Unmanned aerial vehicle with an inflatable

Abstract

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) including a body with an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The body includes an opening that extends from the upper surface to the lower surface. An inner surface faces the opening. An inflatable includes an upper portion and a lower portion defined by a midsection, wherein the inflatable is configured to be inserted into the opening for coupling the inflatable to the body. The upper portion extends past the upper surface, the lower portion extends past the lower surface, and the midsection is in contact with the inner surface. The inflatable is configured to provide passive lift to the UAV.

Description

Atorney Docket No.1 13021-00003UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE WITH AN INFLATABLECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 728348 Filed December 5, 2024. This application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and in particular, UAVs with an inflatable for improving flight time.BACKGROUND

[0003] Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are typically rotary driven (e.g., copters) or have fixed-wings. UAVs can be powered by a batery, solar panel, fuel cell, or a combination thereof. These energy sources pose a limit to a flight time of the UAV and the flight time can be further constrained if the UAV is carry ing a substantial load. Most UAVs (e.g., drones) have a flight time of less than one hour.

[0004] Some UAVs include inflatables (e.g., balloons) to provide additional lift and conserve energy7by assisting the UAV in both reaching a certain altitude and maintaining a position at the altitude. How ever, such inflatables are composed of fabric and have a generally round or spherical shape. The shape of the fabric inflatables can affect the aerodynamic properties of the UAV as result of being sensitive to wind and providing additional drag. The impact of the aerodynamic properties of the UAV limits performance and increases energy consumption. To reduce some of the initial negative effects during takeoff, some UAVs only inflate the inflatables once the UAV has reached a certain altitude. Yet, these UAVs must also cany a compressed gas cylinder for inflating the inflatable, which negatively affects theAttorney Docket No. 1 13021-00003 payload of the UAV and can increase energy consumption during takeoff, landing, and / or flight.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In an embodiment, an UAV includes a body with an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The body includes an opening that extends from the upper surface to the lower surface. An inner surface faces the opening. An inflatable includes an upper portion and a lower portion defined by a midsection, wherein the inflatable is configured to be inserted into the opening for coupling the inflatable to the body. The upper portion extends past the upper surface, the lower portion extends past the lower surface, and the midsection is in contact with the inner surface. The inflatable is configured to provide passive lift to the UAV.

[0006] In an embodiment, an UAV includes a body and a propeller connected to the body, wherein the propeller includes a housing that defines a cavity. An inflatable includes an upper portion and a lower portion defined by a midsection, wherein the upper portion is configured to be inserted into the cavity for coupling the inflatable to the body.

[0007] In an embodiment, an UAV includes a body including a slot that extends inward from a side surface of the body and an inflatable. A rod with a first end and a second end, wherein the slot is configured for receiving the first end such that the second end extend away from the body. A coupler disposed at the second end and configured to hold the inflatable.

[0008] In an embodiment, a method includes inflating an inflatable device; attaching the inflatable device to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), wherein the inflatable device isAtorney Docket No.1 13021-00003 configured to provide passive lift to the UAV; and detaching the inflatable device from theUAV when the UAV is in flight.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In the following description, details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. In some instances, certain systems, structures and techniques have not been described or shown in detail in order not to obscure the disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1 A depicts an unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) including a body with an opening for receiving an inflatable, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. IB depicts the inflatable inserted into the opening and coupled to the body;

[0012] FIG. 2A depicts a propeller of the UAV including a cavity configured for receiving the inflatable, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2B depicts the UAV including a plurality of propellers with cavities and inflatables secured within the cavities, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3A depicts a cross-sectional view of the body of the UAV including a slot, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3B depicts a rod for being inserted into the slot, wherein the rod includes a coupler configured to hold the inflatable, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0016] FIG. 3C depicts the UAV including a plurality of rods for coupling a plurality of inflatables to the body.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ENABLING EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments can take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features could be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components.Attorney Docket No.1 13021-00003Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative bases for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for t pical application. Various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, however, could be desired for particular applications or implementations.

