator or the modification device in response to a signal from the biometric sensor.

Abstract: Sleep systems for aircraft are disclosed. An example sleep system includes a divider having a plurality of panels, each panel defining a pocket, and a lateral sleep apparatus positioned adjacent a seat, the lateral sleep apparatus to be positioned at least partially in the pocket of the panel.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling fresh air flow into a controlled environment are disclosed herein. The method comprises: measuring, using a sensor, a predetermined property in the controlled environment; estimating, by a controller, a number of people inside the controlled environment based on the measured property, and setting, by the controller, a rate of fresh air flow to the controlled environment based at least in part on the estimated number of people inside the controlled environment.

Abstract: An engine device, in particular based on a gas turbine, which can preferably be used for a hybrid-electrically driven aircraft. A drive section of the engine device produces an accelerated gas stream, which is further processed in a gas turbine of the engine device in order to generate thrust. The engine device further includes a power turbine section having multiple power turbines for providing drive power for multiple electric generators. The power turbines are designed in such a way that they can be driven solely on account of direct interaction with the accelerated gas stream leaving the gas turbine, i.e. solely by the gas stream itself and in particular not with the aid of a mechanical coupling to one of the moving components of the drive section.

Abstract: An electric propulsion system for an aircraft includes a nacelle and an electric machine. The electric machine includes a stator positioned in the nacelle, and a rotor and fan assembly positioned in a primary flow path through the nacelle. The rotor and fan assembly includes a cylindrical fan shroud, a plurality of rotor magnets positioned on an outer surface of the fan shroud, and a fan hub mounted on a central support shaft via one or more bearings. A plurality of fan blades extend between an inner surface of the fan shroud and an outer surface of the fan hub. The rotor magnets may be loaded in compression in a radial direction when the rotor and fan assembly is at rest. The fan blades may be pre-stressed in a radial direction when the rotor and fan assembly is at rest.

Abstract: A pylon is coupled to a wing. A tiltrotor, having a range of motion, is coupled to the wing via the pylon, such that the tiltrotor is aft of the wing. The tiltrotor includes a redundant drivetrain, including a plurality of motors and a plurality of motor controllers, that drives one or more blades included in the tiltrotor.

Abstract: An anterior part of an aircraft propulsion assembly nacelle, having an air intake lip disposed at a front end and an outer panel, of which an outer face extends an outer part of the air intake lip. A front edge of the outer panel and a rear edge of the air intake lip are shaped so as to overlap radially and to nest so as to ensure a continuous surface between the outer surface of the outer part of the air intake lip and the outer face of the outer panel. Moreover, the front edge of the outer panel is connected to the rear edge of the air intake lip with no added rigid element. This permits a rigid connection while avoiding creating local irregularities on the outer surface of the nacelle, which irregularities might disrupt the flow of air around the nacelle, giving rise to additional drag.

Abstract: A first power source, a second power source, and a power controller are provided, where a vehicle that includes the first power source, the second power source, and the power controller is capable of flying in a transitional mode between a hovering mode and a forward flight mode. The power controller selects one or more of the first power source and the second power source to power a rotor included in the vehicle during the transitional mode.

Abstract: A method and system for providing corrective action to a rotorcraft experiencing motor failure is provided. Included in the method and system are embodiments that receive feedback from sensors directed at measuring a state of motors used to provide lift to the rotorcraft. The method and system also describe embodiments for determining that there is a malfunctioning motor, and furthermore, the appropriate corrective action for responding to the malfunctioning motor. In some embodiments, the method and system are configured to reduce power to the malfunctioning motor while simultaneously adjusting power supplied to the remaining motors such that changes in total thrust and net torque are minimized. Further, the method and system are configured to perform diagnostics on the malfunctioning motor while power is still being supplied to the first motor.

Abstract: An anterior part of a nacelle of an aircraft propulsion assembly, which comprises an air intake lip, an outer panel extending an outer part of the air intake lip, an inner structure extending an inner part of the air intake lip, a front frame connecting the outer wall to the air intake lip or to the inner structure. The outer panel and the outer part of the air intake lip together form an outer wall of the anterior part. The front frame and the outer wall are connected to one another by assembly means located inside the anterior part. The anterior part constituted in this manner ensures laminar flow of the air on an outer surface of the anterior part and reduces drag. A nacelle of a propulsion unit, comprising an anterior part of this kind is also provided.

Abstract: An anterior part of a nacelle of a propulsion assembly of an aircraft, having an air intake lip and a front frame disposed at the rear of the air intake lip that connects an outer part to an inner part of the air intake lip. A de-icing duct is formed in front of the front frame. The front frame is shaped so that the de-icing duct has a main cavity and a thermal transition region formed behind the main cavity between an internal face of the outer part of the air intake lip and the front frame. The thermal transition region extends over a longitudinal dimension greater than its average radial dimension, the front frame forming, with respect to the internal face of the outer part of the air intake lip, an angle, measured longitudinally, of between ?20° and +10° over the majority of the thermal transition region.

Abstract: A drivetrain for an aircraft includes an engine, a driveshaft to receive rotational energy from the engine and a gearbox including a multistage planetary gear system to receive rotational energy from the driveshaft. The multistage planetary gear system includes an integral multistage ring gear system having flanged and cantilevered ends. The integral multistage ring gear system forms a first stage ring gear at the cantilevered end and a second stage ring gear interposed between the flanged end and the first stage ring gear. The multistage planetary gear system includes a first stage sun gear, first stage planet gears and a first stage carrier. The first stage planet gears mate with the first stage ring gear. The multistage planetary gear system includes a second stage sun gear, second stage planet gears and a second stage carrier. The second stage planet gears mate with the second stage ring gear.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for a segmented aircraft refueling tube with a tube interface that includes a plurality of seals configured to deform while allowing relative movement between tube segments. The systems described herein include a tube interface that includes a first ring, a second ring, a first seal disposed between a first ferrule and the first ring, a second seal disposed between a second ferrule and the second ring, a third seal disposed between the first ring and a sleeve, and a fourth seal disposed between the second ring and the sleeve. The plurality of seals per ring allow for misalignment between the ferrules to be accommodated by two or more seals. Thus, the amount of deformation per seal for any given misalignment is lower and easy to install seals such as O-rings are used.

Abstract: This fuel tank dam closes a gap between a first structural component fixed to the inside surface of the outer plate of a fuel tank and a second structural component provided with a cutout part into which the first structural component is inserted. This fuel tank dam includes: a first portion that can be fixed to the first structural component; a second portion that has a surface extending in a direction intersecting with the first portion and can be fixed to the second structural component; and a third portion that has a bellows and is disposed between the first portion and the second portion. This fuel tank dam is configured such that the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion are integrated, the bellows has a thickness of 0.381 to 1.524 mm, and the second portion has a thickness of 0.762 to 7.620 mm.

Abstract: A system and method for the transfer of cryogenic fluid fuel includes a nozzle positionable with respect to fuel tank inlet, e.g., of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a seal to seal the area where the nozzle and inlet are connected, a collapsible and expandable bellows providing an isolation volume where the fluid is transferred from the nozzle into the inlet; a vacuum is provided in the volume to avoid accumulation of fuel or other species in the volume.