Unmanned aerial vehicle aircraft carrier air drop air receiving structure
By utilizing the aircraft carrier-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) airdrop and air-recovery structure and the coordinated operation of the first and second aircraft, long-distance airdrop and air-recovery of small reconnaissance UAVs were achieved, solving the problem of short endurance and improving mission efficiency and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGZHOU DIANDIAN GUANGNIAN TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
Small reconnaissance drones have limited battery capacity and power system capabilities, resulting in short flight times that make them unsuitable for long-range reconnaissance missions.
Design a drone carrier airdrop and air-retrieval structure. The first aircraft carries the second aircraft, and the airdrop and air-retrieval are achieved by using gripping components and grabbing parts. The combination of position information interaction ensures accurate docking and safe recovery.
It enabled long-distance airdrop and air-recovery of the second aircraft, improving mission efficiency and endurance, enhancing its application capabilities in complex environments, and reducing operating and maintenance costs.
Smart Images

Figure CN224529051U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, specifically a UAV carrier airdrop and air-recovery structure. Background Technology
[0002] With the continuous development of drone technology, drones are being used more and more widely in logistics transportation, agricultural plant protection, aerial photography, and rescue missions. Automation and intelligence have become inevitable trends in the development of drone technology. In these applications, small reconnaissance drones, due to their compact size and high flexibility, can meet the needs of emergency rescue sites for rapid, efficient, and flexible reconnaissance. However, small reconnaissance drones are limited by their battery capacity and power system, resulting in a short flight time. They often face insufficient energy and need to return to base as soon as they arrive at the reconnaissance site, which greatly limits their application in long-distance reconnaissance missions.
[0003] To address this issue, this invention designs a UAV carrier airdrop and air-recovery structure, which aims to enable small reconnaissance UAVs to have a longer flight distance and longer endurance through airdrop and recovery, thereby meeting the needs of long-range reconnaissance missions. Utility Model Content
[0004] In order to overcome the problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a UAV carrier airdrop and air-recovery structure.
[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: a UAV carrier airdrop and air-recovery structure, comprising:
[0006] First aircraft, second aircraft;
[0007] The first aircraft is equipped with a gripping component at its lower part, and the second aircraft is equipped with a gripping part at its upper part. The first aircraft uses the gripping component to grip the gripping part at the upper part of the second aircraft, thereby realizing the airdrop and air retrieval of the second aircraft.
[0008] Main working principle: This UAV carrier-based airdrop and air-recovery structure includes a first aircraft and a second aircraft. During the airdrop process, the first aircraft (typically larger in size, with longer endurance and stronger payload capacity) carries the second aircraft (typically smaller in size, used for specific missions such as reconnaissance and monitoring) into flight. A gripping unit is located on top of the second aircraft, designed to facilitate identification and gripping by the first aircraft's grasping components. When the first aircraft, carrying the second aircraft, arrives at the designated airdrop area, it precisely locates itself using its navigation system and hovers at a suitable altitude. The grasping components beneath the first aircraft activate, and through precise control, the first aircraft gradually releases the second aircraft by adjusting its attitude and altitude, allowing it to either land freely or continue flying to perform its mission. After release, the second aircraft begins performing reconnaissance, monitoring, or other specific tasks according to preset mission instructions.
[0009] During a mission, the second aircraft may need to return due to mission completion or insufficient power. In this case, position sensors or other communication devices on the second aircraft exchange position information with the first aircraft to ensure accurate docking. Based on the position information exchange, the second aircraft flies to the first aircraft's preset rendezvous position and hovers at a suitable altitude. The first aircraft also uses its navigation system to ensure accurate docking. The first aircraft's gripping assembly reactivates, gradually approaching and precisely grasping the gripping unit on top of the second aircraft. After confirming a secure grip, the first aircraft adjusts its attitude and altitude to safely recover the second aircraft to its designated carrying position. After successful rendezvous, the first aircraft, carrying the second aircraft, returns to the launch point or designated location along a preset route.
[0010] In summary, this UAV carrier-based airdrop and retrieval structure achieves long-range airdrop and retrieval of the second aircraft through the coordinated operation of the first and second aircraft. This structure not only improves the mission execution efficiency and flexibility of the second aircraft but also significantly extends its endurance, providing strong support for UAV applications in complex environments. Simultaneously, precise position information exchange and control of the gripping components ensure the safety and reliability of the airdrop and retrieval process.
[0011] Preferably, the clamping assembly includes an electric hoist, a lifting rope, and a take-up and release clamp;
[0012] The electric hoist is installed at the bottom of the first aircraft, one end of the lifting rope is fixedly connected to the electric hoist, and the other end of the lifting rope is fixedly connected to the take-up and release clamp.