[0018] “A”, “an”, and “the” as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Directional terms used herein are made with reference to the views and orientations shown in the exemplary figures.

[0019] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. An unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) as described herein may refer to an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), a remotely piloted aerial vehicle (RPAV), a drone, or the like. An inflatable as described herein may refer to an object, device, or piece of equipment that can be inflated by a gas, such as a balloon, air bag, cushion, impact guard, etc.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1A and IB, in an embodiment an UAV 10 includes a body 12 and a propulsion system 14. The body 12 may have a substantially spherical, elliptical, cylindrical, or airfoil shape, or the like. The propulsion system 14 is configured to propel the UAV 10 into and / or through the air and may include a single-rotor system, multi-rotor system, fixed-wing system, or a combination or sub-combination thereof. For example, the UAV 10 may include propeller 16 with one or more blades 18 and an actuator connected to the propeller 16 (e.g., via shaft) and configured to rotate the propeller 16. The propeller 16 may extend fromAttorney Docket No. 1 13021-00003 the body 12 via an arm 20. The propeller 16 may be substantially parallel or coplanar to the body 12, located above or below the body, or the like. In some embodiments, the UAV 10 includes a plurality of propellers 16.

[0021] The actuator can include electric motor, mechanical actuator, hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, and the like. Electric motors can include magnetic, electrostatic, or piezoelectric motors. For example, in some embodiments, the actuator includes a brushless DC electric motor. The UAV 10 includes a power source (e.g., a battery', fuel source, etc.) housed within or mounted to the body 12 or propulsion system 14, wherein the actuator is electrically connected to the power source.

[0022] A flight control system is disposed within the body 12 and may include one or more electrical components adapted to control various aspects of the operation of the UAV 10. For example, such electrical components can include an energy source (e.g., battery), flight control or navigation module, GPS module (e.g., GPS receivers or transceivers), inertial measurement unit (IMU) module, communication module (e.g., wireless transceiver), electronic speed control (ESC) module adapted to control an actuator (e.g., electric motor), actuator(s) such as an electric motor used to actuate a rotor blade or rotor wing of the UAV 10, electrical wirings and connectors, and / or the like. In some embodiments, some of the electrical components may be located on an integrated electrical unit such as a circuit board or module.

[0023] An inflatable 22 may be coupled to the UAV 10 for providing additional lift, stabilization, and the like, to increase the flight time of the UAV 10. In some embodiments, a plurality of inflatable 22 may be coupled to the UAV 10. The plurality' of inflatables 22 may be shaped and / or sized identically or different from each other. The plurality of inflatables 22 may be spaced apart or distributed relative to each other and / or the UAV 10 so as to uniformly affect the UAV 10. In some embodiments, the inflatable 22 may be configured to provideAtorney Docket No.1 13021-00003 protection against impact, to act as a signaling device (e.g., the inflatable may include a reflective element, indicator, etc ), or the like.

[0024] The inflatable 22 can be inflated with helium, hydrogen, or the like, by an operator using a gas cylinder, tank of liquid gas, or other on-site device (e.g., an electrolyzer that produces hydrogen from water using electricity). This allows for easy transportation of the UAV 10 and the inflatables 22 (e.g., in a deflated state). An operator can inflate the inflatable 22 before or after coupling the inflatable 22 to the UAV 10. The inflatable 22 may be composed of a metalized plastic, metal foil, latex, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET) (e.g., mylar), nylon, vinyl, or the like, or a combination or sub-combination thereof. Production of the inflatable 22 using these materials can be cheaper and simpler as compared to using primarily fabric-like materials, and can allow for the inflatable 22 to have complex, aerodynamic shapes. In some embodiments, the inflatable 22 may be composed of a foil-like material used for party balloons and produced using similar methods.

