Abstract: An aircraft system is provided that includes a first propulsor rotor, a second propulsor rotor, a drivetrain and an intermittent combustion engine. The first propulsor rotor is rotatable about a first propulsor axis. The second propulsor rotor is rotatable about a second propulsor axis. The drivetrain includes a drive structure and a transmission. The drive structure is rotatable about a drive axis that is angularly offset from the first propulsor axis and the second propulsor axis. An output of the transmission is coupled to the first propulsor rotor and the second propulsor rotor through the drive structure. The intermittent combustion engine is configured to drive rotation of the first propulsor rotor and the second propulsor rotor through the drivetrain.

Abstract: A long-distance drone having a main body, a left hind wing, a right hind wing, a left forewing, and a right forewing. There is a left linear support connecting the left forewing to the left hind wing, and a right linear support connecting the right forewing to the right hind wing. A plurality of propellers are disposed on the left and the right linear supports.

Abstract: A wing assembly includes a center wing structure and a pair of outer wing structures. The center wing structure includes a center wing front spar, a center wing rear spar, and an engine mounting location on each side of a wing centerline. Each outer wing structure includes an outer wing front and rear spar configured to be coupled respectively to the center wing front and rear spar to define a wing joint coupling the outer wing structure to the center wing structure. The center wing structure is configured such that the spar terminal ends of the center wing front and rear spars at each wing joint are located no further inboard than an engine centerline associated with the engine mounting location, and no further outboard of the engine centerline than ten percent of a distance between the engine centerline and the wing centerline.

Abstract: Cargo aerial delivery systems for delivering one or more delivery items and related methods. A cargo aerial delivery system may include a cargo container configured to carry the delivery item(s) and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to carry the cargo container to delivery destinations of the delivery items. The cargo container may include a programmable device that stores manifest information regarding the delivery item(s) and a local communication mode configured to convey delivery information from the cargo container to the UAV. A method of utilizing a cargo aerial delivery system may include loading delivery item(s) into a container body of a cargo container, entering manifest information into a programmable device, operatively engaging the cargo container with a UAV, generating a delivery itinerary, transporting the cargo container with the UAV according to the delivery itinerary, and unloading each delivery item at the respective delivery destination.

Abstract: A flight vehicle control and stabilization process detects and measures an orientation of a non-fixed portion relative to a fixed frame or portion of a flight vehicle, following a perturbation in the non-fixed portion from one or both of tilt and rotation thereof. A pilot or rider tilts or rotates the non-fixed portion, or both, to intentionally adjust the orientation and effect a change in the flight vehicle's direction. The flight vehicle control and stabilization process calculates a directional adjustment of the rest of the flight vehicle from this perturbation and induces the fixed portion to re-orient itself with the non-fixed portion to effect control and stability of the flight vehicle. The flight vehicle control and stabilization process also detects changes in speed and altitude, and includes stabilization components to adjust flight vehicle operation from unintentional payload movement on the non-fixed portion.

Abstract: A flight vehicle control and stabilization process detects and measures an orientation of a non-fixed portion relative to a fixed frame or portion of a flight vehicle, following a perturbation in the non-fixed portion from one or both of tilt and rotation thereof. A pilot or rider tilts or rotates the non-fixed portion, or both, to intentionally adjust the orientation and effect a change in the flight vehicle's direction. The flight vehicle control and stabilization process calculates a directional adjustment of the rest of the flight vehicle from this perturbation and induces the fixed portion to re-orient itself with the non-fixed portion to effect control and stability of the flight vehicle. The flight vehicle control and stabilization process also detects changes in speed and altitude, and includes stabilization components to adjust flight vehicle operation from unintentional payload movement on the non-fixed portion.

