A GPU output from a ground power unit (GPU) can be converted to power suitable for starting a jet engine of an aircraft by an auto-transformer rectifier unit (ATRU) of the aircraft. Multiple ATRUs, each connected to a corresponding GPU, may output multiple ATRU outputs, and combining these multiple ATRU outputs can generate a combined power, which can satisfy the power requirements for starting a jet engine when they exceed what can be supplied by a single GPU. The combining is possible when the outputs of the ATRUs are synchronized, which can require generating and sharing a sync signal between the ATRUs that is synchronous with an ATRU designated as the master (i.e., reference) for the other ATRUs.

Methods, devices, and systems of various embodiments are disclosed for managing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) charging station having a docking terminal. In various embodiments, a priority of a first UAV and a second UAV may be determined for using the docking terminal when a docking request is received from the second UAV while the first UAV occupies the docking terminal. In some embodiments, the priorities of the first and second UAVs may be based on an available power level of each of the first and second UAVs. The first UAV may be instructed to undock from the docking terminal in response to determining that the second UAV has a higher priority.

A detachable power transfer device for a rotary-wing aircraft includes a docking station integrated into the rotary-wing aircraft. A power pod of the detachable power transfer device is constructed and arranged to detachably connect to the docking station for transferring power to the rotary-wing aircraft.

A method for gathering inflight data during operation of an electric or hybrid-electric aircraft. The aircraft includes: a swappable battery pack, connected to an electrical system of the aircraft, the swappable battery pack including a data storage module accessible via a data interface of the swappable battery pack; and a control unit, connected to the swappable battery pack via the data interface. The method includes, while the aircraft is in flight, gathering, by the control unit, the inflight data from the aircraft and saving the gathered inflight data to the data storage module of the swappable battery pack.

A method for gathering inflight data during operation of an electric or hybrid-electric aircraft. The aircraft includes: a swappable battery pack, connected to an electrical system of the aircraft, the swappable battery pack including a data storage module accessible via a data interface of the swappable battery pack; and a control unit, connected to the swappable battery pack via the data interface. The method includes, while the aircraft is in flight, gathering, by the control unit, the inflight data from the aircraft and saving the gathered inflight data to the data storage module of the swappable battery pack.

A charging system includes a power supply device and a charging device. The power supply device includes a power supply and at least two exposed power supply panels connected to the power supply. The at least two power supply panels are electrically insulated from each other and include at least one anode power supply panel connected to an anode of the power supply and at least one cathode power supply panel connected to a cathode of the power supply. The at least one anode power supply panel and the at least one cathode power supply panel are alternately arranged. The charging device includes a charging circuit and at least two charging contacts each being connected to a charging anode and a charging cathode of the charging circuit respectively through a diode. The charging device is configured to contact the power supply panels through the charging contacts.

An apparatus for facilitating the landing and takeoff of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (EVTOL) can comprise a moveable landing platform, a moveable charging assembly comprising a high voltage cable adapted for electrical, magnetic induction positioned within a vertically moveable column having a magnetic plate and multiple access connections, and weight sensors positioned on the landing platform. The weight sensors are operatively connected to the charging assembly such that when the sensors detect the landing of an EVTOL on the platform, the sensors trigger the charging assembly to rise up to contact the EVTOL and begin charging the EVTOL.

An apparatus for facilitating the landing and takeoff of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (EVTOL) can comprise a moveable landing platform, a moveable charging assembly comprising a high voltage cable adapted for electrical, magnetic induction positioned within a vertically moveable column having a magnetic plate and multiple access connections, and weight sensors positioned on the landing platform. The weight sensors are operatively connected to the charging assembly such that when the sensors detect the landing of an EVTOL on the platform, the sensors trigger the charging assembly to rise up to contact the EVTOL and begin charging the EVTOL.

A GPU output from a ground power unit (GPU) can be converted to power suitable for starting a jet engine of an aircraft by an auto-transformer rectifier unit (ATRU) of the aircraft. Multiple ATRUs, each connected to a corresponding GPU, may output multiple ATRU outputs, and combining these multiple ATRU outputs can generate a combined power, which can satisfy the power requirements for starting a jet engine when they exceed what can be supplied by a single GPU. The combining is possible when the outputs of the ATRUs are synchronized, which can require generating and sharing a sync signal between the ATRUs that is synchronous with an ATRU designated as the master (i.e., reference) for the other ATRUs.

A GPU output from a ground power unit (GPU) can be converted to power suitable for starting a jet engine of an aircraft by an auto-transformer rectifier unit (ATRU) of the aircraft. Multiple ATRUs, each connected to a corresponding GPU, may output multiple ATRU outputs, and combining these multiple ATRU outputs can generate a combined power, which can satisfy the power requirements for starting a jet engine when they exceed what can be supplied by a single GPU. The combining is possible when the outputs of the ATRUs are synchronized, which can require generating and sharing a sync signal between the ATRUs that is synchronous with an ATRU designated as the master (i.e., reference) for the other ATRUs.