Abstract: A cryogenic fuel tank for retrofitting a conventional fossil-fuel-powered aircraft, or for a purposely built aircraft to run on hydrogen has an aerodynamically shaped outer surface including an ogive shaped nose cone, and a tapered tail cone, wherein the tapered tail cone includes actively adjustable elements for adjusting aerodynamic characteristics of the cryogenic fuel tank. The cryogenic fuel tank is configured to be attached below wings of the aircraft, through support pylons, which include sensors configured to measure forces applied by the cryogenic fuel tank to the airframe. The cryogenic fuel tank includes a nozzle and valve configured to vent gas from the cryogenic fuel tank by expansion through the nozzle in the event that the cryogenic fuel tank is jettisoned from the aircraft.

Abstract: A mechanically secure docking platform for unmanned VTOL aircraft (“drone”) or other automated vehicle, acting as an automated battery recharging system for drones or a battery quick change system for drones. The system also is capable of enabling an automated data logistics system for drones, an autonomous guidance system for landing and docking for drones, and/or an autonomous guidance system for undocking and takeoff for drones.

Abstract: A tow cable system and method of use wherein, in the context of towed flight of a glider behind an aircraft, positive load or tension of the cable therebetween is achieved through one or more of cable design and material selection, cable pre-tensioning, in-flight cable tensioning, and/or load dampening device(s), and the related interplay of such various components or sub-systems of the overall tow cable system.

Abstract: Features for in-flight recovery of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A towline may be deployed by a host aircraft in-flight to recover an in-flight target UAV. The towline or portion thereof may be oriented nearly vertical. The towline may have a fitting thereon. A capture mechanism on the target UAV may have one or more deployable flaps that engage with the near vertical towline and fitting. The flaps may stow to secure the target aircraft to the towline and fitting. The host aircraft may then retract the towline to pull in the target UAV to the host aircraft using a hoist system having a winch. A latching system located in a pylon of the host aircraft, which may be under a wing, may have a towline connector that engages with and secures the target UAV. The host aircraft may have multiple hoist systems for deployment and/or recovery of multiple target UAV's.

Abstract: A mechanically secure docking platform for unmanned VTOL aircraft (“drone”) or other automated vehicle, acting as an automated battery recharging system for drones or a battery quick change system for drones. The system also is capable of enabling an automated data logistics system for drones, an autonomous guidance system for landing and docking for drones, and/or an autonomous guidance system for undocking and takeoff for drones.

Abstract: A method according to certain embodiments generally involves operating a system including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a base station. The base station includes a nest including an upper opening having an upper opening diameter and a lower opening having a lower opening diameter less than the upper opening diameter. The lower opening is accessible from within the base station. The method generally includes landing the UAV within the nest such that a portion of the UAV is accessible via the lower opening, releasably attaching a load to the UAV, and operating the UAV to deliver the load to a destination.

Abstract: A flight vehicle includes a drone with a pair of shaped protrusions mechanically coupled to the drone. One of the shapes is a hollow lift-producing shape, such as being a balloon filed with a lighter-than-air gas, and the other of the shapes is below the drone. The shape below the drone may be a hollow shape that does not produce lift, for example being a balloon filled with air. The shapes may be similar in size and shape, so as to provide similar drag characteristics. The shapes may be opposite ends of a support, such as a stick, rod, or other (relatively) slender structure. The vehicle includes a payload, such as radar calibration equipment or an antenna. The drone may be used to counteract wind forces on the flight vehicle, and/or to otherwise position the flight vehicle.

Abstract: An aircraft for capturing drones includes an airframe having a drone channel with first and second wings extending outboard thereof. A two-dimensional distributed thrust array includes a plurality of propulsion assemblies coupled to each of the first and second wings such that the rotor disc of each propulsion assembly is outboard of the drone channel. A flight control system is coupled to the airframe and is operable to independently control each of the propulsion assemblies. A mesh bag is coupled to the drone channel forming a drone capture net. The aircraft is configured to convert between thrust-borne lift in a VTOL orientation and wing-borne lift in a biplane orientation. The aircraft is also configured to overtake a drone during flight in the biplane orientation such that the drone passes through the drone channel into the mesh bag, thereby capturing the drone in the drone capture net.

