Rotorcraft-Assisted Fixed-Wing Launch and Retrieval in Limited Spaces

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

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 that includes an eight-rotor modular multicopter attachable to a fixed-wing aircraft, a storage and launch system, and an anchor system to facilitate launch and retrieval from small spaces, allowing the fixed-wing aircraft to be launched into wing-borne flight and retrieved using a flexible capture member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a fixed-wing aircraft is 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 by multicopter, transition to wing-borne flight, and eventual release. This segmentation allows the aircraft to achieve efficient cruising configuration without requiring a long conventional runway, as the multicopter provides the initial acceleration and altitude gain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multicopter acts as an intermediary device between the ground and the fixed-wing aircraft. It provides the necessary lift and thrust during the initial phase, enabling the fixed-wing aircraft to become airborne without relying on a long runway, thus resolving the contradiction between cruising efficiency and runway length requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an aircraft is designed to hover and fly slowly, then maneuverability in confined spaces is improved, but cruising efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaneuverability in confined spacesVSAvoidcruising efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines two aircraft types with different strengths into a multi-functional platform. The multicopter provides hover and slow flight capabilities for confined space operations, while the fixed-wing aircraft provides efficient long-distance cruising. This universal system can perform both types of flight missions, resolving the contradiction between maneuverability and cruising efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The flight mission is segmented into different phases handled by different aircraft types. The multicopter handles the takeoff and initial maneuvering in confined spaces, then the fixed-wing aircraft takes over for efficient cruising. This functional segmentation allows each aircraft type to operate in its optimal performance regime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a multicopter is made modular and detachable, then ease of storage and transport is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of storage and transportVSAvoidmodular assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multicopter is divided into modular components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the multicopter to be stored in compact configurations and transported in standard containers, significantly improving ease of storage and transport despite the added complexity of modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design allows components to be quickly assembled from stored parts when needed and disassembled for storage afterward. This temporary assembly and disassembly process enables the system to transition between compact storage and full operational states, resolving the contradiction between storage ease and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 enhancing operational flexibility in constrained environments.

Implementation Method 1

a first pair of rotor motors (465a, 465c) positioned above a respective second pair of rotor motors (465b, 465d) and configured to rotate the rotors (475a, 475b, 475c, 475d) in opposite directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational motion generating lift:

Data Source

PatentUS11204612B2Rotorcraft-assisted system and method for launching and retrieving a fixed-wing aircraft

Publication Date: 2021.12.21 HOOD TECHNOLOGY CORP

AI summary

A rotorcraft-assisted launch and retrieval system, and a method for controlling an airborne rotorcraft which includes controlling by a controller a first feedback loop about a longitudinal roll axis of the airborne rotorcraft and controlling by the controller a second feedback loop about a horizontal pitch axis of the airborne rotorcraft, without controlling a vertical yaw axis of the airborne rotorcraft.