A hybrid propulsion aircraft is described having a distributed electric propulsion system. The distributed electric propulsion system includes a turbo shaft engine that drives one or more generators through a gearbox. The generator provides AC power to a plurality of ducted fans (each being driven by an electric motor). The ducted fans may be integrated with the hybrid propulsion aircraft's wings. The wings can be pivotally attached to the fuselage, thereby allowing for vertical take-off and landing. The design of the hybrid propulsion aircraft mitigates undesirable transient behavior traditionally encountered during a transition from vertical flight to horizontal flight. Moreover, the hybrid propulsion aircraft offers a fast, constant-altitude transition, without requiring a climb or dive to transition. It also offers increased efficiency in both hover and forward flight versus other VTOL aircraft and a higher forward max speed than traditional rotorcraft.

In one embodiment, a controller instructs an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) docked to a landing perch to perform a pre-flight test operation of a pre-flight test routine. The controller receives sensor data associated with the pre-flight test operation from one or more force sensors of the landing perch, in response to the UAV performing the pre-flight test operation. The controller determines whether the sensor data associated with the pre-flight test operation is within an acceptable range. The controller causes the UAV to launch from the landing perch based in part on a determination that UAV has passed the pre-flight test routine.

An unmanned aerial vehicle/unmanned aircraft system including an airframe; a plurality of rotor assemblies respectively extending from a plurality of arms connected to said airframe, said rotor assemblies each having a rotor thereon with at least one rotor blade; a landing gear extending from said airframe; and a flight controller disposed on said airframe; wherein said flight controller receives instructions for unmanned aerial vehicle/unmanned aircraft system control.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for capturing energy from an unmanned aircraft propeller system and utilizing the energy to charge a battery. The invention further provides for a belt drive system connected to one or more propellers of an unmanned aircraft system commonly referred to as a drone aircraft. The belt drive system may be linked to an alternator or dynamo such that a portion of the energy generated by the rotation force provided to the drive system of the propeller is captured by the alternator or dynamo. The present invention provides for a system where the rotational energy of the propellers is captured by an energy recovery system such as an alternator, dynamo or the like. The energy recovery system provides power to charge a battery which can be used to power the drive systems for the propellers, or other electronic systems.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for capturing energy from an unmanned aircraft propeller system and utilizing the energy to charge a battery. The invention further provides for a belt drive system connected to one or more propellers of an unmanned aircraft system commonly referred to as a drone aircraft. The belt drive system may be linked to an alternator or dynamo such that a portion of the energy generated by the rotation force provided to the drive system of the propeller is captured by the alternator or dynamo. The present invention provides for a system where the rotational energy of the propellers is captured by an energy recovery system such as an alternator, dynamo or the like. The energy recovery system provides power to charge a battery which can be used to power the drive systems for the propellers, or other electronic systems.

In one embodiment, a controller instructs an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) docked to a landing perch to perform a pre-flight test operation of a pre-flight test routine. The controller receives sensor data associated with the pre-flight test operation from one or more force sensors of the landing perch, in response to the UAV performing the pre-flight test operation. The controller determines whether the sensor data associated with the pre-flight test operation is within an acceptable range. The controller causes the UAV to launch from the landing perch based in part on a determination that UAV has passed the pre-flight test routine.

A system and kit for dissipating heat generated by a motor assembly and methods for manufacturing and using same. The motor assembly includes a housing that defines an internal chamber. The internal chamber communicates with an air inlet and an air outlet each being formed in the housing, and can at least partially receive motor inner workings. A pump assembly can be included in the internal chamber for generating an air flow during operation of the motor assembly. The pump assembly can draw air into the internal chamber via the air inlet, generating an air flow within the internal chamber. The air drawn into the internal chamber is applied to the motor inner workings, and the air heated by the motor inner workings is expelled from the internal chamber via the air outlet. Thereby, the air flow advantageously can cool the motor assembly as the air traverses the internal chamber.

An unmanned aerial signal relay includes an unmanned aerial vehicle, including a communication relay unit and at least one antenna, communicatively connected to the communication relay unit; a tether comprising at least two wires and at least one fiber optic cable, the wires and cable communicatively connected to the unmanned aerial vehicle; and a surface support system comprising a spool physically connected to the tether and a ground-based receiver communicatively connected to the at least one fiber optic cable, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is powered by electrical energy provided by the at least two wires, and wherein the communication relay unit is configured to relay signals received from the at least one antenna via the fiber optic cable to the ground-based receiver. Various systems and methods related to an unmanned aerial signal relay are also described.

An unmanned aerial signal relay includes an unmanned aerial vehicle, including a communication relay unit and at least one antenna, communicatively connected to the communication relay unit; a tether comprising at least two wires and at least one fiber optic cable, the wires and cable communicatively connected to the unmanned aerial vehicle; and a surface support system comprising a spool physically connected to the tether and a ground-based receiver communicatively connected to the at least one fiber optic cable, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is powered by electrical energy provided by the at least two wires, and wherein the communication relay unit is configured to relay signals received from the at least one antenna via the fiber optic cable to the ground-based receiver. Various systems and methods related to an unmanned aerial signal relay are also described.

Wireless communication device (WCD) for use in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a multi-purpose WCD accessory. The accessory is comprised of a first plate having opposed first and second major faces. The first major face includes a heat transfer surface configured to contact a body of the WCD interior of the UAV when the WCD is secured to the first major face. A second plate is attached to the second major face in a cantilever configuration and extends exterior of the fuselage in a direction away from the second major surface. The second plate comprises at least a portion of a ground plane for an antenna system utilized by the WCD, and together with the first plate forms a heat sink for the WCD.