Abstract: A tow cable system and method of use wherein, in the context of towed flight of a glider behind an aircraft, positive load or tension of the cable therebetween is achieved through one or more of cable design and material selection, cable pre-tensioning, in-flight cable tensioning, and/or load dampening device(s), and the related interplay of such various components or sub-systems of the overall tow cable system.

Abstract: An airborne docking method is provided for an unmanned aerial vehicle. The airborne docking method includes securing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to a host aircraft via a docking assembly having a base coupled to the host aircraft, a tug device, and a cable connecting the tug device to the base, the tug device being engaged with the base, and the UAV being engaged to the tug device. The tug device is deployed from the base and the cable is extended therebetween to distance the tug device from the base. The UAV is then disengaged from the tug device.

Abstract: A ram air turbine has turbine blades connected to rotate a transmission shaft. The transmission shaft is connected to drive a first gear which is engaged to drive a second gear. The second gear is connected to rotate an output shaft extending through a strut away from the transmission shaft. A governor arrangement is configured to change a pitch angle of the blades in response to speed, and includes counterweights acting on a spring in the governor arrangement. The governor spring is positioned on an opposed side of the strut relative to the turbine.

Abstract: A method for a winch system includes receiving, from a controller, instructions to spool a payload line, the payload line comprising a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to a main reel of the winch system and the second end configured to couple to a payload. The method further includes operating, based on the instructions, one or more of a first motor of the winch system and a second motor of the winch system, wherein the one or more of the first motor and the second motor are operated in order to control a position of the second end of the payload line.

Abstract: In one example, a long endurance airship system includes a first combined airship with a payload airship and a first logistics airship. The first combined airship is configured for stationkeeping at a predetermined station during meteorological conditions with wind speeds below a predetermined threshold. The airship system also includes a second combined airship which is a reconfiguration of the first combined airship and includes the payload airship and a second logistics airship. The second combined airship is configured for stationkeeping at the predetermined station in all meteorological conditions, including meteorological conditions with wind speeds above the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A secondary cable connected to a tow reel connects a secondary tow target with a primary tow target. The primary tow target has a mother tow reel positioned at its center of gravity. The mother tow reel is connected to a primary cable that connects the primary tow target to an aircraft. The primary tow target is provided with a pair of lugs positioned on the primary tow target such that an axis line extends through the pair of lugs and through the center of gravity of the primary tow target. A slide ring that is slidable along a cable yoke is attached to the pair of lugs. The slide ring is connected to the secondary cable such that a line of force from the secondary cable is constantly directed through the center of gravity of the primary tow target allowing for the stable aerodynamic flight of the towing aircraft.

Abstract: A system for airboarding and performing stunts behind an aircraft includes a lifting board, a handle, and a tow rope connected to the board and handle. The lifting board may include landing gear, a binding for securing an operator to the board, tail sections for stabilizing the board during flight, and ailerons for facilitating turns and rolls. The system may include a control system integrated into the handle and board that improves the operator's ability to control the board.

Abstract: In one example, a long endurance airship system includes a first combined airship with a payload airship and a first logistics airship. The first combined airship is configured for stationkeeping at a predetermined station during meteorological conditions with wind speeds below a predetermined threshold. The airship system also includes a second combined airship which is a reconfiguration of the first combined airship and includes the payload airship and a second logistics airship. The second combined airship is configured for stationkeeping at the predetermined station in all meteorological conditions, including meteorological conditions with wind speeds above the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A helicopter has a lift module having a propulsion system and at least one rotor driven in rotation by the propulsion system. A payload support system is adapted to couple an external payload directly to the lift module. The helicopter is devoid of provisions for human passengers.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods provide for a modular vehicle system utilized for lifting and maneuvering payloads. According to aspects of the disclosure, any number of individual lift vehicles may be connected to create a unified lift vehicle. The individual lift vehicles may be placed adjacent to one another according to a determined lifting array formation and coupled together using connection mechanisms. The connection mechanisms rigidly and communicatively connect the individual lift vehicles to create the unified lift vehicle suitable for lifting and maneuvering a payload.

