Method and apparatus for automated launch, retrieval, and servicing of a hovering aircraft
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United States of America Patent
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-
May 6, 2014
Grant Date -
Apr 3, 2014
app pub date -
May 23, 2013
filing date -
Feb 12, 2009
priority date (Note) -
In Force
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Abstract
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus configured to automatically retrieve, service, and launch an aircraft. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a weighted cable, and pulls it at low relative speed into a broad aperture of the apparatus. In certain instances, the cable is dragged along guiding surfaces of the apparatus into and through a slot until its free end is captured. The aircraft becomes anchored to the apparatus, and is pulled downward by the cable into a receptacle. Guiding surfaces of the receptacle adjust the position and orientation of a probe on the aircraft, directing the probe to mate with a docking fixture of the apparatus. Once mated, the aircraft is automatically shut down and serviced. When desired, the aircraft is automatically started and tested in preparation for launch, and then released into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle is thus accomplished with a simple, economical apparatus.
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