Helicopter Tether Launch and Retrieval System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft launch and retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently launching and retrieving aircraft capable of long-distance cruising from small spaces, due to requirements for precise mid-air mating, high fuel costs, and complexity in adverse weather conditions, especially when using rotary wing aircraft or freely dangling capture lines.
Innovation Solution
A helicopter-mediated system that uses a tether connected to both the helicopter and an anchor assembly, allowing the aircraft to launch by being hoisted and accelerated, then released into flight, and retrieve by capturing the tether, which is paid out to decelerate the aircraft, eliminating the need for precise mid-air mating and reducing the risk of damage or fuel inefficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a rotary wing aircraft is used to launch and retrieve a fixed wing aircraft via stiff mid-air mating, then the fixed wing aircraft can be launched from small spaces, but the retrieval process requires extreme precision and is unforgiving in adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tether into multiple segments: an upper portion extending from the rotary wing aircraft and a lower portion extending from the anchor assembly. This segmentation allows the aircraft to capture the tether at different locations without requiring precise mid-air mating, as the tether is already deployed and accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether acts as an intermediary element between the rotary wing aircraft and the fixed wing aircraft. Instead of requiring direct stiff mating between the two aircraft, the tether mediates the connection, allowing the aircraft to attach to the tether which is already positioned in space between the helicopter and ground.
2Ease of operation
If a rotary wing aircraft chases and mates with a fixed wing aircraft in midair for retrieval, then the aircraft can be retrieved from wing-borne flight, but the fuel costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The tether is deployed in advance from the rotary wing aircraft before the fixed wing aircraft needs to be retrieved. The upper portion of the tether extends from the helicopter and the lower portion from the anchor assembly, creating a pre-positioned capture path. This eliminates the need for the rotary wing aircraft to chase and match the airspeed of the returning aircraft, significantly reducing fuel consumption.
3Ease of operation
If freely dangling capture lines are used for aircraft retrieval, then the aircraft can be captured from wing-borne flight, but the system is not maneuverable in adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor assembly provides a stable anchored point that counteracts the effects of wind and adverse weather conditions. By anchoring the lower portion of the tether to the ground or a stable structure, the system creates a stable reference point that remains maneuverable even in challenging weather, unlike freely dangling lines that are completely at the mercy of environmental conditions.
4Strength
If stiff mid-air mating is used for aircraft retrieval, then the aircraft can be securely connected, but the process is complex and unforgiving of improper performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, rigid mating process to a dynamic tether-based system. The tether allows for flexible attachment where the aircraft can capture the tether at various points along its length, and the tether itself can move and adjust during the capture process. This dynamic approach simplifies the retrieval process while maintaining secure connection through the strength of the tether and anchor assembly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a forgiving and efficient method for launching and retrieving aircraft from small spaces, reducing the risk of damage and fuel costs, while being maneuverable in adverse weather conditions and easily portable, unlike existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
the helicopter is stiffly mechanically connected to the aircraft, hoists the aircraft to a desired altitude
Implementation Method 2
the anchor assembly is configured such that this pulling force causes the anchor assembly to begin paying out the tether. While the anchor assembly is paying out the tether, the anchor assembly imposes a resistive force opposing movement of the aircraft to decelerate the aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a helicopter-mediated system and method for launching and retrieving an aircraft capable of long-distance efficient cruising flight from a small space without the use of a long runway.