The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a multicopter-assisted launch and retrieval system generally including: (1) a multi-rotor modular multicopter attachable to (and detachable from) a fixed-wing aircraft to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; (2) a storage and launch system usable to store the modular multicopter and to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; and (3) an anchor system usable (along with the multicopter and a flexible capture member) to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from wing-borne flight.

Disclosed is a recovery device for unmanned aerial vehicles including a recovery pulley, a pulley rail and a damper, wherein the recovery pulley is used to be coupled for recovering unmanned aerial vehicles, and the pulley rail is used to carry the recovery pulley; the recovery pulley is connected to the pulley rail by rollers, and the damper is connected to the recovery pulley for generating a damping force for a linear movement of the recovery pulley. The recovery device for unmanned aerial vehicles of the present invention can be adapted to recover all types of aerial vehicles, has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture and has a low cost. Through the cooperation of the pulley rail, the recovery pulley and the damper, the recovery of the unmanned aerial vehicles of various weights can be performed. Through the foldable and retractable pulley rail, the recovery device is highly mobile. The present invention can have a wide range of application, and can be applied for comprehensive recovery in ships, vehicles, onboard situations, islands, forests and buildings.

A rotorcraft-assisted launch and retrieval system, and a method for controlling an airborne rotorcraft which includes controlling by a controller a first feedback loop about a longitudinal roll axis of the airborne rotorcraft and controlling by the controller a second feedback loop about a horizontal pitch axis of the airborne rotorcraft, without controlling a vertical yaw axis of the airborne rotorcraft.

The present disclosure describes various systems, devices, and methods configured to retrieve a fixed-wing aircraft from free flight using a flexible capture member and a monopole assembly.

A system, method and apparatus to transport and distribute hydrogen, store energy at scale, and interconnect locations where large quantities of “green” hydrogen can be produced most advantageously, with cities, towns and rural communities where hydrogen is needed as a clean transportation fuel, industrial feedstock, power source, and for long-term storage of electrical power. A hydrogen distribution pipeline enables use of natural gas, oil and other existing pipelines to transport hydrogen to one or more distribution points; and in one embodiment, integrates a lighter-than-air airship to transport hydrogen between locations where pipelines don't exist or are impractical. The disclosed hydrogen distribution pipeline also enables use of water, sewer, storm drain and other existing pipelines for local distribution, thereby saving time and money, and reducing construction disruption to the local community, in establishing these infrastructure components necessary to the widespread use of hydrogen in helping address climate change.

Embodiments relate to aircraft arresting systems that use a net or a cable that extends across a section of a runway. Ends of the net or cable are secured to an elongated tape, which is secured to and forms a part of an energy absorbing brake system. The elongated tape is secured around a tape reel and is allowed to reel out (or “pay out”) once the aircraft is engaged. Described is a system for adjusting the height of the tape such that its elevation can be altered between the point at which it leaves the energy absorbing brake system and when it reaches the aircraft runway.

An arresting cable retraction mechanism for use across an aircraft runway. The retraction mechanism functions to extend a cable across a runway (for capture by a tailhook of an aircraft) without causing the cable to recede below the runway surface during an aircraft rollover/deflection event. The arresting cable retraction mechanism is also designed to help prevent damage to a retraction motion actuator due to high speed aircraft rollover. The disclosed system separates components related to retraction vs. deflection due to rollover, such that rollover events do not affect or load the motion actuator used for retraction.

A rotorcraft-assisted system for launching and retrieving a fixed-wing aircraft into and from free flight. The launch and retrieval system is usable with a rotorcraft to launch a fixed-wing aircraft into free, wing-borne flight and to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from free, wing-borne flight.

Launch and/or recovery for unmanned aircraft and/or other payloads, including via parachute-assist, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative method for lofting a payload includes directing a lifting device upward, releasing a parachute from the lifting device, with the parachute carrying a pulley and having a flexible line passing around the pulley. The flexible line is connected between a tension device (e.g., a winch) and the payload. The method further includes activating the tension device to reel in the flexible line and accelerate the payload upwardly.

A retractable runway edge sheave for use in an aircraft arresting system. The arresting system functions to extend a cable across a runway for capture by a tailhook of an aircraft. The retractable runway edge sheave is designed to raise and lower the cable. The disclosed system may also feature a ramping system.