Abstract: In at least one aspect, a small satellite includes a cylindrical body, a predetermined payload volume, a payload adapter ring mechanical interface for interchangeably mechanically coupling to a launch vehicle payload adapter ring, an electrical interface specifying a set of electrical specifications for interchangeably electrically coupling to the launch vehicle payload adapter ring, a specified center of gravity location and specified frequency response, where the predetermined payload volume, payload adapter ring mechanical interface, electrical interface, specified center of gravity location, and frequency response range allow the small satellite to be interchanged with other small satellites when coupling to the launch vehicle.

Abstract: A device for controlling the orientation and magnitude of cyclorotor thrust and for providing mechanical power to that cyclorotor including a system of linear actuators to position a cam or eccentric around a geared shaft. The invention includes a frame which supports the main cyclorotor shaft, provides mounting for the linear actuators, and contains the mechanical gearing system.

Abstract: A system for defeating a threat unmanned aerial vehicle including a friendly unmanned aerial vehicle and a containment system. The containment system is deployable from the friendly unmanned aerial vehicle and includes a signal blocking enclosure and a capturing device. The signal blocking enclosure is formed of a conductive material for shielding radio frequency signals from propagating in or out of the signal blocking enclosure. The capturing device is configured for arresting the threat unmanned aerial vehicle and positioning an arrested threat unmanned aerial vehicle within the signal blocking enclosure.

Abstract: Techniques to control flight of an aircraft are disclosed. In various embodiments, a set of inputs associated with a requested set of forces and moments to be applied to the aircraft is received. An optimal mix of actuators and associated actuator parameters to achieve to an extent practical the requested forces and moments is determined, including by minimizing a weighted set of costs that includes costs associated with one or more errors each corresponding to a difference between a requested force or moment and a corresponding force or moment achieved by the computed solution.

Abstract: A system for providing integrated detection and deterrence against an unmanned vehicle including but not limited to aerial and similar technology unmanned systems using a detection element, a tracking element, an identification element and an interdiction or deterrent element. Elements contain sensors that observe real time quantifiable data regarding the object of interest to create an assessment of the object of interests risk or threat to a protected area of interest. This assessment is based on the application of machine learning and data mining techniques and protocols to the set of data related to the object of interest. This data product is available to third parties via a set of defined interface protocols and available API.

Abstract: A flight vehicle control and stabilization process detects and measures an orientation of a non-fixed portion relative to a fixed frame or portion of a flight vehicle, following a perturbation in the non-fixed portion from one or both of tilt and rotation thereof. A pilot or rider tilts or rotates the non-fixed portion, or both, to intentionally adjust the orientation and effect a change in the flight vehicle's direction. The flight vehicle control and stabilization process calculates a directional adjustment of the rest of the flight vehicle from this perturbation and induces the fixed portion to re-orient itself with the non-fixed portion to effect control and stability of the flight vehicle. The flight vehicle control and stabilization process also detects changes in speed and altitude, and includes stabilization components to adjust flight vehicle operation from unintentional payload movement on the non-fixed portion.

Abstract: There is provided a center fuel tank assembly for an aircraft. The assembly includes a center fuel tank disposed in a central part of the aircraft. The assembly further includes one or more fuel barrier members partitioning the center fuel tank into two or more separate volume sections comprising two or more separate sub-tanks arranged in a fore-to-aft alignment to form a partitioned center fuel tank. The assembly further includes a fuel flow control assembly coupled to each of the two or more separate sub-tanks, each fuel flow control assembly operating independently. A sequential fuel burn of fuel in the two or more separate sub-tanks is made in a fore-to-aft sequence while the aircraft is in flight, to assist in shifting aftward a center of gravity (CG) of the aircraft, to reduce aircraft drag.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for testing of separating systems between a space vehicle and a launch vehicle, at a component level and/or at a system level, using High Speed Digital Image Correlation (HSDIC). Proposed embodiments integrate HSDIC into the separation testing processes to better determine system function without contacting the object under test. By applying HSDIC to objects under test, the previously immeasurable quantities may be measured and may provide results leading to more complete and more understandable measurements of interest. As one example, local coordinate systems may be generated indicating symmetry and/or lack of symmetry. Furthermore, stay out volumes may be verified. In some embodiments, trajectories associated with measure targets, (e.g., features of the object under test and/or patterns such as a speckle pattern) may be utilized to track and analysis movements as well as verify stay out volumes.

