Multirotor Helicopter Launch and Capture of Fixed-Wing Aircraft

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fixed-wing aircraft require significant runway space for takeoff and landing, limiting their operational flexibility and efficiency, and existing runway-independent launch systems are bulky or damaging.

Innovation Solution

An unmanned multirotor helicopter is used to elevate and accelerate a fixed-wing aircraft to release speed, then release it, and subsequently capture and return it to a launch site, eliminating the need for landing gear and reducing damage from launch systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-wing aircraft use traditional runway takeoff and landing, then they achieve sufficient acceleration and deceleration, but they require significant runway space reducing operational flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidrunway space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A multirotor drone serves as an intermediary device to launch and retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft. The drone carries the aircraft to altitude and release point, eliminating the need for traditional runway takeoff. This mediator enables the aircraft to operate from locations without runways while still achieving the necessary launch conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The launch system transitions from horizontal runway-based acceleration to vertical drone-based elevation. By moving the launch process into the vertical dimension, the system eliminates the need for long horizontal runways and enables operations from confined spaces such as rooftops or small clearings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Use of energy by moving object

If fixed-wing aircraft are equipped with landing gear for traditional landings, then they achieve safe deceleration, but they increase aircraft weight reducing fuel efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidsafe deceleration

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The multirotor drone acts as a mediator for both launch and retrieval operations. For retrieval, the drone approaches the returning aircraft and captures it mid-air, eliminating the need for the aircraft to perform traditional landings with landing gear. This enables the aircraft to operate without heavy landing gear while maintaining safe deceleration through the drone's capture mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The landing gear is extracted or removed from the fixed-wing aircraft since the drone handles all landing functions. This extraction reduces aircraft weight and improves fuel efficiency while the drone's capture system provides the necessary deceleration and safe retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If runway-independent launch systems are used to eliminate runway requirements, then operational flexibility improves, but the systems become bulky or damaging to aircraft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidsystem bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multirotor drone serves as a compact intermediary launch system compared to traditional runway-independent systems like catapults or rail launchers. The drone's modular design and ability to hover position it as a less bulky alternative while still providing effective launch capabilities. The drone carries the aircraft to the release point without requiring large infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical launch systems (catapults, rails, nets) with an aerial drone-based system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical infrastructure on the ground and reduces the overall system bulk. The drone uses its rotors to generate lift and thrust, replacing mechanical acceleration systems with aerodynamic forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach allows for lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft with longer flight times, expanded operational areas, and reduced damage, enabling launches and landings from non-traditional sites like helipads or uneven terrain.

Implementation Method 1

The multirotor helicopter may then elevate the fixed-wing aircraft from a launch site to a release altitude

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLift:

Implementation Method 2

The multirotor helicopter may also accelerate the fixed-wing aircraft to a release speed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrust:

Data Source

PatentUS10933996B2Release and capture of a fixed-wing aircraft

Publication Date: 2021.03.02 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

In one embodiment, a system includes an unmanned, multirotor helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft. The multirotor helicopter may couple to the fixed-wing aircraft to support and hold the fixed-wing aircraft. The multirotor helicopter may then elevate the fixed-wing aircraft from a launch site to a release altitude. The multirotor helicopter may also accelerate the fixed-wing aircraft to a release speed and upon reaching the release speed, release the fixed-wing aircraft. The unmanned, multirotor helicopter may then return to the launch site.