[0013] Preferably, the upper part of the take-up and take-down clamp is provided with a balancing component, and at least three sets of balancing propellers are provided around the balancing component.
[0014] Preferably, the take-up and release clamp includes a base, a lifting screw, and a clamping arm;
[0015] The base is fixedly connected to the end of the lifting rope, and the lifting screw is arranged vertically in the base. The lifting screw can move vertically along the base. One end of the clamping arm is connected to the bottom pivot of the base, and a gear is provided on the clamping arm. The gear meshes with the lifting screw.
[0016] Preferably, there are at least three sets of clamping arms distributed circumferentially around the lifting screw.
[0017] Preferably, a clamping block is provided below the clamping arm, and the clamping block fits into the gripping part when the second aircraft is retrieved in mid-air.
[0018] Preferably, the gripping part includes a support rod and a protrusion, the support rod being vertically mounted above the second aircraft, and the protrusion being disposed at the end of the gripping part.
[0019] Preferably, a position sensor is mounted on the top of the bump.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0021] This invention comprises a first aircraft, a second aircraft, a gripping assembly below the first aircraft, and a grasping part above the second aircraft. The gripping assembly and the grasping part enable the airdrop and retrieval of the second aircraft. This structure allows the second aircraft to be deployed to areas far from the takeoff point, significantly expanding its mission range. After the mission is completed, the second aircraft can be quickly recovered, reducing return time and improving overall mission efficiency. Through airdrop and retrieval, the second aircraft does not need to carry sufficient fuel or energy back to the takeoff point, allowing it to focus on mission execution and effectively extending its endurance within the mission area.
[0022] The precise docking and gripping mechanism between the clamping component and the grasping unit ensures stability and safety during airdrop and retrieval. The application of a location information exchange system further enhances the accuracy and safety of the docking process. This structure reduces the need for the second aircraft to frequently return due to insufficient energy, thereby lowering operating and maintenance costs. Simultaneously, by optimizing the mission execution process, the efficiency of UAV utilization is improved, further reducing the unit mission cost.
[0023] This structure is particularly suitable for complex terrain and areas that are difficult to access directly, such as mountains, swamps, and oceans, making it possible for drones to be used in these environments.
[0024] In conclusion, this UAV carrier airdrop and air-recovery structure demonstrates significant benefits in improving mission flexibility and efficiency, extending endurance, enhancing mission safety, reducing operating costs, adapting to complex environments, and promoting the development of UAV technology. Attached Figure Description
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure for the carrier-based airdrop and air-recovery of this unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Figure 1 ;
[0027] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the overall structure for the carrier-based airdrop and air-recovery of this unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Figure 2 ;
[0028] Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of the carrier-based airdrop and air-recovery structure for the UAV;
[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the carrier-based airdrop and air-recovery structure for the UAV.
[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the carrier-based airdrop and air-recovery structure for the UAV.
[0031] 1. First aircraft; 10. Gripping assembly; 100. Electric hoist; 101. Lifting rope; 102. Retracting clamp; 1020. Base; 1021. Lifting screw; 1022. Gripping arm; 1023. Gripping block; 103. Balancing assembly; 2. Second aircraft; 20. Grabbing part; 200. Support rod; 201. Protrusion; 202. Position sensor. Detailed Implementation
[0032] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model, it will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this utility model; the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.
[0034] Example 1
[0035] This embodiment discloses a UAV carrier airdrop and air-recovery structure, such as... Figures 1-5 As shown, the system includes a first aircraft 1 and a second aircraft. During the airdrop process, the first aircraft 1 (typically larger in size, with longer endurance and stronger payload capacity) carries the second aircraft (typically smaller in size, used for specific missions such as reconnaissance and monitoring) into the airdrop area. A gripping unit is located on top of the second aircraft, designed to facilitate identification and gripping by the first aircraft 1's gripping assembly 10. When the first aircraft 1, carrying the second aircraft, arrives at the designated airdrop area, it precisely locates itself using its navigation system and hovers at a suitable altitude. The gripping assembly 10 below the first aircraft 1 activates, and through precise control, the first aircraft 1 gradually releases the second aircraft by adjusting its attitude and altitude, allowing it to either freely land or continue flying to perform its mission. After release, the second aircraft begins to perform reconnaissance, monitoring, or other specific missions according to preset mission instructions.
