Aerial delivery systems are described including a propulsion unit, a deployable parafoil attached to the propulsion unit, a control/navigation unit operably connected to the parafoil, and a support truss connected to the propulsion unit. The system may be configured to attach to and transport a payload. The propulsion unit may be configured to provide thrust to the aerial delivery system while the parafoil is deployed and the control/navigation unit may be configured to steer the parafoil while deployed.

A system and method for intelligently and dynamically deploying a plurality of mobile robotic machines capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically to propagate wireless network connectivity comprising, at least, a mechanical framework, sensors, actuators, communications capability, an energy source, a propulsion means, a control mechanism, and a payload. The payload may comprise electronic or mechanical communication equipment to propagate services such as wireless networking services, in for example, a first responder or emergency environment, or electronic and mechanical jamming services in a military or anti-terrorism environment.

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, providing a guided descent from a release zone and toward an entry zone.

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, providing a guided descent from a release zone and toward an entry zone.

The invention relates to a flight state system (20) for ascertaining a flight state of a paraglider (50, 50) which comprises a canopy (51) with two canopy ends (52) and which carries a load (53) during intended use. Thereby, the flight state system comprises a sensor arrangement (S1, S2, S3) for ascertaining a first distance (d1) between the canopy ends (52) and/or at least a second distance (d2, d3) between a canopy end (52) and the load (53). Furthermore, the flight state system comprises an evaluation unit (37) which ascertains the flight state using the first distance (d1) and/or the second distances (d2, d3). The invention further relates to an evaluation system and/or control system (40), a paraglider (50, 50) and a method for ascertaining a flight state of a paraglider (50, 50).

The invention relates to a flight state system (20) for ascertaining a flight state of a paraglider (50, 50) which comprises a canopy (51) with two canopy ends (52) and which carries a load (53) during intended use. Thereby, the flight state system comprises a sensor arrangement (S1, S2, S3) for ascertaining a first distance (d1) between the canopy ends (52) and/or at least a second distance (d2, d3) between a canopy end (52) and the load (53). Furthermore, the flight state system comprises an evaluation unit (37) which ascertains the flight state using the first distance (d1) and/or the second distances (d2, d3). The invention further relates to an evaluation system and/or control system (40), a paraglider (50, 50) and a method for ascertaining a flight state of a paraglider (50, 50).

A supply glider is disclosed herein. The supply glider includes a body having a first end and a second end, the body being configured to be coupled to a host aircraft, a container disposed between the first end and the second end of the body, wings coupled to the body between the first end and the second end, and stabilators coupled to the body adjacent the second end.

An apparatus forming an aircraft which is designed for flight by movement through the air, the aircraft has a front and rear portions and a center of mass, with left and right sides when divided by a central plane of reference. The aircraft has inboard portions closer to said central plane of reference and outboard portions farther from said central plane of reference. Further, the aircraft contains at least one positive lifting aerodynamic surface configured to affect the flow of air near said at least one positive lifting aerodynamic surface when said aircraft is appropriately moving forward, and at least one elevon structure configured to create negative aerodynamic force when said aircraft is appropriately moving forward. The elevon structure is constructed so as to have outboard portions thereof positioned outward of said central plane of reference to a distance at least three-fourths of the distance from said central plane of reference to a tip end of said at least one wing.

An apparatus forming an aircraft which is designed for flight by movement through the air, the aircraft has a front and rear portions and a center of mass, with left and right sides when divided by a central plane of reference. The aircraft has inboard portions closer to said central plane of reference and outboard portions farther from said central plane of reference. Further, the aircraft contains at least one positive lifting aerodynamic surface configured to affect the flow of air near said at least one positive lifting aerodynamic surface when said aircraft is appropriately moving forward, and at least one elevon structure configured to create negative aerodynamic force when said aircraft is appropriately moving forward. The elevon structure is constructed so as to have outboard portions thereof positioned outward of said central plane of reference to a distance at least three-fourths of the distance from said central plane of reference to a tip end of said at least one wing.

A method of delivering heavy payload using an autonomous UAV able to deliver supply by way of airdrop with more precision and at a lower cost. The UAV is equipped with two movable wing systems that rotate from a stowed position to a deployed position upon jettison of the UAV from a mothership. The UAV can be controlled remotely or it can operate autonomously and the movable wings can include ailerons to effectuate flight control of the UAV. The UAV can be reusable or can be an expendable UAV.