Multicopter-assisted system and method for launching and retrieving a fixed-wing aircraft

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...

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
Hauptverfasser: Reiss, Daniel Pepin, Woodruff, Caleb Andrew, von Flotow, Andreas H, Roeseler, Corydon C
Format: Patent
Sprache:eng
Schlagworte:
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Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung: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.