[0036] During the mission, the second aircraft may need to return due to mission completion or insufficient power. In this case, position sensors or other communication devices on the second aircraft exchange position information with the first aircraft 1 to ensure accurate docking. Based on the position information exchange results, the second aircraft flies to the preset reentry position of the first aircraft 1 and hovers at a suitable altitude. The first aircraft 1 also ensures accurate docking through its navigation system. The gripping assembly 10 of the first aircraft 1 activates again, gradually approaching and precisely grasping the gripping part above the second aircraft. After confirming a secure grip, the first aircraft 1 adjusts its attitude and altitude to safely recover the second aircraft to its carrying position. After completing the reentry, the first aircraft 1, carrying the second aircraft, returns to the takeoff point or designated location along a preset route.
[0037] In summary, this UAV carrier-based airdrop and air-retrieval structure, through the coordinated operation of the first and second aircraft, enables long-distance airdrop and air-retrieval of the second aircraft. This structure not only improves the mission execution efficiency and flexibility of the second aircraft but also significantly extends its endurance, providing strong support for the application of UAVs in complex environments. Simultaneously, precise position information exchange and control of the gripping component 10 ensure the safety and reliability of the airdrop and air-retrieval process.
[0038] In some optional embodiments, the clamping assembly 10 includes an electric hoist 100, a lifting rope 101, and a balancing assembly for the take-up and release clamp 102. The electric hoist 100 is installed at the bottom of the first aircraft 1 as a power source, and the lifting and lowering of the balancing assembly for the take-up and release clamp 102 is achieved by controlling the raising and lowering of the lifting rope 101. One end of the lifting rope 101 is fixedly connected to the electric hoist 100, and the other end is fixedly connected to the balancing assembly for the take-up and release clamp 102.
[0039] When the second aircraft needs to be deployed or retrieved, the electric hoist 100 is activated, controlling the raising and lowering of the balancing assembly of the deployment and retrieval clamp 102 via the raising and lowering rope 101. The balancing assembly of the deployment and retrieval clamp 102 rises or falls accordingly to grab or release the second aircraft. The combined use of the electric hoist 100 and the raising and lowering rope 101 allows the gripping assembly 10 to precisely and stably control the raising and lowering of the balancing assembly of the deployment and retrieval clamp 102, thereby ensuring the smooth operation of the airdrop and retrieval process.
[0040] In some optional embodiments, a balancing component is disposed on the upper part of the balancing assembly of the take-up and release clamp 102, and at least three sets of balancing propellers are disposed around the balancing component. These balancing propellers can generate upward lift to help the balancing assembly of the take-up and release clamp 102 maintain balance when grabbing or releasing the second aircraft. When the balancing assembly of the take-up and release clamp 102 grabs or releases the second aircraft, the balancing propellers start to work, generating sufficient lift to counteract the gravity of the balancing assembly of the take-up and release clamp 102 and the second aircraft, thereby maintaining the balance of the entire system. The arrangement of the balancing component and balancing propellers greatly improves the stability of the system, enabling the system to maintain balance and stability even when encountering adverse factors such as airflow disturbances during airdrop and air retrieval.
[0041] In some optional embodiments, the balancing assembly of the release clamp 102 includes a base 102 balancing assembly 0, a lifting screw 102 balancing assembly 1, and a clamping arm. The base 102 balancing assembly 0 is fixedly connected to the end of the lifting rope 101. The lifting screw 102 balancing assembly 1 is vertically disposed in the base 102 balancing assembly 0 and can move vertically. One end of the clamping arm is connected to the bottom pivot of the base 102 balancing assembly 0, and a gear is provided on the clamping arm, which meshes with the lifting screw 102 balancing assembly 1. When the lifting screw 102 balancing assembly 1 rises or falls, the gear rotates accordingly, driving the clamping arm to rotate around the pivot, thereby opening or closing the clamping arm.
[0042] When a second aircraft needs to be grasped, the lifting screw 102 balancing assembly 1 descends, driving the gear to rotate, which in turn opens the gripping arm. When the gripping arm contacts the gripping part of the second aircraft, the lifting screw 102 balancing assembly 1 rises, driving the gripping arm to close, thus firmly grasping the gripping part. The release process is the reverse. This retraction clamp 102 balancing assembly has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and can stably and reliably grasp or release the second aircraft. Furthermore, by adjusting the lifting speed of the lifting screw 102 balancing assembly 1 and the opening angle of the gripping arm, it is possible to grasp and release second aircraft of different sizes and weights.
