A method and system for preparing a distribution program for insects comprises obtaining distribution data of a wild population of insects; obtaining distribution parameters including distribution resolution levels of at least one available distribution vehicle; generating a population density map at a resolution level consistent with the distribution resolution level of the vehicle; generating a release map by modifying the population density map in accordance with the distribution parameters; and generating a path using the release map, the path defining dosages of insects to be released at respective locations along the path.

A motor includes a shaft centered on a center axis oriented in a vertical direction, a bearing rotatably supporting the shaft, an armature disposed radially outward of the bearing, a bracket to which the bearing and the armature are fixed, and a covered cylindrical rotor connected to the shaft. The rotor includes a disk-shaped rotor lid portion connected to the shaft, and a rotor side wall portion extending downward from an outer edge of the rotor lid portion. The shaft is made of metal. The rotor lid portion and the rotor side wall portion are made of resin. The rotor lid portion and the shaft are an integrally molded article.

A motor includes a shaft centered on a center axis oriented in a vertical direction, a bearing rotatably supporting the shaft, an armature disposed radially outward of the bearing, a bracket to which the bearing and the armature are fixed, and a covered cylindrical rotor connected to the shaft. The rotor includes a disk-shaped rotor lid portion connected to the shaft, and a rotor side wall portion extending downward from an outer edge of the rotor lid portion. The shaft is made of metal. The rotor lid portion and the rotor side wall portion are made of resin. The rotor lid portion and the shaft are an integrally molded article.

An airborne docking method is provided for an unmanned aerial vehicle. The airborne docking method includes securing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to a host aircraft via a docking assembly having a base coupled to the host aircraft, a tug device, and a cable connecting the tug device to the base, the tug device being engaged with the base, and the UAV being engaged to the tug device. The tug device is deployed from the base and the cable is extended therebetween to distance the tug device from the base. The UAV is then disengaged from the tug device.

An airborne docking method is provided for an unmanned aerial vehicle. The airborne docking method includes securing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to a host aircraft via a docking assembly having a base coupled to the host aircraft, a tug device, and a cable connecting the tug device to the base, the tug device being engaged with the base, and the UAV being engaged to the tug device. The tug device is deployed from the base and the cable is extended therebetween to distance the tug device from the base. The UAV is then disengaged from the tug device.

A method for controlling an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle for delivery of a medication package includes determining a thermal control period for the medication package. The method also includes identifying a delivery location corresponding to the medication package. The method also includes identifying at least one environmental characteristic of an environment that includes a delivery three-dimensional flight path between a starting location and the delivery location, wherein the at least one environmental characteristic indicates an actual weather value at the delivery location. The method also includes determining whether to deliver the medication package based on the thermal control period and the at least one environmental characteristic, using the unmanned aerial vehicle.

A method for controlling an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle for delivery of a medication package includes determining a thermal control period for the medication package. The method also includes identifying a delivery location corresponding to the medication package. The method also includes identifying at least one environmental characteristic of an environment that includes a delivery three-dimensional flight path between a starting location and the delivery location, wherein the at least one environmental characteristic indicates an actual weather value at the delivery location. The method also includes determining whether to deliver the medication package based on the thermal control period and the at least one environmental characteristic, using the unmanned aerial vehicle.

The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a multicopter-assisted launch and retrieval system generally including: (1) a multi-rotor modular multicopter attachable to (and detachable from) a fixed-wing aircraft to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; (2) a storage and launch system usable to store the modular multicopter and to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; and (3) an anchor system usable (along with the multicopter and a flexible capture member) to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from wing-borne flight.

The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a multicopter-assisted launch and retrieval system generally including: (1) a multi-rotor modular multicopter attachable to (and detachable from) a fixed-wing aircraft to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; (2) a storage and launch system usable to store the modular multicopter and to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; and (3) an anchor system usable (along with the multicopter and a flexible capture member) to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from wing-borne flight.

A communication control method for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes transmitting a first information between the UAV and a payload apparatus via a first communication link and transmitting a second information between the UAV and the payload apparatus via a second communication link. Security of the first communication link is higher than security of the second communication link, and a bandwidth of the first communication link is lower than a bandwidth of the second communication link.