[0025] In some embodiments, the inflatable 22 may include an aerodynamic shape so as to improve the flight time of the UAV 10 while having a minimal negative effect on the aerodynamic properties of the UAV 10 during flight or in certain conditions (e.g., wind, etc.). For example, the inflatable 22 may include an aerodynamic profile in one or more directions, holes to allow for air to pass through, or the like, to minimize drag and the potential effects of wind to one or more sides of the inflatable 22. Using the materials described above, such as metalized plastics or metal foils, allows for the inflatable 22 to be constructed with a variety of different shapes.

[0026] In an embodiment, the body 12 includes an opening 24 that extends through the body 12 from an upper surface 28 to a lower surface 29 of the body 12. The opening 24 may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the body 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the body 12Attorney Docket No. 1 13021-00003 and the opening 24 both have a spherical shape. In some embodiments, the shape of the opening24 does not correspond to the shape of the body 12. The inflatable 22 may be inserted into the opening 24 such that the inflatable 22 extends past the upper surface 28 and the lower surface 29 of the body 12. The inflatable 22 may be inserted into the opening 24 in a deflated state to be inflated later, in an inflated state by squeezing (pushing, pulling, or manipulating, etc.) the inflatable 22 to fit through the opening 24, or in a partially inflated or deflated state to be fully inflated later. Once inflated, the inflatable 22 may contact an inner surface 30 of the body 12 and may be secured within the opening 24 by a shape of the inflatable 22, a shape of the opening 24, the inner surface 30, or the like, or a combination or sub-combination thereof. The inner surface 30 faces and may define the opening 24.

[0027] For example, the inflatable 22 may have an upper portion 32 and a lower portion34 separated or defined by a midsection 36. The midsection 36 may refer to any section between the upper portion 32 and the lower portion 34. The midsection 36 is narrower than the upper portion 32 and the lower portion 34, and fits within the opening 24. The midsection 36 may fit within the opening 24 due to the shape of the inflatable 22 and / or by being compressed (wherein the midsection 36 may apply an outward force against the inner surface 30). The upper portion 32 and the lower portion 34 may extend past the upper surface 28 and the lower surface 29, respectively, and may be wider than the opening 24 such that the upper portion 32 and the lower portion 34 cannot not move through the opening 24 when the UAV 10 is in the air and / or shift significantly from an original position. The inflatable 22 may be more or less secure depending on the degree by which the upper portion 32 and the lower portion 34 are wider than the opening 24. In other words, the inflatable 22 may have a shape with two bulbous ends that cannot pass through the opening 24 under normal operating conditions of the UAV 10. Normal operating conditions may include wind, rain, hail, etc., and any other environmental condition that does not apply select and directed pressure to an area on the inflatable 22. suchAttorney Docket No. 1 13021-00003 as an operator squeezing the inflatable 22 into the opening 24. Similarly, the inflatable 22 may be inflated or pressurized to a certain degree such that the shape of the inflatable 22 in the inflated state cannot be altered enough to squeeze the inflatable 22 through the opening 24 and / or dislodge the inflatable 22 from the body 12.

[0028] In some embodiments, the inner surface 30 and / or the inflatable 22 may include a material (e.g., a polymer) configured to secure the position of the inflatable 22 within the opening 24 by friction. For example, the inner surface 30 and / or the midsection 36 of the inflatable 22 may include a rubber-like material for increasing friction therebetween. In some embodiments, the upper portion 32 and the lower portion 34 may have the same or different shape, size, volume, etc.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in an embodiment, the propeller 16 includes a housing 38 that defines a cavity 40. The cavity' 40 may be located on a bottom, top, or side surface of the housing 38. For example, the cavity 40 may be located on a bottom surface of the housing 38 opposite the one or more blades 18. The inflatable 22 is configured to be partially inserted into the cavity’ 40 and may be secured within the cavity 40 by the means described above. For example, the upper portion 32 may be wider than a mouth 42 of the cavity 40, with the midsection 36 fitting with or pressing against the mouth 42, and / or the cavity 40 may include a polymeric material. In some embodiments, the plurality of propellers 16 each include one of a plurality of cavities 40 and a plurality of inflatables 22 are coupled to the UAV 10 via the plurality cavities 40. In some embodiments, the body 12 includes at least one cavity 40.