[0043] In some optional embodiments, at least three sets of gripping arms are distributed circumferentially around the balancing assembly 102 of the lifting screw 102. This arrangement ensures that the gripping arms are evenly stressed when gripping or releasing the second aircraft, improving the stability of the entire system. When the balancing assembly 102 of the lifting screw 102 rises or falls, the three sets of gripping arms rotate simultaneously around the pivot, opening or closing synchronously. This ensures that the second aircraft is subjected to a uniform clamping force during gripping or releasing, preventing tilting or swaying. The multiple sets of gripping arms greatly improve the stability and reliability of the system, enabling stable clamping of the second aircraft even in the event of adverse factors during airdrop and air-retrieval.
[0044] In some alternative embodiments, clamping blocks are provided below the clamping arms for engaging with the gripping portion of the second aircraft. When the clamping arms are closed, the clamping blocks are tightly engaged with the gripping portion of the second aircraft, thereby achieving stable clamping of the second aircraft. Upon release, the clamping arms open, and the clamping blocks separate from the gripping portion.
[0045] The clamping block design improves the stability and reliability of the clamping, enabling the second aircraft to be stably clamped even when encountering adverse factors such as airflow disturbances during airdrop and air-recovery.
[0046] In some alternative embodiments, the gripping part includes a support rod and a protrusion. The support rod is vertically mounted above the second aircraft to support the entire gripping part. The protrusion is located at the end of the gripping part for docking with the clamping assembly 10 of the first aircraft 1. The protrusion is typically made of a material that is easy to identify and grip, ensuring that it can be accurately gripped by the clamping assembly 10 during airdrop and airretrieval. When the second aircraft needs to be airdropped or airretrieved, the clamping assembly 10 of the first aircraft 1 descends and contacts the protrusion. The clamping assembly 10 then grips or releases the second aircraft by holding the protrusion. The gripping part allows the second aircraft to be accurately and stably gripped or released by the clamping assembly 10 of the first aircraft 1. At the same time, the protrusion design also improves the accuracy and reliability of docking, and reduces the difficulty and risk of operation.
[0047] In some optional embodiments, a position sensor is mounted above the protrusion. This position sensor interacts with the position information on the first aircraft 1 to ensure that the second aircraft can accurately align with the gripping assembly 10 of the first aircraft 1 during airdrop and airretrieval. Before airdrop or airretrieval, the position sensor of the second aircraft interacts with the position information on the first aircraft 1. By comparing the position information of the two, the accurate position of the second aircraft can be determined. Then, the first aircraft 1 adjusts its flight attitude and altitude according to this position information to ensure that the gripping assembly 10 can accurately align with the protrusion. The placement of the position sensor greatly improves the accuracy and reliability of docking, and reduces the difficulty and risk of operation. At the same time, it also makes the entire airdrop and airretrieval process more automated and intelligent, improving work efficiency and safety.
[0048] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the technical solution of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A carrier-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) airdrop and air-recovery structure, characterized in that: include: First aircraft, second aircraft; The first aircraft is equipped with a gripping component at its lower part, and the second aircraft is equipped with a gripping part at its upper part. The first aircraft uses the gripping component to grip the gripping part at the upper part of the second aircraft, thereby realizing the airdrop and air retrieval of the second aircraft.
2. The UAV carrier airdrop and air-recovery structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping assembly includes an electric hoist, a lifting rope, and a take-up and release clamp; The electric hoist is installed at the bottom of the first aircraft, one end of the lifting rope is fixedly connected to the electric hoist, and the other end of the lifting rope is fixedly connected to the take-up and release clamp.
3. The UAV carrier airdrop and air-recovery structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper part of the take-up and take-down clamp is provided with a balancing component, and at least three sets of balancing propellers are provided around the balancing component.
4. The UAV carrier airdrop and air-recovery structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The take-up and release clamp includes a base, a lifting screw, and a clamping arm; The base is fixedly connected to the end of the lifting rope, and the lifting screw is arranged vertically in the base. The lifting screw can move vertically along the base. One end of the clamping arm is connected to the bottom pivot of the base, and a gear is provided on the clamping arm. The gear meshes with the lifting screw.
5. The UAV carrier airdrop and air-recovery structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The clamping arms are distributed in at least three groups around the lifting screw.
6. The UAV carrier airdrop and air-recovery structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, A clamping block is provided below the clamping arm, and the clamping block fits into the gripping part when the second aircraft is retrieved in mid-air.
7. The UAV carrier airdrop and air-recovery structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gripping part includes a support rod and a protrusion. The support rod is vertically mounted above the second aircraft, and the protrusion is disposed at the end of the gripping part.
8. The UAV carrier airdrop and air-recovery structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, A position sensor is installed above the protrusion.