The present disclosure relates to a device for unstowing an electrical supply cable from a storage chamber disposed within an underground service pit. The cable is configured to electrically connect to an electrical power supply at a first end and to connect to an external power socket of an aircraft at a second end for supplying electrical power to the aircraft. The device includes a cable guiding wheel that is disposed at ground level above the underground service pit and configured to receive the cable. The device also includes a motor coupled to the cable guiding wheel that is configured to drive the cable guiding wheel. Upon activation, the motor rotates the cable guiding wheel to generate a pulling force on the cable to at least partially lift the cable out of the storage chamber.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electric vehicle charger including a charger base housing an energy source, a charging cable coupled to the energy source, a charging connector for coupling the charging cable to an electric vehicle, and a cable storage device disposed within the charger base. The cable storage device includes: a reel rotatably disposed in the charger base. The charging cable is at least partially wrapped around the reel. A retraction mechanism is configured to rotate the reel to extend or retract the cable when activated. The retraction mechanism includes an electric motor operably coupled to the reel. A reel actuator is disposed on the charging connector and configured to activate the retraction mechanism. The reel actuator includes first and second user control elements for causing the electric motor to rotate in an extend or retract direction.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electric vehicle charger including a charger base housing an energy source, a charging cable coupled to the energy source, a charging connector for coupling the charging cable to an electric vehicle, and a cable storage device disposed within the charger base. The cable storage device includes: a reel rotatably disposed in the charger base. The charging cable is at least partially wrapped around the reel. A retraction mechanism is configured to rotate the reel to extend or retract the cable when activated. The retraction mechanism includes an electric motor operably coupled to the reel. A reel actuator is disposed on the charging connector and configured to activate the retraction mechanism. The reel actuator includes first and second user control elements for causing the electric motor to rotate in an extend or retract direction.

An aircraft includes at least one propulsion system. The at least one propulsion system includes a propulsor, an engine, and an electrical assembly. The engine is coupled to the propulsor and configured to drive rotation of the propulsor. The electrical assembly includes an electric motor, a battery, an external power assembly, and an electrical distribution system. The electric motor is coupled to the propulsor and configured to drive rotation of the propulsor. The external power assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector and the second connector are positionable at an exterior of the aircraft. The electrical distribution system electrically connects the electric motor, the battery, the first connector, and the second connector.

A landing platform for a base station that is configured to dock with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The landing platform includes: a stage that defines landing areas, which are configured to receive the UAV during docking; alignment members that are configured to engage and reposition the UAV during a first stage of alignment; and a charging hub that is configured for electrical connection to the UAV. The charging hub includes a registration member, which is configured to mechanically interface with and reposition the UAV on the landing platform during a second stage of alignment, and a charging head that is repositionable in relation to the registration member from a normal position into a deflected position during a third stage of alignment to facilitate engagement of corresponding electrical contacts on the UAV and the charging head.

A charging hub for a base station configured to receive an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during docking. The charging hub includes electrical contacts that are configured for electrical connection to the UAV and a wick that is configured to draw water away from the electrical contacts.

A method of docking an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a base station. The method includes landing the UAV on a landing platform of the base station; generally aligning the UAV with a charging hub of the base station; repositioning the UAV on the landing platform via engagement with the charging hub; and deflecting the charging hub to generally align electrical contacts on the UAV with corresponding electrical contacts on the charging hub.

A method of docking an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a base station. The method includes landing the UAV on a landing platform of the base station; generally aligning the UAV with a charging hub of the base station; repositioning the UAV on the landing platform via engagement with the charging hub; and deflecting the charging hub to generally align electrical contacts on the UAV with corresponding electrical contacts on the charging hub.

A charging hub for a base station that is configured to receive an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during docking. The charging hub is repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position and includes a charger subassembly, which is configured for electrical connection to the UAV, and a locking mechanism, which is pivotable in relation to the charger subassembly between a passive position and an active position and is configured for engagement with the UAV to thereby secure the charging hub to the UAV in the active position.

A charging hub for a base station that is configured to receive an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during docking. The charging hub is repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position and includes a charger subassembly, which is configured for electrical connection to the UAV, and a locking mechanism, which is pivotable in relation to the charger subassembly between a passive position and an active position and is configured for engagement with the UAV to thereby secure the charging hub to the UAV in the active position.