[0030] In an embodiment, the UAV 10 includes a deflation mechanism 44 configured to deflate the inflatable 22. In some embodiments, the deflation mechanism 44 is configured to puncture (pierce, cut, etc.) the inflatable 22, thereby deflating the inflatable 22. For example, the deflation mechanism 44 may be located within the housing 38 and can include a pin orAttorney Docket No. 1 13021-00003 piercing element that can be actuated (e.g., by a solenoid) to extend into the cavity 40 and puncture the upper portion 32 of the inflatable 22. The pin may be retracted into the housing 38 after puncturing the upper portion 32. The size, shape, and force of the pin may be selected to deflate the inflatable 22 at a desired rate and / or cause a thrust from the gas leaving the inflatable 22 that may propel the inflatable 22 from the cavity 40 or may not significantly propel the inflatable 22 from the cavity 40 so as to not affect the flight of the UAV 10. After being punctured the inflatable 22 will begin to deflate and will eventually detach from the UAV 10. The inflatable 22 may be dislodged from the cavity' 40 as a result of the upper portion 32 deflating so as to fit between the mouth 42 of the cavity 40, a weight of the inflatable 22, movement of the UAV 10, the thrust from the gas exiting the inflatable 22, or the like, or a combination or sub-combination thereof.

[0031] In some embodiments, the deflation mechanism 44 may be located on an exterior of the housing 38, on or within the body 12 or arm 20, and is configured to extend so as to contact and puncture the inflatable 22. In some embodiments, the deflation mechanism 44 may include a heating element (e.g., a laser) and is configured to heat an area of the inflatable 22 for bursting the inflatable 22 and / or creating a hole in the inflatable 22. The UAV 10 may include a plurality of deflation mechanisms 44 for deflating the plurality of inflatables 22.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 3A-3C, in an embodiment the body 12 includes a slot 46 that extends inward from a side surface 48 of the body 12. The slot 46 is configured to receive a rod 50 and secure the rod 50 to the body 12, wherein the rod 50 extends outward from the body 12. The rod 50 may be any type of elongated structure with a cylindrical or non-cylindrical cross-sectional area. The slot 46 may include a socket 52 and a channel 54 defined by an upper segment 56 and a lower segment 58 of the body 12, wherein a section of the channel 54 adjacent the socket 52 is narrower than the socket 52. The rod 50 may include a joint 60 (e.g., a ballAtorney Docket No. 1 13021-00003 joint) at an end of a shaft 62, wherein the joint 60 is sized to fit within the socket 52. The joint60 may be inserted through the channel 54 and into the socket 52 by adjusting the upper segment 56 and / or the lower segment 58 to expand the channel 54 (at least the section of the channel 54 adjacent the socket 52). Once the joint 60 is inserted into the socket 52, the upper segment 56 and / or the lower segment 58 may return to an original position, narrowing the channel 54, to prevent the joint 60 from being withdrawn from the socket 52. The shaft 62 may be supported by the upper segment 56 and / or the lower segment 58.

[0033] In some embodiments, the upper segment 56 and / or the lower segment 58 may be composed of an elastic material that can be deformed to expand the channel 54. In some embodiments, the upper segment 56 and / or the lower segment 58 may include an actuator, spring, or lever, etc. for translating away from or toward the channel 54 so as to expand or contract the channel 54.

