The invention relates to a damping assembly for use in an unmanned vehicle. The damping assemblies comprises a positioning structure configured to support one or more components of the unmanned vehicle; a damping system comprising at least one first damping unit and at least one second damping unit arranged at the positioning structure, the at least one first damping unit and the at least one second damping unit being deformable along an axis of deformation of the damping system to thereby reduce transmission of vibration to the supported one or more components; wherein, in response to the force acting upon the positioning structure, the first damping unit is compressed along the axis of deformation, and simultaneously, the second damping unit is extended along the axis of deformation.

An aircraft is configured for thrust-borne lift in a vertical takeoff and landing flight mode and wing-borne lift in a forward flight mode. The aircraft includes an airframe having a first wing and a first payload station. A distributed propulsion system that is coupled to the airframe includes a plurality of propulsion assemblies configured to provide vertical thrust in the vertical takeoff and landing flight mode and forward thrust in the forward flight mode. A control system is operably associated with the distributed propulsion system and is operable to independently control each of the propulsion assemblies. A payload module is configured to be transported by the airframe from a pickup location to a delivery location. The payload module is magnetically coupled to the first payload station during transportation and, responsive to a command from the control system, is magnetically decoupled from the first payload station at the delivery location.

An aircraft is configured for thrust-borne lift in a vertical takeoff and landing flight mode and wing-borne lift in a forward flight mode. The aircraft includes an airframe having a first wing and a first payload station. A distributed propulsion system that is coupled to the airframe includes a plurality of propulsion assemblies configured to provide vertical thrust in the vertical takeoff and landing flight mode and forward thrust in the forward flight mode. A control system is operably associated with the distributed propulsion system and is operable to independently control each of the propulsion assemblies. A payload module is configured to be transported by the airframe from a pickup location to a delivery location. The payload module is magnetically coupled to the first payload station during transportation and, responsive to a command from the control system, is magnetically decoupled from the first payload station at the delivery location.

A hybrid axial/cross-flow fan aerial vehicle includes both axial and cross-flow fan propulsion for efficient hover and forward flight performance. The axial fans provide primarily vertical thrust, while the cross-flow fan provides horizontal, as well as vertical, thrust. The vehicle takes off vertically, is capable of hover, and can fly forward by vectoring the thrust of the cross-flow fan system. This approach provides large internal cargo capacity and high forward flight speeds.

A method of determining cable angle includes acquiring image data of a cable and a load coupled to a rotorcraft using three-dimensional (3D) spatial perception system, constructing an image of the cable and load using the image data, and determining the angle of the cable relative to the external load at an interface of the cable and external load based on the image.

A method of determining cable angle includes acquiring image data of a cable and a load coupled to a rotorcraft using three-dimensional (3D) spatial perception system, constructing an image of the cable and load using the image data, and determining the angle of the cable relative to the external load at an interface of the cable and external load based on the image.

A VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aerial flying vehicle comprising an inner frame, a gimbal system and an outer frame, the inner frame comprising a propulsion system and a control system. The propulsion system being able to generate a lift force. The VTOL may also include a decoupling mechanism having either a linear or non-linear beam coupled to a ring. The beam may optionally include sliders at ends thereof that provide an additional rotation freedom to the inner frame.

A VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aerial flying vehicle comprising an inner frame, a gimbal system and an outer frame, the inner frame comprising a propulsion system and a control system. The propulsion system being able to generate a lift force. The VTOL may also include a decoupling mechanism having either a linear or non-linear beam coupled to a ring. The beam may optionally include sliders at ends thereof that provide an additional rotation freedom to the inner frame.

A self-righting aeronautical vehicle comprising a hollowed frame and a lift mechanism. The exterior of the frame and center of gravity are adapted to self-right the vehicle. The frame can include sealed, hollowed sections for use in bodies of water. The frame can be spherical in shape enabling inspection of internal surface of partially or fully enclosed structures. Inspection equipment can be integrated into the vehicle and acquired data can be stored or wirelessly communicated to a server. A controlled or other mass can be pivotally assembled to a pivot axle spanning across the interior of the frame. The pivot axis can rotate about a vertical axis (an axis perpendicular to the elongated axis). The propulsion mechanisms can be adapted for use as a terrestrial vehicle when enclosed in a sealed spherical shell.

A self-righting aeronautical vehicle comprising a hollowed frame and a lift mechanism. The exterior of the frame and center of gravity are adapted to self-right the vehicle. The frame can include sealed, hollowed sections for use in bodies of water. The frame can be spherical in shape enabling inspection of internal surface of partially or fully enclosed structures. Inspection equipment can be integrated into the vehicle and acquired data can be stored or wirelessly communicated to a server. A controlled or other mass can be pivotally assembled to a pivot axle spanning across the interior of the frame. The pivot axis can rotate about a vertical axis (an axis perpendicular to the elongated axis). The propulsion mechanisms can be adapted for use as a terrestrial vehicle when enclosed in a sealed spherical shell.