An actuation system for an aircraft piston engine includes a controller and an actuator. The controller selectively supplies motor control signals to a motor. The actuator includes a housing, a motor, a main rod, a control handle, and an inner rod. The main rod receives a drive torque from the motor and translates in either a first axial direction or a second axial direction. The main rod is responsive to an axial drive force to translate in either the first axial direction or the second axial direction. The inner rod is disposed within the main rod and is movable between a first position, in which main rod rotation causes the main rod to translate, and a second position, in which main rod rotation does not cause the main rod to translate, but application of the axial force to the control handle causes the main rod to translate.

A propulsion system for an aircraft is disclosed, and includes a first propeller, a second propeller, a first hybrid propulsion system, a second hybrid propulsion system, and a cross-connecting clutch. The first hybrid propulsion system includes a first motor coupled to a first engine by a first overrunning clutch, where the first hybrid propulsion system is operably coupled to drive the first propeller. The second hybrid propulsion system includes a second motor coupled to a second engine by a second overrunning clutch, where the second hybrid propulsion system is operably coupled to drive the second propeller. The cross-connecting clutch is operably coupled to both the first hybrid propulsion system and the second hybrid propulsion system and configured to actuate into an engaged position.

A propulsion system for an aircraft is disclosed, and includes a first propeller, a second propeller, a first hybrid propulsion system, a second hybrid propulsion system, and a cross-connecting clutch. The first hybrid propulsion system includes a first motor coupled to a first engine by a first overrunning clutch, where the first hybrid propulsion system is operably coupled to drive the first propeller. The second hybrid propulsion system includes a second motor coupled to a second engine by a second overrunning clutch, where the second hybrid propulsion system is operably coupled to drive the second propeller. The cross-connecting clutch is operably coupled to both the first hybrid propulsion system and the second hybrid propulsion system and configured to actuate into an engaged position.

A powertrain for an aerial vehicle may include a mechanical power source and an electric power generation device mechanically coupled to the mechanical power source. The powertrain further may include an electric motor electrically coupled to the electric power generation device. A first propulsion member may be mechanically coupled to the mechanical power source and configured to provide a first thrust force. The powertrain also may include a second propulsion member mechanically coupled to the electric motor and configured to provide a second thrust force. A vehicle controller may be provided and configured to at least partially control aerial maneuvering of the aerial vehicle, and cause supply of a first portion of the mechanical power to the first propulsion member and a second portion of the mechanical power to the electric power generation device based at least in part on at least one characteristic associated with maneuvering of the aerial vehicle.

UAV configurations and battery augmentation for UAV internal combustion engines, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative configuration includes a fuselage, first and second wings coupled to and pivotable relative to the fuselage, and a plurality of lift rotors carried by the fuselage. A representative battery augmentation arrangement includes a DC-powered motor, an electronic speed controller, and a genset subsystem coupled to the electronic speed controller. The genset subsystem can include a battery set, an alternator, and a motor-gen controller having a phase control circuit configurable to rectify multiphase AC output from the alternator to produce rectified DC feed to the DC-powered motor. The motor-gen controller is configurable to draw DC power from the battery set to produce the rectified DC feed.

Systems, devices, and methods are provided for a power delivery and drive system. A power delivery system can include an engine governing unit configured to deliver electrical power to a first electrical component. The power delivery system can include a smart engine electrically connected to the engine governing unit, the smart engine configured to deliver electrical power to the engine governing unit. The system can include a smart fuel tank operably connected to the smart engine and engine governing unit. And the system can include a battery operably connected to the engine governing unit, the smart battery configured to deliver electrical power to the engine governing unit.

Systems, devices, and methods are provided for a power delivery and drive system. A power delivery system can include an engine governing unit configured to deliver electrical power to a first electrical component. The power delivery system can include a smart engine electrically connected to the engine governing unit, the smart engine configured to deliver electrical power to the engine governing unit. The system can include a smart fuel tank operably connected to the smart engine and engine governing unit. And the system can include a battery operably connected to the engine governing unit, the smart battery configured to deliver electrical power to the engine governing unit.

An unmanned aerial vehicle capable of VTOL operation can include: a vehicle body defining longitudinal and transverse directions and opposing longitudinal sides; a first support boom coupled to the vehicle body at a first transverse axis and extending outwardly from the opposing longitudinal sides; a second support boom coupled to the vehicle body at a second transverse axis positioned rearward from the first transverse axis and extending outwardly from the opposing longitudinal sides; a plurality of electric motors coupled to a one of the first and second support booms, at least two electric motors of the plurality of electric motors positioned on each of the first and second support booms, a rotation axis of each of the at least two electric motors coupled to the second support boom offset in a transverse direction from a rotation axis of each of the at least two adjacent electric motors coupled to the first support boom; a plurality of rotors; and a propulsion system.

An unmanned aerial vehicle capable of VTOL operation can include: a vehicle body defining longitudinal and transverse directions and opposing longitudinal sides; a first support boom coupled to the vehicle body at a first transverse axis and extending outwardly from the opposing longitudinal sides; a second support boom coupled to the vehicle body at a second transverse axis positioned rearward from the first transverse axis and extending outwardly from the opposing longitudinal sides; a plurality of electric motors coupled to a one of the first and second support booms, at least two electric motors of the plurality of electric motors positioned on each of the first and second support booms, a rotation axis of each of the at least two electric motors coupled to the second support boom offset in a transverse direction from a rotation axis of each of the at least two adjacent electric motors coupled to the first support boom; a plurality of rotors; and a propulsion system.

This present patent application discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that features a stable and easy way of steering and controlling the unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle comprises of four vanes attached to extension arms, a single engine coupled to a special gearbox and sliding weights. The unmanned aerial vehicle features sliding weights below the extension arms and are used for steering the UAV in a desired direction in air. The sliding weights and the engine are used to control the UAV. The single engine leads to less power consumption, longer battery life, longer flight time and higher flight attitude.