Abstract: A control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle is disclosed. The control system includes a mobile device and an intermediary device. The mobile device is equipped with an APP allowing a user to input a control order. The intermediary device has a microprocessor for receiving the control order and generating an execution signal in accordance with the control order, and the execution signal is transmitted to the unmanned aerial vehicle. When the intermediary device does not receive any control order, the microprocessor automatically generates a hover signal for maintaining the unmanned aerial vehicle in a hovering flight state.

Abstract: A cross flow fan to be incorporated into an aircraft comprises a cross flow fan rotor to be positioned in an aircraft, a drive arrangement for the cross flow fan rotor, and a plurality of vanes positioned downstream of the cross flow fan rotor. An aircraft is also disclosed.

Abstract: An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) air traffic control method utilizing wireless networks and concurrently supporting delivery application authorization and management communicating with a plurality of UAVs via a plurality of cell towers associated with the wireless networks, wherein the plurality of UAVs each include hardware and antennas adapted to communicate to the plurality of cell towers; maintaining data associated with flight of each of the plurality of UAVs based on the communicating; processing the maintained data to perform a plurality of functions associated with air traffic control of the plurality of UAVs; and processing the maintained data to perform a plurality of functions for the delivery application authorization and management for each of the plurality of UAVs.

Abstract: A thrust generating device has a simple structure and can effectively control the magnitude of a Magnus force generated at a cylindrical blade in accordance with the direction of a flow acting on the cylindrical blade. A Magnus-type thrust generating device includes a first member that has a first rotational axis and that can rotate about the first rotational axis; and a second member that is disposed at a rear surface side in an advancement direction of the first member 1. (M?L)/L<2 is satisfied, where L is the distance from the first rotational axis to the most distant part of the surface of the first member and M is the distance from the first rotational axis to the closest part of the surface of the second member in a plane perpendicular to the first rotational axis of the Magnus-type thrust generating device.

Abstract: A detachable power transfer device for a rotary-wing aircraft includes a docking station integrated into the rotary-wing aircraft. A power pod of the detachable power transfer device is constructed and arranged to detachably connect to the docking station for transferring power to the rotary-wing aircraft.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for providing information to a pilot of a receiver aircraft during a refueling operation are described. The refueling operation includes a tanker aircraft with a hose for supplying fuel to the receiver aircraft and a refueling coupler coupled to an end of the hose. One example method includes, receiving at a first transceiver located at the receiver aircraft refueling information from a second transceiver located at the tanker aircraft, receiving from a vision system located at the receiver aircraft image information indicative of the hose and the refueling coupler, and displaying, on a head up display (HUD) of the pilot of the receiver aircraft a visual representation of one or more of the refueling information and the image information.

