Rotorcraft Launching Fixed-Wing Aircraft Without Runways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft requiring long runways for take-off and landing limit their operational locations, particularly on vessels like ships where space is insufficient, necessitating a method for short-runway or no-runway operations.
Innovation Solution
A system involving a rotorcraft and a fixed-wing aircraft, where the fixed-wing aircraft is launched by attaching to a rotorcraft, then released into wing-borne flight, and retrieved using a winch system that includes two winches to manage the rotorcraft's descent and landing on a ship's deck, allowing for compact operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-wing aircraft uses conventional take-off and landing methods, then it achieves efficient long-distance cruising flight, but it requires long runways which are not available on vessels like ships
Solution Approach 1:
A rotorcraft serves as an intermediary vehicle between the vessel and the fixed-wing aircraft. The rotorcraft launches the fixed-wing aircraft into the air and then retrieves it using a winch system, eliminating the need for a traditional runway on the vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The take-off and landing function is segmented into two separate operations: launch by rotorcraft and retrieval by winch system. This divides the conventional single-runway operation into distinct phases that can occur in limited space.
2Length of stationary object
If a rotorcraft launches and retrieves a fixed-wing aircraft using a winch system, then runway length is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotorcraft performs multiple functions: it provides lift during launch, positions the fixed-wing aircraft for release, and then serves as the attachment point for the winch system during retrieval. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed-wing aircraft uses its own weight and descent to assist in the retrieval process. As it descends under gravity, the winch system simply needs to control the reeling in, rather than actively lifting the aircraft.
3Reliability
If the movable arms are kept at a long length to sweep a large target area for engaging the flexible member, then engagement reliability is improved, but the arms interfere with landing gear during touchdown
Solution Approach 1:
The movable arms are designed with adjustable length capability. They extend to a longer length during the engagement phase to maximize the swept area and improve reliability of capturing the flexible member, then retract to a shorter length before and during landing to avoid interfering with the landing gear.
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 operation of fixed-wing aircraft from vessels without the need for extensive runways, facilitating efficient launch and retrieval on limited spaces such as ships, enhancing operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible member is forcibly engaged through a pulley block or fairlead, and which includes drawing the free end of the flexible member away from the pulley block or fairlead, thus forcing the rotorcraft downward toward the haul in device
Implementation Method 2
descending the rotorcraft until the fixed-wing aircraft contacts an aircraft landing structure
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes various systems and methods configured to: launch a fixed-wing aircraft from a moving object into free, wing-borne flight using a multicopter; retrieve the multicopter after fixed-wing aircraft launch using a retrieval winch; retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from free, wing-borne flight back onto the moving object using the multicopter; and retrieve the multicopter after fixed-wing aircraft retrieval using the retrieval winch.