A fractal unmanned aircraft system (200) includes a first module (100), a second module (100) and a third module, (100) each having a top member (120) and a first thruster (130) affixed thereto. Each module (100) is laterally coupled to each other. A fourth module (100) has a bottom that is affixed to the top members (120) of the first module(100), the second module (100) and the third module (100) so as to form a tetrahedral structure. A power source (220) supplies power to the first thrusters (130). A control circuit (222) controls the unmanned aircraft system so as to cause the fractal unmanned aircraft system (200) to fly in a controlled manner.

A tie-down for attachment to an aft tail section of an aircraft for inhibiting damage to the aircraft when the aircraft is on the ground is disclosed. The tie-down has a mount member configured to attach to the aft tail section and a projection member supported by the mount member. The projection member extends in a generally downward direction from the mount member so as to provide a contact surface with the ground that is lower than the aft tail section.

A modular aerial vehicle for inspection of enclosed and open space environments. The aerial vehicle is employed for inspection of various environments in remotely controlled and autonomous fashions. The aerial vehicle is capable of carrying different sensory modules depending on the specific application including surface inspection. Aerial vehicle may be connected to a tether cable for electrical power delivery and transmission of control commands. The aerial vehicle may utilize a landing structure which allows landing on any angled metallic or non-metallic surface.

A modular aerial vehicle for inspection of enclosed and open space environments. The aerial vehicle is employed for inspection of various environments in remotely controlled and autonomous fashions. The aerial vehicle is capable of carrying different sensory modules depending on the specific application including surface inspection. Aerial vehicle may be connected to a tether cable for electrical power delivery and transmission of control commands. The aerial vehicle may utilize a landing structure which allows landing on any angled metallic or non-metallic surface.

A telescoping tail assembly for use on an aircraft having a fore-aft length. The telescoping tail assembly includes a housing extending in an aftward direction, a tailboom slidable along the housing into various positions including an extended position and a retracted position and one or more control surfaces coupled to the tailboom. The tailboom increases the fore-aft length of the aircraft in the extended position and decreases the fore-aft length of the aircraft in the retracted position.

A telescoping tail assembly for use on an aircraft having a fore-aft length. The telescoping tail assembly includes a housing extending in an aftward direction, a tailboom slidable along the housing into various positions including an extended position and a retracted position and one or more control surfaces coupled to the tailboom. The tailboom increases the fore-aft length of the aircraft in the extended position and decreases the fore-aft length of the aircraft in the retracted position.

Systems and methods for a weapon mountable tactical heads-up display (HUD) are provided. The HUD may include a 9 degrees of freedom (9DOF) sensor, a target library, and a target finder visualization. The target library may store respective ballistic information for each target of a plurality of targets. The respective ballistic information may include a target vector for each target of the plurality of targets. The target vector may be calculated based on data received from the 9DOF sensor. The target finder visualization may allow a shooter to locate a selected target of the plurality of targets. The target finder visualization may be based on the target vector.

A metallic-composite joint fitting is provided. The fitting may comprise a composite structure, an integral bearing comprising a first frustoconical portion and a second frustoconical portion each having a complimentary shape to the composite structure, a sleeve comprising a third frustoconical portion coupled to a cylindrical bearing surface of the integral bearing, and a metallic end fitting coupled to the third frustoconical portion, wherein the metallic end fitting comprises a bearing portion contacted with the cylindrical bearing surface.

A metallic-composite joint fitting is provided. The fitting may comprise a composite structure, an integral bearing comprising a first frustoconical portion and a second frustoconical portion each having a complimentary shape to the composite structure, a sleeve comprising a third frustoconical portion coupled to a cylindrical bearing surface of the integral bearing, and a metallic end fitting coupled to the third frustoconical portion, wherein the metallic end fitting comprises a bearing portion contacted with the cylindrical bearing surface.

A VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) box-wing aerial vehicle with multirotor to provide VTOL flight includes a detachable cabin, centered fuselage, a pair of first wings extending outward from the upper portion of the fuselage and a pair of second wings extending outwardly and from the lower portion of the fuselage. The first and second wings are spaced apart longitudinally and vertically. The pylon joints the first wing and second wing at the tip to form the box-wing. The pylon includes heading control rudder. Secured to the wing or pylon or both wing and pylon, an overhead boom extending longitudinally to support a plurality of lift rotors or tiltable rotors for VTOL flight. Finally, the fuselage mounted push rotor or the overhead boom mounted tiltable rotors propel the vehicle forward to generate lift from the wings. Furthermore, the wings are equipped with elevators and ailerons for flight control.