Rotorcraft Capture Assembly for Fixed-Wing Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for launching and retrieving fixed-wing aircraft without runways face challenges such as limited applicability due to size, complexity, and safety concerns, particularly in urban or wooded areas, and require precise synchronization and GPS reception, which can be compromised in adverse conditions.
Innovation Solution
A rotorcraft-assisted system using a multicopter with a capture assembly that includes a tapered capture throat to securely link with a fixed-wing aircraft, allowing for launch and retrieval without ground anchors, enabling operation in constrained spaces and adverse weather.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pneumatic catapult launcher is used to launch a fixed-wing aircraft, then the aircraft can be launched without a runway, but the launcher becomes large, heavy, and cumbersome increasing transportation costs and difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical pneumatic catapult system with a rotorcraft-based system that uses aerodynamic forces and rotor thrust to launch and retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft. The rotorcraft carries the fixed-wing aircraft in midair, eliminating the need for heavy ground-based mechanical launchers.
2Reliability
If a pneumatic catapult launcher is used, then the aircraft can be launched without a runway, but the launcher cannot be used in heavily wooded or urban areas due to trajectory clearance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based launch operations to three-dimensional midair operations. The rotorcraft can approach the fixed-wing aircraft from any direction and perform launches and retrievals in midair, enabling operations in confined spaces such as urban areas and heavily wooded regions where traditional ground-based systems cannot operate.
3Strength
If four balls are used to mate the rotary-wing aircraft to the fixed-wing aircraft, then the connection is secure, but the release requires perfect synchronization to avoid pitch or roll rates that could destroy either aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connection function from a multi-point ball-and-socket system to a single-hook system. The single hook on the rotorcraft engages with a single eye on the fixed-wing aircraft, providing secure connection during launch and retrieval while simplifying the release mechanism to eliminate synchronization requirements.
4Reliability
If a retrieval rope suspending apparatus is used, then the fixed-wing aircraft can be retrieved without a runway, but the system requires ground anchors and clear space in the vicinity of the ground anchor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ground-anchored retrieval rope system with a rotorcraft-based midair retrieval system. The rotorcraft carries the fixed-wing aircraft in midair during retrieval, eliminating the need for ground anchors and clear space requirements, and enabling operations in confined areas.
5Strength
If the rotorcraft must match airspeed, align socket structures, and decrease altitude for retrieval, then secure connection is achieved, but the relative position requirements of the autopilot are dramatically increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connection function from a complex multi-point alignment system to a single-hook system. The single hook on the rotorcraft engages with a single eye on the fixed-wing aircraft, dramatically reducing the relative position requirements and simplifying the autopilot control needs during retrieval operations.
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 safer, more versatile, and efficient method for launching and retrieving fixed-wing aircraft, reducing the risk of damage and operational complexity, and allowing for GPS-assisted retrieval in GPS-denied areas, with the multicopter being smaller and lighter than traditional launchers.
Implementation Method 1
a rotorcraft-assisted system using a multicopter with a capture assembly that includes a tapered capture throat to securely link with a fixed-wing aircraft, allowing for launch and retrieval without ground anchors
Implementation Method 2
the rotary-wing aircraft then hoists the fixed-wing aircraft, accelerates to a desired airspeed, and releases the fixed-wing aircraft into free flight
Implementation Method 3
a rotorcraft-assisted system using a multicopter with a capture assembly that includes a tapered capture throat to securely link with a fixed-wing aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a rotorcraft-assisted launch and retrieval system including a rotorcraft having a fixed-wing aircraft capture assembly configured to capture a fixed-wing aircraft.