Abstract: A method for aerial refueling situational awareness is described. The method includes providing, to a display, a video image of the refueling environment, and providing at least one video overlay onto the video image, the at least one video overlay indicative of a positional relationship between an aircraft to be refueled and a tanker aircraft, the at least one video overlay including at least one guidance cue to assist in the alignment and coupling of the aerial refueling boom with the receiving aircraft receptacle.

Abstract: A control system for portable control of a rotary-wing aircraft includes a portable, hand-held, control device executing a control application, the control device operating in a loaded mode when a load is attached to the rotary-wing aircraft and an unloaded mode when no load is attached to the rotary-wing aircraft, the control device presenting command icons in response to being in loaded mode and unloaded mode; a vehicle management system in the rotary-wing aircraft; a sensor package on the rotary-wing aircraft; and a communication system providing communications between the control device and the rotary-wing aircraft, vehicle management system and sensor package; wherein the control device communicates commands to the vehicle management system to implement loading and unloading of the rotary-wing aircraft.

Abstract: Systems and methods to launch an aircraft are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system comprises an electrically powered buoyant aircraft, a control system to maneuver the aircraft and a tether adapted to couple to the aircraft and to a ground-based power supply to provide power to the aircraft while the aircraft is coupled to the tether. The aircraft can disconnect autonomously from the tether in response to a command signal.

Abstract: A launch system and method improve the launch efficiency of a booster rocket and payload. A launch aircraft atop which the booster rocket is mounted in a cradle, is flown or towed to an elevation at which the booster rocket is released. The cradle provides for reduced structural requirements for the booster rocket by including a compressible layer, that may be provided by a plurality of gas or liquid-filled flexible chambers. The compressible layer contacts the booster rocket along most of the length of the booster rocket to distribute applied pressure, nearly eliminating bending loads. Distributing the pressure eliminates point loading conditions and bending moments that would otherwise be generated in the booster rocket structure during carrying. The chambers may be balloons distributed in rows and columns within the cradle or cylindrical chambers extending along a length of the cradle. The cradle may include a manifold communicating gas between chambers.

Abstract: A fastener device (10) provided with attachment means (20) for attaching an external load (5) and with fastener means (30) provided with a support beam (40) and with anchor means (50) for anchoring said support beam (40). A first mechanical coupling (60) connects said support beam (40) to the anchor means (50) so as to enable the support beam (40) to pivot about a first pivot axis (AX1). In addition, coupling means (70) are hinged to the support beam (40) so as to make pivoting possible about a second pivot axis (AX2), the attachment means (20) being hinged to the coupling means (70) to make pivoting possible about a third pivot axis (AX3). This fastener device (10) includes automatic folding means (100).

Abstract: A high-altitude unmanned stratosphere aerial vehicle includes a fuselage, wings, control surfaces, and a propulsion system including an engine and a propeller. Each wing has a plurality of hoses and wing spars extending in a direction perpendicularly to the longitudinal fuselage axis and are surrounded by a skin forming a wing covering that determines the cross-sectional contour of the wing, the cross-sectional contour forming a laminar flow airfoil that generates high lift when there is low flow resistance. At the free end facing away from the fuselage, each wing has a winglet extending transversely to the longitudinal wing axis. The winglet has a movable control surface, which allows an aerodynamic side force to be generated so as to bring the aerial vehicle to a banked position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method according to which an aircraft (10) is moved along the ground by means of at least two separate appliances (12) connected to the aircraft independently from each other or other appliances. A control element is provided for moving an aircraft, said element sending instructions to at least two separate appliances in order to move the aircraft along the ground by means of the appliances. The invention also relates to an appliance (12) for implementing the method according to the invention, which can communicate with an identical appliance in order to transmit and/or receive at least one datum relating to a position and/or a movement of one of the appliances.

