A modular ramp for creating a ski jump on a modern naval vehicles is provided. Generally, the system allows a user to manipulate a ramp surface in a way that best suits the needs of the user at that time. The system generally comprises a framework, interlinking tracks, and control arm. The control arm manipulates the position of the framework, which in turn manipulates the surface created by the interlinking tracks. The modular ramp may also comprise mechanical joints and a hinge, which may allow the surface to be manipulated in multiple directions.

A hybrid aircraft system uses a combination of direct propeller driven gas engine and electric motor power to provide vertical thrust and control for hover of the aircraft. Furthermore, a portable launch/recovery system is configured for use with an aircraft such as a Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV). The system is configured to enable ships with limited available deck space to become UAV-compatible.

A hybrid aircraft system uses a combination of direct propeller driven gas engine and electric motor power to provide vertical thrust and control for hover of the aircraft. Furthermore, a portable launch/recovery system is configured for use with an aircraft such as a Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV). The system is configured to enable ships with limited available deck space to become UAV-compatible.

A modular ramp for creating a ski jump on a modern naval vehicles is provided. Generally, the system allows a user to manipulate a ramp surface in a way that best suits the needs of the user at that time. The system generally comprises a framework, interlinking tracks, and control arm. The control arm manipulates the position of the framework, which in turn manipulates the surface created by the interlinking tracks. The modular ramp may also comprise mechanical joints and a hinge, which may allow the surface to be manipulated in multiple directions.

An apparatus for supporting a flywheel on a floating vessel includes a support for the flywheel; and a tilt sensor for measuring an angle of slope relative to the Earth, the tilt sensor being arranged to detect a change of an angle of slope of the floating vessel relative to the Earth. The apparatus further includes a driver for manoeuvring the support relative to the floating vessel, based on the measured angle of slope from the tilt sensor, wherein the driver is operable to manoeuvre the support so as to counteract a change of an angle of slope of the flywheel relative to the Earth due to the detected change of an angle of slope of the floating vessel.

A method for modifying the intensity and/or the path of a tropical cyclone is described. In some examples, the method can include employing nuclear submarines to intercept and redirect strong currents beneath a tropical cyclone's eyewall back up to a surface of the water body under the tropical cyclone eyewall. The method can also include imposing submarine-induced short period waves in a leading sector of an outer eyewall of the tropical cyclone, thereby causing a shift in the wind stream and accompanied with a change in the track of the tropical cyclone as well as a reduction in the tropical cyclone's intensity. In another example, the method can include imposing the wind resistance evenly across one or more radial segments of the eyewall of the storm or bilaterally at both leading sectors of the storm for reducing the storm's intensity, but without influencing the storm's path.

A system for controlling aeraulic conditions existing above an aerial arrival zone includes anemometric components and aeraulic components. The anemometric components deliver speed and bearing angle values that characterize a relative wind speed with respect to the aerial arrival zone and to a superstructure located close to the aerial arrival zone. The aeraulic components are capable of modifying air movements above the aerial arrival zone, and are controlled according to the wind speed and bearing angle values. Such a system is particularly suitable for use on board a ship able to carry a helicopter, in particular on its afterdeck.

An apparatus for supporting a flywheel on a floating vessel includes a support for the flywheel; and a tilt sensor for measuring an angle of slope relative to the Earth, the tilt sensor being arranged to detect a change of an angle of slope of the floating vessel relative to the Earth. The apparatus further includes a driver for manoeuvring the support relative to the floating vessel, based on the measured angle of slope from the tilt sensor, wherein the driver is operable to manoeuvre the support so as to counteract a change of an angle of slope of the flywheel relative to the Earth due to the detected change of an angle of slope of the floating vessel.

An apparatus (100) comprises at least one processor (110,210,530,550,385) and at least one memory (120,220) including computer program code. The memory (120,220) and the processor (110,210,530,550,385) are configured to, in respect of a ground-supported or liquid-supported body (401,411) travelling or to travel through a fluid, receive a determined magnitude and direction of a current within a forthcoming fluid zone (410,420), the magnitude and direction of the current determined from particulates suspended in the forthcoming fluid zone (410,420), and process the determined magnitude and direction of the current to provide for at least one of: a change in one or more fluid dynamical properties of the body (401,411), or navigation control of the body (401,411).

A system for controlling aeraulic conditions existing above an aerial arrival zone includes anemometric components and aeraulic components. The anemometric components deliver speed and bearing angle values that characterize a relative wind speed with respect to the aerial arrival zone and to a superstructure located close to the aerial arrival zone. The aeraulic components are capable of modifying air movements above the aerial arrival zone, and are controlled according to the wind speed and bearing angle values. Such a system is particularly suitable for use on board a ship able to carry a helicopter, in particular on its afterdeck.