The present disclosure relates to a secondary airfoil apparatus, system and method for improving lift, takeoff, landing and aerodynamic performance of a floatplane. The secondary airfoil can be integrated into the floatplane during manufacture, or retrofitted to an existing floatplane after manufacture. The secondary airfoil is itself of sufficient structural rigidity to withstand any and all forces added by the airfoil during floatplane operation. The secondary airfoil is fixedly attached between the floats of the floatplane, and are purposefully not attached to spreader bars that can exist typically between the floats. The secondary airfoil can be arranged at an optimal angle of incidence and vertical lift position relative to the primary airfoil, or wing of the aircraft, and relative to the floats center of gravity and drag for optimal maneuverability of the floatplane.

The present disclosure relates to a secondary airfoil apparatus, system and method for improving lift, takeoff, landing and aerodynamic performance of a floatplane. The secondary airfoil can be integrated into the floatplane during manufacture, or retrofitted to an existing floatplane after manufacture. The secondary airfoil is itself of sufficient structural rigidity to withstand any and all forces added by the airfoil during floatplane operation. The secondary airfoil is fixedly attached between the floats of the floatplane, and are purposefully not attached to spreader bars that can exist typically between the floats. The secondary airfoil can be arranged at an optimal angle of incidence and vertical lift position relative to the primary airfoil, or wing of the aircraft, and relative to the floats center of gravity and drag for optimal maneuverability of the floatplane.

Devices and methods for activating a flight-enable beacon configured to provide a light beacon or data signal comprising capability to establish and maintain a fixed set of coordinates. The flight-enabled beacon is configured with a processor, memory, motor, gimbal or swashplate and light emitting source and can be configured to attain and maintain a target altitude and emit a light over a fixed period of time. The flight-enabled beacon is configured to be light and with small form factor for easy portable transport in cases of emergency or to provide a signal easily locatable by parties located a distance from the activated light-enabled beacon.

An unmanned Wing In Ground Effect vessel (UWIG) for transporting the cargo with internal cargo hold contained in a seaworthy fuselage. The UWIG is autonomous or semi-autonomous. A pair of wings are attached to the fuselage. An on-board controller controls lift sufficient lift to travel in ground effect. The controller also controls UWIG surface maneuvering, taxiing and flying. The UWIG may be autonomous or semi-autonomous.

A search and rescue drone system includes a buoyant body member, a frame attached to the buoyant body member for carrying a motor and propeller, and an electronic array including a camera, GPS, an EPIRB radio distress beacon, and a transmitter/receiver for remote control flying the drone and communicating with an operator. A laser guidance system may provide coordinates for landing near a swimmer in distress. The search and rescue drone may also be programmed to simply fly to the location of an electronic wearable device, like a bracelet, that is worn by a man overboard. In another embodiment, the search and rescue drone includes pivoting motor mounts, so that it can take off and land vertically with propellers rotating in a horizontal plane, and then the propellers may pivot to rotate in a vertical plane for propulsion across water similar to a fan boat with rescued people aboard.

A search and rescue drone system includes a buoyant body member, a frame attached to the buoyant body member for carrying a motor and propeller, and an electronic array including a camera, GPS, an EPIRB radio distress beacon, and a transmitter/receiver for remote control flying the drone and communicating with an operator. A laser guidance system may provide coordinates for landing near a swimmer in distress. The search and rescue drone may also be programmed to simply fly to the location of an electronic wearable device, like a bracelet, that is worn by a man overboard. In another embodiment, the search and rescue drone includes pivoting motor mounts, so that it can take off and land vertically with propellers rotating in a horizontal plane, and then the propellers may pivot to rotate in a vertical plane for propulsion across water similar to a fan boat with rescued people aboard.

A buoyancy method for deploying a plurality of floats of a buoyancy system of an aircraft. The plurality of floats comprises a plurality of main floats and a plurality of secondary floats that are folded in flight. The method comprises a step of deploying the main floats in flight prior to ditching, and a step of deploying the secondary floats after ditching.

A buoyancy method for deploying a plurality of floats of a buoyancy system of an aircraft. The plurality of floats comprises a plurality of main floats and a plurality of secondary floats that are folded in flight. The method comprises a step of deploying the main floats in flight prior to ditching, and a step of deploying the secondary floats after ditching.

An amphibious drone having a fuselage, a linear support, a wing and a take-off and landing device. The take-off and landing device is on the lower surface of the linear support or the wing. The take-off and landing device has a buoyancy unit and a power device, and the power device is capable of generating thrust to push the buoyancy unit to move. The take-off and landing device can be on the lower surface of the drone, and realizes the water support of the drone by symmetrically providing the take-off and landing device. At the same time, the take-off and landing device is further provided with a power device for pushing the drone to be started. The amphibious drone can take off and land by relying on the take-off and landing device, which can be disassembled to adapt to different usage conditions.

The disclosure provides a fixed-wing UAV, with two pull propellers or two push propellers arranged parallel to each other and providing thrust for the UAV. Wherein the thrust ratio provided by the two pull propellers or the two push propellers is changed to generate asymmetric thrust which controls the active yaw of the UAV.