Abstract: A device provides electrical continuity between aeronautical components including a first fixed component and a second component displaceable with respect to the first component. The first and second components include electrically conducting surfaces. A first conductive piece is fixed to the first component and a second conductive piece is fixed to the second component. The first and second pieces are joined together with the possibility of sliding one on the other, in such a way that the first piece is connected to the conductive surface of the first component and the second piece is connected to the conductive surface of the second component, so that, when displacements take place of the second component with respect to the first component, the first piece slides on the second piece maintaining the electrical conductivity between the first and second components.

Abstract: System, including method and apparatus, for imaging with a vehicle-mounted camera having an optical axis that is restricted from angular displacement, in response to vibration, by passive stabilization via a set of vibration isolators.

Abstract: An unmanned, towable aerovehicle is described and includes a container to hold cargo, an autogyro assembly connected to the container and to provide flight characteristics, and a controller to control operation the autogyro assembly for unmanned flight. The container includes a connection to connect to a powered aircraft to provide forward motive force to power the autogyro assembly. In an example, the autogyro assembly includes a mast extending from the container, a rotatable hub on an end of the mast, and a plurality of blades connected to the hub for rotation to provide lift to the vehicle. In an example, an electrical motor rotates the blades prior to lift off to assist in take off. The electrical motor does not have enough power to sustain flight of the vehicle.

Abstract: An unmanned, towable aerovehicle is described and includes a container to hold cargo, an autogyro assembly connected to the container and to provide flight characteristics, and a controller to control operation the autogyro assembly for unmanned flight. The container includes a connection to connect to a powered aircraft to provide forward motive force to power the autogyro assembly. In an example, the autogyro assembly includes a mast extending from the container, a rotatable hub on an end of the mast, and a plurality of blades connected to the hub for rotation to provide lift to the vehicle. In an example, an electrical motor rotates the blades prior to lift off to assist in take off. The electrical motor does not have enough power to sustain flight of the vehicle.

Abstract: A flying object capable of being launched in air is detachably mounted on a wing body of a launching apparatus. The launching apparatus is towed by an aircraft through a cable so as to be run and taken off. After raising the launching apparatus to a launching height of the flying object by the aircraft, the flying object is released from the wing body in air and then the flying object is ignited and launched in air in a launching system. The system for launching in air can be developed without newly developing a platform as a mother ship so that a research cost can be remarkably reduced. In the case that a small artificial satellite is installed in a flying object, it is possible to develop an artificial satellite smoothly and quickly applicable to security matters and disaster observation.

Abstract: A system and method for docking various types of aircraft is disclosed. An aerodynamic lifting structure docking mechanism for docking two or more aircraft is provided comprising an aerodynamic lifting structure. The aerodynamic lifting structure includes a first and second airflow adjustment mechanism. The aerodynamic lifting structure further includes a first hard docking mechanism, and a second hard docking mechanism, and still further includes a soft docking mechanism. The first and second airflow adjustment mechanisms are configured to substantially remove any aerodynamic lifting structure vortices around each of the aerodynamic lifting structure tip areas. The soft docking mechanism is configured to soft dock a first aerodynamic lifting structure with a second aerodynamic lifting structure. The first hard docking mechanism is configured to hard dock with the second hard docking mechanism, thereby temporarily attaching the first aerodynamic lifting structure with the second aerodynamic lifting structure.

