Embodiments are described for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured for autonomous flight using visual navigation that includes a perimeter structure surrounding one or more powered rotors, the perimeter structure including image capture devices arranged so as to provide an unobstructed view around the UAV.

Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling a vehicle by generating a multi-dimensional model of a vehicle operating in a 3D environment; determining a hand control gesture as captured by a plurality of cameras or sensors in the vehicle, wherein a sequence of finger, palm or hand movements represents a vehicle control request; determining vehicle control options based on the model, a current state of the vehicle and the environment of the vehicle; and controlling the vehicle to operate based on the model and the 3D environment.

This invention, the Motor-wing Gimbal Aircraft (MGA) is an aerial vehicle and waterborne craft. It launches and lands vertically from the ground and water. In flight, it transitions from vertical, hovering and forward flight to horizontal flight. The MGA embodies multiple configurations and arrangements of motor-wings, propulsion systems and hybrid engine combinations. The MGA uses a fly-by-light system for flight maneuvering and controlling the motorized multi-axis gimbal cockpit. The MGA uses cellular communications together with the Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigation, collision avoidance and restricted airspace avoidance. The MGA uses visible lights to signal its elevation and flight maneuvers. The MGA is constructed of modular apparatuses and assemblies that are interchangeable and work in concert to power and maneuver the vehicle. This invention includes: the method of construction, the method of control, the method of visual light signaling, the method of electronic mapping of airspace (EMA) and the method of navigation. This invention includes flight operation applications and military applications.

Systems, devices, and methods for stopping the rotation of propellers used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) such as drones are disclosed. The propellers are stopped in response to detecting when beams of light adjacent the propellers are blocked.

Systems, devices, and methods for stopping the rotation of propellers used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) such as drones are disclosed. The propellers are stopped in response to detecting when beams of light adjacent the propellers are blocked.

An intentional fluid manipulation apparatus (IFMA) assembly with a first thrust apparatus that imparts a first induced velocity to a local free stream flow during a nominal operation requirement. The first thrust apparatus creates a streamtube. A second thrust apparatus is located in a downstream portion of the streamtube. The second thrust apparatus imparts a second induced velocity to the local free stream flow. The second induced velocity at the location of the second thrust apparatus has a component in a direction opposite to the direction of the first induced velocity at the location of the second thrust apparatus.

An intentional fluid manipulation apparatus (IFMA) assembly with a first thrust apparatus that imparts a first induced velocity to a local free stream flow during a nominal operation requirement. The first thrust apparatus creates a streamtube. A second thrust apparatus is located in a downstream portion of the streamtube. The second thrust apparatus imparts a second induced velocity to the local free stream flow. The second induced velocity at the location of the second thrust apparatus has a component in a direction opposite to the direction of the first induced velocity at the location of the second thrust apparatus.

Various embodiments of a foldable unmanned aerial vehicle having a multi-layer laminate structure and extendible arms are disclosed.

Various embodiments of a foldable unmanned aerial vehicle having a multi-layer laminate structure and extendible arms are disclosed.

An arrowhead aircraft includes a pair of counter-rotating propellers, a jet engine module, and an exhausted module, wherein the counter-rotating propellers propel the aircraft but does not have angular momentum, and the exhausted module deployed around the exhausted end of the jet engine module, which reuses the waste heat from the exhausted end and reduces the noise. Wherein, the airflow system includes a shutter deployed at the bottom side of the body that controls the streamlines of airflow through the aircraft and a plurality of airfoils that will force the aircraft tilted to the desired direction. The present invention resolved the helicopter's vulnerabilities, such as its intricate mechanism, dragging response, dangers blades, hard to control angular momentum, high cost, and high training level.