[0034] In an embodiment, the rod 50 includes a coupler 64 (i.e., an atachment mechanism) at another end of the shaft 62 distal to the joint 60. The coupler 64 is configured to hold and / or secure the inflatable 22 in a position that is spaced apart from the propeller 16 and in a manner in which the inflatable 22 will not come in contact with the propeller 16. In some embodiments, the coupler 64 includes a ring 66 with an aperture 68. The ring 66 may be a ring-like structure, or have any other suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, triangular, or another polygon, etc.). The inflatable 22 may be inserted into the aperture 68 in the same or similar manner as the as described previously for the inflatable 22 being inserted into the opening 24 of the body 12 (as shown in FIGS. 1A and IB). The ring 66 may be configured to adjust a w idth of diameter 70 of the aperture 68. For example, the ring 66 may squeeze the inflatable 22 by decreasing the width 70, reduce pressure applied to the inflatable 22, and / or release the inflatable 22. In this way, the ring 66 may establish a secure hold of the inflatable 22, may act as the deflation mechanism 44 by squeezing and bursting the inflatable 22. and / or mayAtorney Docket No.1 13021-00003 decouple the inflatable 22 from the UAV 10 by reduce the hold on the inflatable 22. As described above, an inner surface 72 of the ring 66 may include a material for increasing friction between the inner surface 72 and the inflatable 22.

[0035] In an embodiment, the coupler 64 includes a clamp 74 with plurality of prongs 76, wherein the inflatable 22 may be inserted between the plurality of prongs 76. In some embodiments, the plurality of prongs 76 can be spread apart by the operator to insert the inflatable 22, wherein the plurality of prongs 76 move toward each other when released by the operator and squeeze the inflatable 22. The plurality of prongs 76 may be elastically deformed, may include a spring, or the like.

[0036] In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of prongs 76 is configured to move toward or away from another of the plurality of prongs 76. For example, the plurality of prongs 76 may move toward each other to squeeze or establish a secure hold on the inflatable 22, or may move away from each other to reduce pressure applied to the inflatable 22 and / or release the inflatable 22. The clamp 74 may include an actuator (e.g., a solenoid) configured to move the at least one of the plurality of prongs 76. The actuator may receive power from the power source of the body 12 (e g., an electrical connection between the power source and the rod 50) or another power source included with the rod 50 and / or housing 38. In some embodiments, as described above, the plurality of prongs 76 may act as the deflation mechanism 44 by squeezing and bursting the inflatable 22. In some embodiments, as described above, the plurality of prongs 76 may include a material for increasing friction between the plurality of prongs 76 and the inflatable 22.

[0037] The UAV 10 may include a plurality of slots 46 for each receiving one of a plurality of rods 50. The plurality of slots 46 may be uniformly distributed around the body 12 so as to evenly distribute the inflatables 22. The plurality of rods 50 may include a coupler 64 with either a ring 66 or a clamp 74.Atorney Docket No.1 13021-00003

[0038] In an embodiment, the rod 50 may include the deflation mechanism 44. For example, the deflation mechanism 44 may be located within or mounted on the shaft 62 and the pin may extend into the aperture 68 or between the plurality7of prongs 76 to puncture the inflatable 22.

[0039] In an embodiment, the propulsion system 14 may include a guard 78 for protecting the propeller 16 from coming in contact with an object, such as the inflatable 22. The guard 78 may surround the one or more bladeslS of the propeller 16.

[0040] In an embodiment, the flight control system may be programmed and configured to control the deflation mechanism 44 and the coupler 64 (including the ring 66 and the plurality of prongs 76) in response to an input from the operator and / or in response to a sensor of the UAV 10. For example, the operator may remotely signal the flight control system to activate the deflation mechanism 44 and puncture the inflatable 22 to increase maneuverability of the UAV 10 (e.g., for landing, piloting the UAV 10 in certain environments, etc.) or in anticipation of heavy weather. Similarly, the sensor may detect that the UAV 10 has reached a certain altitude (after descending or ascending) or that the power source has reached a certain level and the UAV 10 must begin landing, and in response the flight control system controls the coupler 64 to release the inflatable 22.