Abstract: A system and method for docking various types of aircraft is disclosed. An aerodynamic lifting structure docking mechanism for docking two or more aircraft is provided comprising an aerodynamic lifting structure. The aerodynamic lifting structure includes a first and second airflow adjustment mechanism. The aerodynamic lifting structure further includes a first hard docking mechanism, and a second hard docking mechanism, and still further includes a soft docking mechanism. The first and second airflow adjustment mechanisms are configured to substantially remove any aerodynamic lifting structure vortices around each of the aerodynamic lifting structure tip areas. The soft docking mechanism is configured to soft dock a first aerodynamic lifting structure with a second aerodynamic lifting structure. The first hard docking mechanism is configured to hard dock with the second hard docking mechanism, thereby temporarily attaching the first aerodynamic lifting structure with the second aerodynamic lifting structure.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods for forming a multiple-articulated flying system (skybase) having a high aspect ratio wing platform, operable to loiter over an area of interest at a high altitude are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, autonomous modular flyers join together in a wingtip-to-wingtip manner. Such modular flyers may derive their power from insolation. The autonomous flyers may include sensors which operate individually, or collectively after a skybase is formed. The skybase preferably may be aggregated, disaggregated, and/or re-aggregated as called for by the prevailing conditions. Thus, it may be possible to provide a “forever-on-station” aircraft.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods for forming a multiple-articulated flying system (skybase) having a high aspect ratio wing platform, operable to loiter over an area of interest at a high altitude are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, autonomous modular flyers join together in a wingtip-to-wingtip manner. Such modular flyers may derive their power from insolation. The autonomous flyers may include sensors which operate individually, or collectively after a skybase is formed. The skybase preferably may be aggregated, disaggregated, and/or re-aggregated as called for by the prevailing conditions. Thus, it may be possible to provide a “forever-on-station” aircraft.

Abstract: An unmanned, towable aerovehicle is described and includes a container or frame to hold or support cargo, at least one and, in some examples, a plurality of autogyro assemblies connected to the container and to provide flight characteristics, and a controller to control operation the autogyro assembly for unmanned flight. The container or frame includes a connection to connect to a powered aircraft to provide forward motive force to power the autogyro assembly. In an example, the autogyro assembly includes a mast extending from the container, a rotatable hub on an end of the mast, and a plurality of blades connected to the hub for rotation to provide lift to the vehicle. In an example, an electrical motor rotates the blades prior to lift off to assist in take off. In an example, the electrical motor does not have enough power to sustain flight of the vehicle. The aerovehicle can further include plurality of autogyro assemblies to assist in flight.

Abstract: Aircraft decoy arrangement and method for generating a decoy signal from an aircraft having an isolated decoy. An aircraft receiver detects a threat signal from a threat source targeting the aircraft. An aircraft signal processor produces a decoy relay signal based on the threat signal, where the decoy relay signal frequency is significantly lower than the threat signal frequency and is slowly attenuated through air, the signal processor calibrating the decoy relay signal in accordance with a received test signal to compensate for inaccuracies. An aircraft transmitter transmits the decoy relay signal and an optional reference signal to the decoy, where it is received by a decoy receiver, converted back to a decoy signal by a decoy frequency converter, and transmitted by a decoy transmitter, causing the threat source to detect the decoy signal and lock onto the decoy rather than the aircraft.

Abstract: A flying object capable of being launched in air is detachably mounted on a wing body of a launching apparatus. The launching apparatus is towed by an aircraft through a cable so as to be run and taken off. After raising the launching apparatus to a launching height of the flying object by the aircraft, the flying object is released from the wing body in air and then the flying object is ignited and launched in air in a launching system. The system for launching in air can be developed without newly developing a platform as a mother ship so that a research cost can be remarkably reduced. In the case that a small artificial satellite is installed in a flying object, it is possible to develop an artificial satellite smoothly and quickly applicable to security matters and disaster observation.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and computer system to facilitate aerial recovery of an air vehicle are disclosed. In various embodiments, a drogue is established in a drogue recovery orbit and an air vehicle is recovered with the drogue. Establishment of the drogue in a drogue recovery orbit may include establishment of a mothership in a mothership recovery orbit or actuating control surfaces on the drogue. Recovering the air vehicle may include maneuvering the drogue and the air vehicle in a cooperative manner to facilitate recovery of the air vehicle or utilizing a homing device on the drogue to guide the air vehicle. The various techniques disclosed may be modified to compensate for wind.

