Automated Capture and Launch Apparatus for Tail-Sitting VTOL Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for launching, retrieving, and servicing hovering aircraft, especially in turbulent conditions or on irregularly-moving platforms like ships in rough seas, are complex, require substantial infrastructure, and involve manual operations, limiting their efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A capture and launch apparatus that enables automated retrieval, servicing, and launch of hovering aircraft, utilizing a capture rod system with a manipulator and wing restrainer to securely engage and release the aircraft, allowing for fully autonomous operations with reduced infrastructure needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Beartrap or harpoon-and-grid systems are used for aircraft retrieval, then safety is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential capture function from complex traditional systems (Beartrap, harpoon-and-grid) and implements it through a simplified robotic arm with gripper that can be deployed from a smaller, more versatile platform. This maintains safety by securing the aircraft while dramatically reducing infrastructure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic capture system is designed to be multi-functional, capable of operating in various conditions (turbulent wind, irregularly-moving platforms) and with different aircraft types. This universal design reduces the need for specialized infrastructure while maintaining reliability across diverse operational scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If manual operations are used for aircraft retrieval and servicing, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operations where the robotic arm autonomously performs capture, positioning, and servicing tasks without requiring manual coordination between crew members. This automation dramatically improves productivity while the programmable nature of the robot maintains operational flexibility for different mission requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system incorporates sensors and control systems that provide real-time feedback during capture and servicing operations. This feedback loop enables automated adjustment of grip force, positioning accuracy, and operational parameters, maintaining flexibility while improving efficiency through automated decision-making.
3Reliability
If complete undercarriage and capture components are carried by the aircraft, then operational capability is ensured, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the capture components from the aircraft and relocates them to the ground-based or platform-based robotic system. The aircraft only carries essential undercarriage for landing, while the complex capture mechanisms (grippers, restraining arms, positioning systems) are deployed from the external robotic platform, significantly reducing aircraft weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system acts as an intermediary between the aircraft and the ground infrastructure. Instead of the aircraft carrying all capture components, the robotic mediator provides these functions externally, allowing the aircraft to be lighter while maintaining full operational capability through the intermediary's capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Automated launch and retrieval of a “tail-sitting” VTOL aircraft is accomplished by exploiting the natural stability of hover when restrained in tension by an upwind wing tip. For retrieval, a flexible rod is lifted into contact with the trailing edge of the upwind wing as the aircraft translates downwind overhead. Sliding between the rod and wing leads to interlocking of hooks at the rod end and wing tip, while the aircraft swings into a stable tethered hover downwind of the rod. The rod is then used to pull the aircraft upwind into a fixture for secure parking and servicing. After servicing, the aircraft lifts-off into tethered hover, and power margin for climb is assessed. If the aircraft is judged to have sufficient power safely to proceed, then the interlocking hooks are disengaged, leaving the aircraft to climb away in free flight.