Abstract: A stretchable mesh material extends across the opening of a cavity of the landing gear of an aircraft when the landing gear is in the deployed position. The mesh material alters the flow of air across the opening of the landing gear cavity and significantly reduces the amount of noise produced by the wheel well at low-to-mid frequencies.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a multicopter-assisted launch and retrieval system generally including: (1) a multi-rotor modular multicopter attachable to (and detachable from) a fixed-wing aircraft to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; (2) a storage and launch system usable to store the modular multicopter and to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; and (3) an anchor system usable (along with the multicopter and a flexible capture member) to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from wing-borne flight.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for control of unmanned vehicles. One of the methods includes determining, using an internet protocol mesh module, whether a peer unmanned vehicle is within a predetermined physical distance from the unmanned vehicle to enable creation of a mesh network for network communications between an unmanned vehicle and the peer unmanned vehicle, determining, using a cellular gateway module, whether the unmanned vehicle can connect to a cellular network, determining, using the available networks, a communications path between the unmanned vehicle and a control system, creating, using the communications path between the unmanned vehicle and the control system, a network connection with the control system, receiving, from the control system via the network connection, navigation commands, and using the navigation commands to control movement of the unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: A package delivery system can be implemented to forcefully propel a package from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), while the UAV is in motion. The UAV can apply a force onto the package that alters its descent trajectory from a parabolic path to a vertical descent path. The package delivery system can apply the force onto the package in a number of different ways. For example, pneumatic actuators, electromagnets, spring coils, and parachutes can generate the force that establishes the vertical descent path of the package. Further, the package delivery system can also monitor the package during its vertical descent. The package can be equipped with one or more control surfaces. Instructions can be transmitted from the UAV via an RF module that cause the one or more controls surfaces to alter the vertical descent path of the package to avoid obstructions or to regain a stable orientation.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a constant velocity (CV) joint includes a first yoke, a second yoke, and three bearings. The first yoke is configured to be rotatably coupled to an input device about a first axis and configured to receive the input device through a first opening. The second yoke is rotatably coupled to the first yoke about a second axis and rotatably coupled to an output device about a third axis. The first bearing is disposed about the first axis adjacent to the first yoke, the second bearing is disposed about the second axis adjacent to the first yoke or the second yoke, and the third bearing disposed about the third axis adjacent to the second yoke. The first and third bearings torsionally constrain movement the first yoke and the second yoke so as to achieve a substantially CV characteristic between the input device and the output device.

Abstract: An automatic engine driven pump (EDP) depressurization system for an aircraft is disclosed. The aircraft includes at least two EDPs driven by a main engine for converting mechanical power provided by the main engine into hydraulic power for distribution by a hydraulic system. The EDP depressurization system includes a depressurization device corresponding to each of the at least two EDPs and a control module. The depressurization devices are each energized to depressurize a respective EDP. The control module is in signal communication with each of the depressurization devices. The control module includes control logic for automatically generating a depressurization signal that energizes one of the depressurization devices based on a plurality of operational conditions of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method and system for alerting a pilot to a potential unanticipated LTE with simple intuitive symbology on the cockpit display is provided. The provided method and system evaluates rotorcraft airspeed, wind velocity, wind direction, and rotorcraft height above ground to predict several scenarios for LTE zones. The provided method and system overlays or superimposes simple intuitive symbology on the existing PFD and/or MFD to alert a pilot to a potential LTE.

Abstract: An aircraft hybrid fuel system includes a main tank and a set of flexible bladders, the main tank and the set of flexible bladders defining a fuel containment space. The system further includes a set of pathways coupling the set of flexible bladders to the main tank. The set of pathways is constructed and arranged to vent gas out of the set of flexible bladders into the main tank while fuel from a fuel source is provided into the fuel containment space defined by the main tank and the set of flexible bladders. Along these lines, each flexible bladder can be provisioned with a fuel port to provide fuel, and a separate vent port to vent gas to the main tank.

