A system for modular aircraft includes at least a common component, wherein the at least a common component includes at least a flight component. The system includes at least a modular component, wherein the at least modular component includes at least a fuselage component and a collar component. The system includes at least an interface component, wherein the at least an interface component is configured to connect the at least a common component at a first end to the at least a modular component at a second end.

The invention relates to a propulsion device for an aircraft, comprising a blade (2) which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (51) of the propulsion device along a circular path (52) and is mounted for pivoting about a blade bearing axis parallel to the axis of rotation; a pitch mechanism having a coupling device (31) and a bearing device (33); and an offset device (4) to which the blade is coupled, the offset device defining an eccentric bearing axis (41) which is mounted at an adjustable offset distance. The coupling device is coupled to the blade at a coupling point (32) which is positioned in such a way that the plane that comprises the blade bearing axis and the coupling point and the tangential plane to the circular path through the blade bearing axis include a certain, non-vanishing angle (w.sub.α) when the offset distance is set to zero. According to a second aspect the blade bearing axis is shifted toward the axis of rotation by a certain distance relative to the plane that extends through the center of mass of the blade and that extends parallel to the axis of rotation and to the chord of the blade.

Techniques, devices, and systems are described for determining and adjusting a perspective angle of a drone sensor such as a camera. A described drone system can include an aerial drone; a ground station; an actuator to adjust the drone camera's field of view; and a controller. The controller can be configured to receive an event associated with one or more spatial coordinates or zones, determine the camera's current perspective angle, determine a target perspective angle based on the event such that the target perspective angle will cause the camera to capture imagery from the one or more spatial coordinates or zones, and cause the actuator to adjust the camera from the current perspective angle to the target perspective angle.

A wing ring flying saucer is disclosed, which is operative to be driven to fly fast without needing an extra engine, and can turn, brake and fly backwards. The method of flying the wing ring flying saucer is as follows: airfoils of the wing ring or flow generators are enabled to repeat the same inclining process while passing by a specific section in circular motions of two times or more than three times in succession, so that a force perpendicular to the axial direction is created from an original resultant force in line with the axial direction of the wing ring (that is, a resultant force created by lift produced by all the airfoils), thereby enabling the wing ring flying saucer to fly, turn and go backwards at a relatively high speed.

A method for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes receiving, by a processor of the UAV, a plurality of images captured by an imaging device coupled to the UAV, identifying, by the processor, a target in at least one image of the plurality of images, determining, by the processor, whether the target is a stationary target or a moving target based on analyzing the plurality of images, and automatically effecting, by the processor, movement of the UAV based on determining the target is the stationary target or the moving target.

An aircraft capable of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) and traverse flight. The aircraft generally includes a fixed outer structure including at least a generally cylindrical wing having an internal body situated within the fixed outer structure. A space is defined between the internal body and the fixed outer structure. Within this space are one or more rotatable ring impellers that create(s) thrust sufficient to achieve lift for the aircraft.

A rigid-flexible coupled unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) morphing wing and an additive manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. A shape memory alloy (SMA) strip/wire for controlling the wing upward deformation and an SMA strip/wire for controlling the wing downward deformation are arranged alternately, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs are arranged at intervals on the SMA strips/wires for controlling the wing upward deformation and the SMA strips/wires for controlling the wing downward deformation. The SMA strips/wires for controlling the wing upward deformation and the SMA strips/wires for controlling the wing downward deformation are arranged on a flexible substrate, and are wrapped with an insulating covering. The SMA strips/wires for controlling the wing upward deformation and the SMA strips/wires for controlling the wing downward deformation each are provided with an electric heating element.

Embodiments described herein relate to a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, specifically an electric or hybrid electric aircraft having a plurality of ducted fans. The aircraft includes a plurality of axially oriented fans, laterally oriented fans, forward air intakes, side exit ports, rear exhaust ports, plenum air chamber and annular inlet. The aircraft achieves flight by capturing air in the intakes and diverting the air through the axially oriented fans or the laterally oriented fans through the channels selectively.

A transportation system is disclosed. The transportation system has a vehicle that is self-powered and configured to generate an air cushion on a trackless lane having a substantially flat surface. The vehicle is configured to move over the substantially flat surface on the air cushion. The transportation system also has a guidance system configured to guide the vehicle between peripheries of the trackless lane.

A transportation system is disclosed. The transportation system has a vehicle that is self-powered and configured to generate an air cushion on a trackless lane having a substantially flat surface. The vehicle is configured to move over the substantially flat surface on the air cushion. The transportation system also has a guidance system configured to guide the vehicle between peripheries of the trackless lane.