In an embodiment, an aircraft includes first and second wings. The aircraft also includes a plurality of propulsion assemblies, the plurality of propulsion assemblies including a propulsion assembly connected to each end of each of the first and second wings. The aircraft also includes first and second vertical supports disposed between the first and second wings. The aircraft also includes a storage pod disposed between the first and second vertical supports. The storage pod includes a nose portion that extends forward of the plurality of propulsion assemblies. The nose portion includes at least one radar and at least one camera. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

A three-dimensionally scalable, modular and customizable aircraft composed of stably flyable plurality of planar unitary systems which provides a coordinated thrusting vector in any direction of the three-dimensional space. The aircraft includes at least one circumferential frame that surrounds the system in one plane that houses at least one rotatable piece that allows the system to rotate around at least one rotation axis relative to the circumferential frame. The aircraft includes at least two assembly regions located on the external surfaces of the circumferential frame which is used to attach at least two adjacent modules by touching each other, and also includes at least two electrical power transmission regions that are aligned with the corresponding identical region of the next module which allows sharing of the power sources providing energy to the system among all of the modules.

Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

A modular payload system for an aircraft includes a modular bay recessed within the aircraft. The modular bay includes a modular bay interface. The modular payload system includes a plurality of payload modules each having a respective function and a payload interface adapted to connect to at least a portion of the modular bay interface. The plurality of payload modules are interchangeably insertable into the modular bay to enable the modular bay to support the functions of the plurality of payload modules.

A modular fuselage for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a battery module, an avionics module, and a mission payload module. The battery module houses a battery to power the UAV. The avionics module houses flight control circuitry of the UAV. The mission payload module houses equipment associated with a mission of the UAV. The battery module, the avionics module, and the mission payload module are detachable from each other and mechanically securable to each other to contiguously form at least a portion of the modular fuselage of the UAV.

In some embodiments, unmanned aerial task systems are provided that include a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) each comprising: a UAV control circuit; a motor; propulsion system; and a universal coupler configured to interchangeably couple with and decouple from one of multiple different tool systems each having different functions to be put into use while carried by a UAV, wherein a coupling system of the universal coupler is configured to secure a tool system with the UAV and enable a communication connection between a communication bus and the tool system, and wherein the multiple different tool systems comprise at least a package securing tool system configured to retain and enable transport of a package while being delivered, and a sensor tool system configured to sense a condition and communicate sensor data of the sensed condition to the UAV control circuit over the communication bus.

In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses and methods are provided to enhance delivery of packages and/or cargo through the use of unmanned delivery aircraft. In some embodiments, a portable unmanned delivery aircraft launch system is provided that comprises: a first portable launch pad system comprising: a package deck; an unmanned delivery aircraft deck secured with the package deck and positioned above and separated by a distance from the package deck; and multiple modular coupling structures fixed with a frame enabling temporary rigid coupling and decoupling between the first launch pad system and multiple additional portable launch pad systems.

The present invention provides an aircraft design which incorporates a modular design including the use of one or more multi-motor assemblies where the motors are in series within the multi-motor assembly. Still further, the multi-motor assemblies may be configured to include modular motor assemblies or modular sections. Ultimately, the present invention provides an aircraft with the ability to easily assemble or expand the multi-motor assemblies and, in doing so, modify the characteristics of the aircraft. The modularity also enhances the ability to maintain the aircraft by enabling motors or the units housing each motor to easily be replaced.

An aircraft is described with both VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) capabilities and convention airplane capabilities. A preferred embodiment comprises a fuselage and fixed wing, with one boom on either side of the fuselage. Each boom comprises a tilt rotor on a fore end and a fixed rotor on the aft end. Both rotors can be directed vertically for VTOL capability. During cruise the tilt rotors can be directed forward for thrust and the fixed rotors can be stopped and directed along the boom axis, minimizing drag. The described embodiments have advantages in weight savings and maneuverability compared to other VTOL aircraft.

Systems, devices, and methods for a ground support system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) including: at least one handling fixture, where each handling fixture is configured to support at least one wing panel of the UAV; and at least one dolly, where each dolly is configured to receive at least one landing pod of the UAV, and where each landing pod supports at least one wing panel of the UAV; where the at least one handling fixture and the at least one dolly are configured to move and rotate two or more wing panels to align the two or more wing panels with each other for assembly of the UAV; and where the at least one dolly further allows for transportation of the UAV over uneven terrain.