Abstract: A wearable device for operating one or more aircraft related systems, a device system comprising a plurality of such wearable devices, a system comprising such a wearable device and one or more aircraft related systems, and an aircraft comprising such a device system. The wearable device comprises: a user interface configured to receive a user input and to output information corresponding to the received user input; a system interface to connect the wearable device to the aircraft related systems; and a control unit configured to communicate with the aircraft related systems via the system interface to operate at least one of the aircraft related systems and to receive information from at least one of the aircraft related systems. The user interface is further configured to output the information received from the at least one of the aircraft related systems.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a constant velocity (CV) joint includes a first yoke, a second yoke, and a control mechanism. The first yoke is configured to be rotatably coupled to an input device about a first axis and configured to receive the input device through a first opening. The second yoke is rotatably coupled to the first yoke about a second axis and rotatably coupled to an output device about a third axis. The control mechanism is adapted to constrain the first yoke and the second yoke so as to achieve a substantially CV characteristic between the input device and the output device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for controlling a high-lift device or a flight control surface of an aircraft or spacecraft, especially with a system according to the present invention, comprising the steps of receiving, at least one first control unit, a command signal from a commander unit via a data network, providing a primary control signal to at least one secondary control unit via the data network, wherein the primary control signal depends on the received command signal, receiving, at the at least one second control unit, a sensor signal of one or more sensors of the high-lift device or flight control surface, and providing a secondary control signal to one or more actuators of the high-lift device or flight control surface, wherein the secondary control signal depends on the received sensor signal. Furthermore, the present invention discloses a system and an aircraft or spacecraft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a flight of a rotorcraft. Parameters for the flight of the rotorcraft are identified. A number of regions, above a terrain, to be avoided by the rotorcraft during the flight of the rotorcraft over the terrain are identified using the parameters for the flight of the rotorcraft. Information about the number of regions is displayed on a display device during the flight of the rotorcraft.

Abstract: An aircraft (1) comprising: a fuselage (2), opposing wings (3, 4) either side of the fuselage (2), each wing (3, 4) supports at least one tangential flow rotor (5) and has a rotational axis. At least one tail section (3A) is disposed on each wing (3, 4) for forming a wing trailing edge. The tail sections (3A) are moveable about the, or each, rotor axis (X) relative to the fuselage (2) so as to provide, in use of said aircraft (1), variable thrust forces, whereby in use, movement of the or each tail section (3A) controls the flight of the aircraft (1). Lift is generated by way of a shroud (12) which forms an extension to the tail section (3A) curved surface or cowl to jointly cover a proportion of the circumference of the rotor. Ideally the shroud (12) and tail section curved surfaces create a vortex chamber generally within the rotor. An alternative embodiment includes a vertical axis fan (6) is provided on the fuselage (2) to adjust aircraft “pitch”.

Abstract: A command and control system is provided including a core unit, with a processor and a map display engine. The core unit is configured to exchange information with a multi-domain heterogeneous unmanned vehicle command and control module, a multi-sensor command and control module, and an asset tracking module. The asset tracking module estimates a location of an indeterminate object. A control unit exchanges information with an input device. A detecting unit detects modules that are associated with the core unit. A subscription unit logs parameters associated with the detected modules and determines types of data to send to the detected units based on the parameters. A script unit receives and implements command and control scripts for the detected modules. A display output provides display information of a combined representation of information from the detected modules and map information, including locations of the vehicles and sensors under control and the estimated location of the indeterminate object.

Abstract: A method for exhausting gas from an aircraft engine assembly is provided. The method includes coupling a first exhaust duct in fluid communication only to a first engine. The first exhaust duct includes a primary outlet and a secondary outlet. The method further includes coupling a second exhaust duct in fluid communication only to a second engine. The second exhaust duct includes a primary outlet and a secondary outlet. The method also includes aligning a portion of the first engine secondary outlet concentrically within a portion of the second engine secondary outlet.

