Multicopter-Assisted Launch and Retrieval for Fixed-Wing Aircraft

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft capable of hover and slow flight are not suited for long-distance efficient cruising, requiring long runways for take-off and landing, which is problematic in spaces where sufficient runway length is not available.

Innovation Solution

A rotorcraft-assisted launch and retrieval system, comprising an eight-rotor modular multicopter attachable to a fixed-wing aircraft, a storage and launch system, and an anchor system, enables launch and retrieval of fixed-wing aircraft from small spaces by lifting and accelerating the aircraft into wing-borne flight and capturing it for retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If fixed-wing aircraft use conventional take-off and landing methods, then long-distance efficient cruising flight is achieved, but long runways are required which are not available in limited spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecruising efficiencyVSAvoidrunway length

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A rotorcraft (helicopter or multicopter) is introduced as an intermediary vehicle to assist the fixed-wing aircraft during launch and retrieval operations. The rotorcraft provides vertical lift and forward thrust to accelerate the fixed-wing aircraft to take-off speed in a confined area, eliminating the need for a long runway while enabling the fixed-wing aircraft to perform efficient cruising flight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If aircraft are designed for hover and slow flight capability, then operational flexibility is improved, but long runways are still required for take-off and landing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehover and slow flight capabilityVSAvoidrunway length

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotorcraft acts as a mediator that enables fixed-wing aircraft with hover and slow flight capabilities to operate from limited spaces. The rotorcraft provides the necessary lift and acceleration, allowing these versatile aircraft to take off and land in confined areas without requiring long runways, thus preserving their operational flexibility while overcoming the space constraint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables the use of fixed-wing aircraft in spaces with limited runway length by facilitating launch and retrieval from small areas, enhancing operational flexibility and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

the rotorcraft to elevate the aircraft from the launch system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLift (aerodynamic): Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

the rotorcraft to accelerate the aircraft to a flight speed sufficient for wing-borne flight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrust (aerodynamic): Jet

Data Source

PatentUS11299264B2Multicopter-assisted system and method for launching and retrieving a fixed-wing aircraft

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 HOOD TECHNOLOGY CORP

AI summary

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.