[0041] In an embodiment, the inflatable 22 may be atached the body 12 by a hook and loop, a fastener (e.g., Velcro), an adhesive, a strap or tether, or the like.

[0042] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of the appended claims. These antecedent recitations should be interpreted to cover any combination in which the inventive novelty exercises its utility.The use of the word "said" in the apparatus claims refers to an antecedent that is a positiveAtorney Docket No.1 13021-00003 recitation meant to be included in the coverage of the claims whereas the word "the" precedes a word not meant to be included in the coverage of the claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.113021-00003CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising: a body with an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, wherein the body includes an opening that extends from the upper surface to the lower surface, and wherein an inner surface faces the opening; an inflatable including an upper portion and a lower portion defined by a midsection, wherein the inflatable is configured to be inserted into the opening for coupling the inflatable to the body; wherein the upper portion extends past the upper surface, the lower portion extends past the lower surface, and the midsection is in contact with the inner surface; and wherein the inflatable is configured to provide passive lift to the UAV.

2. The UAV of claim 1 wherein the inflatable is composed a foil-like material, wherein the foil-like material includes metal or polymers.

3. The UAV of claim 1 wherein the opening is narrower than the upper portion and the lower portion such that the inflatable is secured within the opening.

4. The UAV of claim 1 wherein the inflatable is shaped aerodynamically in conjunction with a shape or a flight path of the UAV.Attorney Docket No. 113021-000035. The UAV of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of propellers extending from the body, wherein the plurality of propeller do not contact the inflatable.

6. The UAV of claim 6 further comprising a deflation mechanism mounted on or within the body configured to puncture the inflatable.

7. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising: a body; a propeller connected to the body and including a housing that defines a cavity; and an inflatable including an upper portion and a lower portion defined by a midsection, wherein the upper portion is configured to be inserted into the cavity for coupling the inflatable to the body.

8. The UAV of claim 6 wherein the cavity includes a mouth that is narrower than the upper portion such that the inflatable is secured within the cavity.

9. The UAV of claim 6 wherein the cavity includes a polymeric material for increasing friction between the inflatable and a surface of the cavity.

10. The UAV of claim 6 further comprising a deflation mechanism located within the housing and configured to puncture the upper portion by extending a pin into the cavity.

11. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising:Attorney Docket No.113021-00003 a body including a slot that extends inward from a side surface of the body; an inflatable; a rod with a first end and a second end, wherein the slot is configured for receiving the first end such that the second end extend away from the body; and a coupler disposed at the second end and configured to hold the inflatable.

12. The UAV of claim 11 wherein the coupler includes a ring with an aperture, and wherein the inflatable is configured to be inserted into and secured within the aperture.

13. The UAV of claim 12 wherein the ring is configured to adjust a width of the aperture in response to an input from an operator.

14. The UAV of claim 14 wherein the ring is configured to deflate the inflatable by decreasing the width of the aperture; and wherein the ring is configured to release the inflatable by increasing the width of the aperture.

15. The UAV of claim 11 wherein the coupler includes a clamp with a plurality of prongs configured to receive the inflatable therebetween.

16. The UAV of claim 15 wherein at least one of the plurality of prongs is configured to move toward or away from another of the plurality of prongs for securing the inflatable between the plurality of prongs.Attorney Docket No.113021-0000317. The UAV of claim 16 wherein the at least one of the plurality of prongs is configured to deflate the inflatable by squeezing the inflatable between the plurality of prongs or release the inflatable from between the plurality of prongs in response to an input from an operator.

18. A method compri sing : inflating an inflatable device; attaching the inflatable device to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), wherein the inflatable device is configured to provide passive lift to the UAV; and detaching the inflatable device from the UAV when the UAV is in flight.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising deflating the inflatable device prior to detaching the inflatable device from the UAV.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein the inflating the inflatable device is performed by an operator using a tank of compressed gas or liquid gas or an onsite device.

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