| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20100025523 | RECONFIGURABLE AIRCRAFT AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A reconfigurable aircraft and associated methods. In one embodiment the reconfigurable aircraft comprises a plurality of payload retainers. The payload retainers are configured to receive and retain payloads, including fuel, armaments and sensors. The aircraft is configured to cooperate in flight with an airborne supply vehicle to receive the payloads from the supply vehicle. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100038477 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR AIRBORNE LAUNCH AND RECOVERY OF AIRCRAFT - A system and methods for airborne launch and recovery of aircraft. In one embodiment the system comprises a flexible tether configured to be towed behind an airborne mother ship. A drag device is secured to a distal end of the flexible tether to generate drag and maintain tension in the flexible tether. A reel associated with the mother ship anchors a proximal portion of the flexible tether and selectively lets out and takes up the flexible tether to adjust a length of the flexible tether. A capture mechanism associated with the aircraft engages the flexible tether to enable the aircraft to translate along the flexible tether. In embodiments of the present methods, a flexible tether is deployed from an airborne mother ship. An aircraft translates forward and rearward along the flexible tether. Prior to launch, the weight of the aircraft is transferred from the flexible tether to the wings. During recovery, the weight of the aircraft is transferred from the wings to the flexible tether. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100276537 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR AIRBORNE LAUNCH AND RECOVERY OF AIRCRAFT - A system and methods for airborne launch and recovery of aircraft. In one embodiment the system comprises a flexible tether configured to be towed behind an airborne mother ship. A drag device is secured to a distal end of the flexible tether to generate drag and maintain tension in the flexible tether. A reel associated with the mother ship anchors a proximal portion of the flexible tether and selectively lets out and takes up the flexible tether to adjust a length of the flexible tether. A capture mechanism associated with the aircraft engages the flexible tether to secure the aircraft to the flexible tether. In certain embodiments of the present methods, a flexible tether is deployed from an airborne mother ship. An aircraft translates forward and rearward along the flexible tether. Alternatively, the aircraft translates forward and rearward as the flexible tether taken up and let out from the mother ship. Prior to launch, the weight of the aircraft is transferred from the flexible tether to the wings. During recovery, the weight of the aircraft is transferred from the wings to the flexible tether. | 11-04-2010 |
