An aerial platform receives power in the form of light, for example laser light, transmitted via an optical fiber from a remote optical power source. The platform comprises a receiver which converts at least a portion of the light to a different form of power, for example electric power. The platform also comprises a propulsion element which consumes the different form of power to generate propulsive thrust. Supplying power to the aerial platform from a remote source enables the platform to remain aloft longer than a battery or fuel tank carried by the platform would allow. Transmitting the power in the form of light is preferable in many cases to transmitting electric power, because electrical conductors are generally heavier than optical fibers, and are hazardous in the presence of lightning or a high-voltage power line.

A multicopter system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a multicopter configured to fly in a state of holding a package and a mooring device that is installed at a target position of a flight of the multicopter and includes a linear member that extends in a predetermined direction from the target position, the multicopter including a reception portion that has the shape of a recess including an opening open toward one direction and is configured to receive the linear member via the opening.

An airborne wind turbine system is provided including an aerial vehicle having a fuselage, an electrically conductive tether having a first end secured to the aerial vehicle and a second end secured to a rotatable drum positioned on a tower onto which the tether is wrapped when the aerial vehicle is reeled in, a perch extending from the tower, one or more perch booms attached to the perch panel and pivotably mounted to the tower, wherein when the aerial vehicle is secured to the perch, the aerial vehicle is positionable in a lowered parked position, and wherein the aerial vehicle is movable to a raised parked position caused by rotation of the one or more perch booms with respect to the tower.

A ground station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a box assembly, a hatch assembly, and a landing pad assembly. The hatch assembly is pivotably coupled to the box assembly. The landing pad assembly is movably coupled to the box assembly and is movably coupled to the hatch assembly.

A ground station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a box assembly, a hatch assembly, and a landing pad assembly. The hatch assembly is pivotably coupled to the box assembly. The landing pad assembly is movably coupled to the box assembly and is movably coupled to the hatch assembly.

A multicopter system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a multicopter configured to fly in a state of holding a package and a mooring device that is installed at a target position of a flight of the multicopter and includes a linear member that extends in a predetermined direction from the target position, the multicopter including a reception portion that has the shape of a recess including an opening open toward one direction and is configured to receive the linear member via the opening.

A flying object includes: a flying object body; a blade that enables the flying object body to fly; a paint ejection mechanism that ejects paint in a first direction; and a fluid ejection mechanism that ejects a fluid in a second direction differing from the first direction by 90 degrees or more.

In one aspect, a system for performing a pre-takeoff passenger safety procedure for a pilotless vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft is disclosed. The system can begin by receiving authentication information from each of one or more passengers attempting to enter a passenger cabin of the VTOL. The system then authenticates each of the one or more passengers as an authorized passenger based on the authentication information. If the one or more passengers are successfully authenticated, the system allows the one or more passengers to enter the passenger cabin of the VTOL aircraft, and subsequently performs a set of onboard pre-takeoff checks to determine if the VTOL aircraft and the one or more passengers are safe for takeoff. In response to determining that the VTOL aircraft and the one or more passengers are safe for takeoff, the system further confirms readiness of each of the passengers for immediate takeoff.

In one aspect, a system for performing a pre-takeoff passenger safety procedure for a pilotless vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft is disclosed. The system can begin by receiving authentication information from each of one or more passengers attempting to enter a passenger cabin of the VTOL. The system then authenticates each of the one or more passengers as an authorized passenger based on the authentication information. If the one or more passengers are successfully authenticated, the system allows the one or more passengers to enter the passenger cabin of the VTOL aircraft, and subsequently performs a set of onboard pre-takeoff checks to determine if the VTOL aircraft and the one or more passengers are safe for takeoff. In response to determining that the VTOL aircraft and the one or more passengers are safe for takeoff, the system further confirms readiness of each of the passengers for immediate takeoff.

A portable device for holding and carrying an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) includes a body. The body includes a first holding member configured to hold the UAV and having a shape matching a shape of the UAV. The portable device also includes a charging board disposed in the body. The portable device also includes a first charging station disposed in the first holding member and configured to electrically connect with the charging board for charging the UAV. The portable device further includes at least one second charging station disposed on the body and configured to electrically connect with the charging board for charging at least one battery.