The present disclosure relates to a vertical takeoff and landing, VTOL, vehicle having a landing aid and associated methods. The landing aid includes at least one processor is configured to: receive image data from an image capture device, receive altitude data from the altimeter, retrieve template landing pad image data for a target landing pad from the database, scale the template landing pad image data based on the altitude data, compare the scaled template landing pad image data and the image data received from the image capture device to locate the target landing pad therein, thereby providing target landing pad localization data, and control a function of the VTOL vehicle based on the target landing pad localization data.

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for security camera drone communication coupling to control and computing station. In some implementations, a first drone and a second drone are configured to monitor a property. A base station is configured to communicate with the first drone and the second drone. The first drone is configured to determine the first drone is unable to communicate with the base station and able to communicate with the second drone. Based on determining the first drone is unable to communicate with the base station and able to communicate with the second drone, the first drone is configured to determine the first drone is able to communicate with the second drone, transmit, to the second drone, a data packet and instructions to transmit the data packet to the base station.

The disclosed invention is a passive flow control device, mounted vertically forward of the helicopter launch and recovery area on a ship flight deck. The vertical flow control device reduces the airwake effect on the ship flight deck for safer operation of helicopters during launch and recovery missions from ships. The device is retractable to reduce the ships topside signature and increase the ship's military effectiveness. It can also be modified for maximum effectiveness based on a combination of the ship's topside features, the ship's operation speeds, helicopter operations, and environmental conditions.

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for receiving aerial vehicle delivery. An apparatus for receiving aerial vehicle delivery comprises a receiving pad configured to receive a package released by an aerial vehicle; one or more accessory couplers attached to the receiving pad and configured to allow a receiving pad accessory to couple to and uncouple from the receiving pad; and a wall portion surrounding at least a portion of the receiving pad, the wall portion being removably coupled to the receiving pad via an accessory coupler.

The present disclosure is directed toward systems and methods for inserting and removing a battery assembly from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and/or a UAV ground station (UAVGS). For example, systems and methods described herein enable convenient installation of a battery assembly within a UAV. The battery assembly and UAV further include features that facilitate secure connection of the battery assembly within the UAV and which prevents wear due to frequent installation and removal of the battery assembly within a receiving slot of the UAV. In one or more embodiments, the battery assembly includes a housing and one or more connectors having one or more features that cause the battery assembly to self-align when the battery assembly is inserted within the receiving slot of the UAV.

This document describes a system and method through which unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be docked, with a device that can secure the UAVs, and information can be transmitted to and from such UAVs. The UAVs are secured through the use of magnetic fields. The system also includes a means for transmitting information between the docking system itself, the UAV(s) and/or between the docking system and a command center, which may be a notable distance from the docking system, or among the docking system, the UAV(s) and the command center.

The present disclosure is directed toward a system for autonomously landing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) within an unmanned aerial vehicle ground station (UAVGS) and removing a battery assembly from within the UAV while landed. In particular, systems described herein enable a battery arm to engage a battery assembly and remove the battery assembly from within the UAV. Additionally, the battery arm can include one or more sensors that detect a pattern of sensor contacts arranged on an end of the battery assembly. In particular, the sensors on the battery arm can detect and identify the battery assembly based on the particular pattern of sensor contacts on the end of the battery assembly.

Vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (VTOLs) of the type used for the point-to-point delivery and transport of payloads (e.g., packages, equipment, etc.) and personnel, are significantly stabilized at least during takeoff and landing with present aspects significantly ameliorating or significantly eliminating destabilizing effects, including ground effect, during VTOL takeoff and/or landing. VTOL performance is further improved through the use of increased lift pressure and battery charging during takeoff

Vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (VTOLs) of the type used for the point-to-point delivery and transport of payloads (e.g., packages, equipment, etc.) and personnel, are significantly stabilized at least during takeoff and landing with present aspects significantly ameliorating or significantly eliminating destabilizing effects, including ground effect, during VTOL takeoff and/or landing.

Vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (VTOLs) of the type used for the point-to-point delivery and transport of payloads (e.g., packages, equipment, etc.) and personnel, are significantly stabilized at least during takeoff and landing with present aspects significantly ameliorating or significantly eliminating destabilizing effects, including ground effect, during VTOL takeoff and/or landing.