The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a multicopter-assisted launch and retrieval system generally including: (1) a multi-rotor modular multicopter attachable to (and detachable from) a fixed-wing aircraft to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; (2) a storage and launch system usable to store the modular multicopter and to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; and (3) an anchor system usable (along with the multicopter and a flexible capture member) to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from wing-borne flight.

Provided is a system for releasing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), including: a capsule including: a UAV including a controller; and a release actuator configured to release the UAV from the capsule; wherein the capsule is configured to be at least one of launched and deployed; the system further includes: at least one sensor; a release condition evaluation module, connected with the at least one sensor; and a release command module, connected with the release condition evaluation module, and configured to activate the release actuator upon at least one release condition being met; wherein the process of deploying the capsule and/or launching the capsule is a separate process from the process of releasing the UAV from the capsule.

Provided is a designated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capsule, including: a capsule body, including a UAV; and at least one maintenance connector; and a support controller included in one of the capsule body and the UAV; wherein the support controller is connected with the UAV and the at least one maintenance connector and configured to enable at least one of support actions and maintenance actions in the UAV while the UAV remains encapsulated in the capsule body.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for autonomously performing and/or facilitating drone diagnostic functions. Prior to a mission of a UAV, an inspection station comprising at least one imaging sensor and at least one directional force sensor may be used to perform a plurality of air worthiness inspections and/or maintenance checks with little to no human intervention. Once the UAV has been determined to be air worthy, it is approved for a subsequent mission.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for autonomously performing and/or facilitating drone diagnostic functions. Prior to a mission of a UAV, an inspection station comprising at least one imaging sensor and at least one directional force sensor may be used to perform a plurality of air worthiness inspections and/or maintenance checks with little to no human intervention. Once the UAV has been determined to be air worthy, it is approved for a subsequent mission.

A rotorcraft-assisted system for launching and retrieving a fixed-wing aircraft into and from free flight. The launch and retrieval system is usable with a rotorcraft to launch a fixed-wing aircraft into free, wing-borne flight and to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from free, wing-borne flight.

A rotorcraft-assisted system for launching and retrieving a fixed-wing aircraft into and from free flight. The launch and retrieval system is usable with a rotorcraft to launch a fixed-wing aircraft into free, wing-borne flight and to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from free, wing-borne flight.

A landing pad receives and stores packages delivered from an aerial vehicle are awaiting pickup from an aerial vehicle. The landing pad can be placed outside of a window and can contain a transmitter for sending out an identification signal via radio frequency to aid aerial vehicles in finding the landing pad. The landing pad contains a landing platform with a trapdoor that leads to a storage compartment. The trapdoor can be configured to only open when it receives a signal from an authorized aerial vehicle. The storage compartment can be accessed via a storage compartment door which can contain a locking mechanism. The storage compartment can be climate controlled. The landing pad can also have a transmitter that emits sounds to discourage animals from nesting on or near the landing pad. The landing pad can also include a solar power generator as a source of electrical energy.

A landing pad receives and stores packages delivered from an aerial vehicle are awaiting pickup from an aerial vehicle. The landing pad can be placed outside of a window and can contain a transmitter for sending out an identification signal via radio frequency to aid aerial vehicles in finding the landing pad. The landing pad contains a landing platform with a trapdoor that leads to a storage compartment. The trapdoor can be configured to only open when it receives a signal from an authorized aerial vehicle. The storage compartment can be accessed via a storage compartment door which can contain a locking mechanism. The storage compartment can be climate controlled. The landing pad can also have a transmitter that emits sounds to discourage animals from nesting on or near the landing pad. The landing pad can also include a solar power generator as a source of electrical energy.

A ground handling facility (1) for passenger-transporting aircraft (100), in particular vertical takeoff and landing multicopters, including: at least one first platform (2) which is designed as a landing platform (2) for a passenger-transporting aircraft (100), wherein a) the at least one first platform is simultaneously designed as a takeoff platform for a passenger-transporting aircraft (100), or b) wherein a second platform (3) is provided which is designed as a takeoff platform (3) for a passenger-transporting aircraft (100); at least one region (4) which is designed as weather protection for the passengers and the aircraft (100), in particular by provision of a canopy; and at least one conveying device (5.1; 5.2; 5.3) for the aircraft (100) that is designed to move the aircraft (100) from the landing platform (2) through the region (4) to the takeoff platform (3), in which region there is provided at least one station (6.1-6.4) which is configured for a predetermined interaction with the aircraft (100).