Abstract: A cargo parachute release apparatus comprising an assembly plate and a hinged member that is hinged to the assembly plate with a hinge pin. Parachute riser attachment components are positioned between the assembly plate and hinged member when the hinged member is in the closed position. An electronic package assembly having a microprocessor having predetermined parameters is provided, and the electronic package assembly has horizontal and vertical accelerometers and a strain gage for collecting data and sending the data to the microprocessor for processing. When the incoming data matches the predetermined parameters that indicate impact has been made, the microprocessor sends a firing signal to an electro-explosive device to detonate which causes the hinged member to open and release the parachute. The cargo is not dragged along the ground, tipped over or otherwise damaged.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an aircraft configuration that provides for increased engine noise shielding for community noise reduction, while still providing desirable aerodynamic attributes such as good spanwise lift distributions and good structural integration without excessive wing surface area. Specifically, the aircraft is configured to have a longer-chord inboard wing portion and a shorter-chord outboard wing portion. The aircraft engines are positioned in major part over the longer-chord inboard wing portions such that communities below the wing are at least partially shielded by the inboard wing portion from the engine noise. Embodiments of the invention also strategically position fowler flaps or other chord-increasing devices in the region of the wing proximate the engine. Since the fowler motion increases the effective chord of the wing as the flaps are extended, the flaps may be deployed to increase the shielding characteristics of the wing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a fluid inlet according to various aspects of the present invention comprise a housing and a ramp at least partially within the housing. The housing and the ramp define a passage through which air may flow to the engine and a cavity on the opposite side of the ramp from the passage. The ramp is moveable within the housing to change the size of the passage and the cavity. The system further comprises a seal substantially disposed across the cavity.

Abstract: Interoperable aerial refueling apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a receptacle configured to fluidly receive a terminal portion of a refueling boom is coupled to a refueling drogue. A retainer is coupled to an aircraft that removably retains the receptacle when the aircraft is refueling another aircraft configured to directly engage the boom. The receptacle releases the receptacle when the terminal portion of the boom engages the receptacle so that an aircraft that receives the refueling drogue may be refueled. In another embodiment, a method includes providing fuel to a first receiving aircraft that receives fuel by directly coupling to an end of a refueling boom. The method further includes, while the tanker aircraft is in flight, configuring the boom to supply fuel to a second receiving aircraft having a refueling probe operable to receive fuel from a drogue.

Abstract: Controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be accomplished by using a wireless device (e.g., cell phone) to send a control message to a receiver at the UAV via a wireless telecommunication network (e.g., an existing cellular network configured primarily for mobile telephone communication). In addition, the wireless device may be used to receive communications from a transmitter at the UAV, wherein the wireless device receives the communications from the transmitter via the wireless network. Examples of such communications include surveillance information and UAV monitoring information.

Abstract: A “wing in ground effect” aerial vehicle includes a wing mounted on a fuselage, and two cycloidal propulsion units for providing lift, thrust and longitudinal control. Additional lift is provided by a lighter-than-air gas such as helium contained in the fuselage. Operationally, the two cycloidal propulsion units and the volume of lighter-than-air gas are concertedly regulated to achieve “wing in ground effect” flight. Importantly, the two cycloidal propulsion units may operate in one of several modes, to include a curtate mode, a prolate mode, and a fixed-wing mode. Additionally, the vehicle may hover. Also, a thruster unit is mounted on the fuselage for providing forward thrust in combination with, or in lieu of, the two cycloidal propulsion units.

Abstract: A lift unit for a vertical take-off and landing type aerial vehicle. A smooth, cylindrical rotor, rotating at a high rate, as close as is practicable to the smooth, inside of a half-cylindrical, cradle-shaped stator, generates lift. While there is no up or down force within the very small space between the rotor and stator, there is reduced aerodynamic pressure on the exposed upper half of the rotor. Atmospheric pressure remains normal beneath the stator, producing considerable lift. Panels designed to slide over portions of the rotor, vary the lift, either uniformly or differentially to provide control. The streamlined unit is attached in a plurality to the wing of a conventionally configured, fixed-wing aircraft with the axis of the rotor aligned parallel to the thrust line of the vehicle. This lift unit is very efficient and produces no downward efflux, facilitating rescue operations.

Abstract: An aircraft panel assembly 10 is provided, including a panel core 28, a plurality of pre-preg layers 30 surrounding the panel core 28 forming an internal layer of plies 34, at least one metal foil layer 38 positioned on an outer layer 40 of the internal layer of plies 34. The at least one metal foil layer 38 providing an electrical conduit between the outer surface 24 of the aircraft panel assembly 10 and a sub-structure 26 for grounding.

