Multicopter-Assisted Launch and Retrieval of Fixed-Wing Aircraft

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft capable of hover and slow flight are not well-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 the launch and retrieval of fixed-wing aircraft from small spaces by facilitating lift-off and capture using a flexible capture member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If aircraft are designed for long-distance efficient cruising flight, then cruising efficiency is improved, but runway length requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecruising efficiencyVSAvoidrunway length requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The launch process is segmented into multiple phases: initial hover phase using multicopter rotors, transition phase where fixed wings begin generating lift, and cruising phase where multicopter provides thrust only. This segmentation allows the aircraft to combine vertical lift capability with efficient forward cruising, eliminating the need for long runways while maintaining cruising efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges two previously separate functions into one integrated aircraft: the vertical lift function (traditionally requiring dedicated vertical takeoff equipment) and the efficient forward cruising function (traditionally requiring long runways). By combining multicopter rotors with fixed-wing configuration, the aircraft achieves both hover capability and efficient cruising in a single platform

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If aircraft are designed for hover and slow flight capability, then vertical takeoff capability is improved, but cruising efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical takeoff capabilityVSAvoidcruising efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The aircraft employs dynamic role assignment where multicopter rotors provide vertical lift during hover and slow flight phases, while fixed wings provide aerodynamic lift during forward flight. The system dynamically transitions between these configurations, using rotors for vertical maneuvering and wings for efficient cruising, thereby achieving both hover capability and cruising efficiency without compromise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If long runways are provided for take-off and landing, then aircraft launch capability is improved, but space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaircraft launch capabilityVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The multicopter rotors act as an intermediary system between the ground and the fixed-wing aircraft during launch. Instead of requiring a long runway for direct ground-to-flight transition, the rotors provide vertical lift as an intermediate step, enabling the aircraft to reach a hover state before transitioning to wing-borne flight. This intermediary mechanism allows reliable aircraft launch from confined spaces with minimal ground area requirement

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 launch and retrieval of fixed-wing aircraft from limited spaces, overcoming the need for long runways and allowing for efficient cruising flight without the constraints of traditional runway requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The rotorcraft-assisted launch and retrieval system... enables the launch and retrieval of fixed-wing aircraft from small spaces by facilitating lift-off

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLift: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

an anchor system usable (along with the multicopter and a flexible capture member) to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from wing-borne flight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS10899441B1Multicopter-assisted system and method for launching and retrieving a fixed-wing aircraft

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 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.