Abstract: A device for permanently maintaining the altitude of a payload the altitude-maintenance energy source of which is practically permanent and extracted from the medium includes at least two gliding bodies connected together by at least one physical link and being, in use, at different altitudes relative to the ground and for which the instantaneous winds have, practically permanently, different characteristics, and further includes a system for controlling the respective attitudes of these two bodies.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for using a first aircraft to retrieve a second aircraft. The first aircraft is typically larger than the second aircraft. A minimum airspeed of the first aircraft is typically greater than a maximum airspeed of the second aircraft. The first aircraft flies in a substantially circular pattern and extends a tow line, such that the tow line forms a substantially helical shape behind and below the first aircraft. Due to the helical shape, there is at least one point along the extended tow line at which the speed of the tow line is substantially equal to the speed of the second aircraft. The second aircraft can readily latch onto the tow line at that point, thereby minimizing potential damage otherwise caused by differential airspeeds.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods for forming a multiple-articulated flying system (skybase) having a high aspect ratio wing platform, operable to loiter over an area of interest at a high altitude are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, autonomous modular flyers join together in a wingtip-to-wingtip manner. Such modular flyers may derive their power from insolation. The autonomous flyers may include sensors which operate individually, or collectively after a skybase is formed. The skybase preferably may be aggregated, disaggregated, and/or re-aggregated as called for by the prevailing conditions. Thus, it may be possible to provide a “forever-on-station” aircraft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling the attitude of a vehicle in a space having at least two opposed viewable regions, each region being viewed by a respective first sensor for sensing a first frequency band of electromagnetic radiation and a respective second sensor for sensing a second frequency band of electromagnetic radiation, wherein respective first and second data sets from the first and second sensors for each regions are produced, these second data sets are subsequently modified and combined with the first data sets to form respective third data sets for each region. The attitude of the vehicle is then adjusted until the third data sets are substantially equal.

Abstract: An electromagnetic railgun projectile is disclosed which includes an aeroshell having a substantially flat surface extending along the length thereof. The substantially flat surface is configured to increase the lift-to-drag ratio of the projectile during reentry. The projectile also includes an armature integrated into the aeroshell substantially near the center-of-gravity of the projectile, and a plurality of extendable flaps attached to the aeroshell. The flaps are capable of stabilizing the projectile during an unguided portion of its flight and maneuvering the projectile during a guided portion of its flight.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.

Abstract: A space vehicle launch system is proposed which utilizes a vacuum filled lighter than air vessel to lift a rocket powered vehicle to a high altitude where the vehicle can easily blast into outer space. The main advantages of this system are that, first, the rocket would not need to carry a large mass of fuel, and, therefore, this system would be much safer than the state of the art. Second, the vehicle would be lifted slowly through the atmosphere, and would not suffer any damage due to abrupt acceleration or air friction.

Abstract: A system for accelerating an object that includes a towing vehicle, a tether connected to the towing vehicle, an object having at least one airfoil connected to the tether and a controller for controlling movement of the object, wherein, the towing vehicle moves in a first direction at a first speed pulling the object in the first direction and the controller controls movement of the object to move the object at an angle to the first direction and accelerate the object to a speed substantially greater than the first speed.

Abstract: An airfoil having a fore airfoil element, an aft airfoil element, and a slot region in between them. These elements induce laminar flow over substantially all of the fore airfoil element and also provide for laminar flow in at least a portion of the slot region. The method of the invention is one for inducing natural laminar flow over an airfoil. In the method, a fore airfoil element, having a leading and trailing edge, and an aft airfoil element define a slot region. Natural laminar flow is induced over substantially all of the fore airfoil element, by inducing the pressures on both surfaces of the fore airfoil element to decrease to a location proximate the trailing edge of the fore airfoil element using pressures created by the aft airfoil element.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.