Abstract: A construction intended for a carrier rocket or a satellite, comprising a first construction part (21), which is made of a composite material comprising two essentially parallel walls (23, 24) and a core (25) arranged between these walls, a second construction part (22) and means (26, 31; 26?, 31, 39) for joining the first and the second construction parts (21, 22). Said means (26, 31; 26?, 31, 39) comprising a first fastening element (26) provided with several threads (27), or several first fastening elements (26, 26?) provided with at least one thread (27) each, said first fastening element/elements (26; 26?) being arranged between the walls (23, 24) of the first construction part (21) in such a way that the threads (27) are accessible via the end surface (28) of the first construction part that faces the second construction part (22).

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a jet-powered tri-mode aircraft as the aircraft travels in a helicopter mode, a compound mode, and a fixed-wing mode is disclosed. The method includes receiving a plurality of velocity vector component values and velocity vector commands derived from either (1) a number of pilot operated controllers or (2) a commanded array of waypoints, which are used for fully automated flights, and a rotor speed reference value, which is decreased with increasing forward speed to unload the rotor, thereby permitting conditions for stopping the rotor in flight. Stabilization of the commanded velocity vector is achieved in all modes of flight using blended combinations of rotor swashplate controls and aerodynamic controls such as elevons, canards, rudders, and a horizontal tail. Stabilization to the commanded velocity vector includes a plurality of control constraints applied to the pilot stick controllers that prevent penetration of envelope limits.

Abstract: A rotor system that allows an aircraft to operate as a helicopter and as an airplane is disclosed. The invention incorporates an annular airfoil attached at the tips of the rotor blades. The rotor system stops and is secured from rotation for operation at high forward speeds. The annulus acts as the primary lifting surface in airplane mode at high speed. The rotor blades incorporate leading and trailing edge flaps for control in transitional and fixed wing flight modes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing satellite proximity operations such as inspection, recovery and life extension of a target satellite through operation of a “Satellite Inspection Recovery and Extension” (“SIRE”) spacecraft which can be operated in the following modes (teleoperated, automatic, and autonomous). The SIRE concept further consists of those methods and techniques used to perform certain (on-orbit) operations including, but not limited to, the inspection, servicing, recovery, and lifetime extension of satellites, spacecraft, space systems, space platforms, and other vehicles and objects in space, collectively defined as “target satellites”. The three basic types of SIRE proximity missions are defined as “Lifetime Extension”, “Recovery”, and “Utility”. A remote cockpit system is provided to permit human control of the SIRE spacecraft during proximity operations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for thermal protection is provided. A thermal protection apparatus includes a porous layer attached to an inner structural member requiring thermal protection. The porous layer serves as both a cooling air plenum and a transpiring medium. The porous layer may include a low strength ceramic foam layer. Thermal protection may be achieved by flowing cooling air the length of the porous layer. The voids in the porous layer may be sized to less than 50 &mgr;m, producing uniquely efficient thermal protection due to micro-fluidic effects in the air flowing through the layer. A semi-permeable layer may be attached to the outer surface of the porous layer. The semi-permeable layer may prevent erosion of the porous layer and may transform the porous layer into a plenum by making the majority of the cooling air flow the length of the porous layer before exiting through small holes drilled or punched through the semi-permeable layer.

Abstract: Aerodynamic profile that comprises two zones or main sections: one is the front surface inclined with a positive angle, generating the totality or greater part of the lift, and the other is the rear portion or zone to the front surface, profiled or streamlined, formed by two curved, generally hollow surfaces and, which does not generate lift, but leads the air flow properly reducing drag and avoiding boundary layer separation.

Abstract: A hyperspace energy generator that uses cavitating oil bubbles within a magnetic field in order to create wormholes between space and hyperspace for the purpose of permeating the hull of a spacecraft with low-density hyperspace energy.