A modular refueling system for an aircraft includes a modular bay recessed within the aircraft. The modular bay includes a modular bay interface. The modular refueling 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 includes an aerial refueling module. The payload modules are interchangeably insertable into the modular bay to enable the modular bay to support the functions of the payload modules. The aerial refueling module is insertable into the modular bay to enable the aircraft to provide fuel to recipient aircraft during flight.

Embodiments of the discloses system and methods relate to storage and launch systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). More specifically, they relate to systems that allow for unattended storage and launch regardless of range to the operator. The system comprises a radio for transitioning from a low-power, hibernation state to an active state when a target is identified. This can be useful in asymmetric warfare and is a cost-effective alternative to expensive, modern defense systems.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a UAV control method, and a UAV defense system are described.

Methods and apparatus for pointing logic in aircraft are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus to aim an aiming device carried by an aircraft includes at least one memory, machine readable instructions, and processor circuitry. The processor is to at least one of instantiate or execute the machine readable instructions to determine a position of a target, determine an orientation of the aircraft, determine aiming points based on the orientation and a movement range of the aiming device, and determine a movement of at least one of the aircraft or the aiming device based on the aiming points and the position to orient the aiming device toward the target.

A line of sight (LOS) delivery system. The system includes a carrier device having a first collimated light source for targeting an object, a distance meter; and a second collimated light source for outputting a beam substantially parallel to a targeting beam of the first collimated light source. The system further includes an aerial vehicle mounted on the carrier device having a camera for acquiring an image including the object targeted by the first collimated light source, an optical assembly for reflecting the second collimated light source into the image to form a light dot on the object and a processing unit for controlling a flight of the aerial vehicle based on a location of the light dot with respect to the object in said image.

The application relates to a target acquisition system (100) for an unmanned aircraft (106) according to an embodiment. The system comprises goggles (110) and the unmanned aircraft. The unmanned aircraft equipped with a camera (124) and a measuring unit (230) is configured to transmit location data (DS, KA, DE) related to a location (MS) of a target (102) to the goggles. The goggles are configured to form an augmented reality user interface (LK) by means of at least one goggle lens (212) for controlling the unmanned aircraft. The goggles equipped with an orientation detector (213) are configured to present to a wearer (108) of the goggles the location of the target as an augmented reality target object (MB) in the user interface based on the received target location data and an orientation (SA) of the goggles as detected by the orientation detector.

A multi-mode mobility micro air vehicle (MAV) accomplishes ground locomotion by hopping on a retractable leg. The hopping is translated into forward locomotion when aided by the forward thrust of propellers, and the orientation of locomotion is directed by aerodynamic controls like ailerons, rudders, stabilators, or plasma actuators. The foot of the leg is convexly curved so as to produce hopping that is statically and passively dynamically stable. The MAV is also equipped for vertical takeoff so that it may conduct multiple idling missions in sequence and may return home for recovery and reuse. Structural integration of power storage and photovoltaic generation systems into the aerodynamic surface of the MAV lightens the weight of the MAV while also providing a strong structure and permitting the MAV to harvest its own energy. The MAV may autonomously conduct surveillance missions and/or serve as a flying platform for self-healing sensor or communications networks, especially when multiple MAVs are used in concert.

Disclosed is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a pre-defined shape to deploy one or more items. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes an upper housing, a lower housing, and a power unit. The upper housing includes plurality of rotors to lift and propel the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Further the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes various electronic components such as plurality of electronic cards, a processing unit, a Global Positioning System (GPS), a communication unit, an electronic gyroscope, a barometer, engines and flight control system, video camera, a forward looking infrared (FLIR) device, a microphone, and a laser telemeter/designator/range finder. The power unit powers the aforementioned electronic components. The lower housing includes plurality of storage units to stores one or more items. The lower housing is removably attached with the upper housing in a way to deploy the items at a predetermined location through plurality of openings.

A radio controlled (RC) vehicle includes a receiver configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal from a remote control device. The RF signal indicates command data in accordance with a first coordinate system that is from a perspective of the remote control device. The command data includes a lift command associated with a hovering state of the RC vehicle. One or more motion sensors are configured to generate motion data that indicates a position of the RC vehicle and an orientation of the RC vehicle. A processor is configured to transform the command data into control data based on the motion data and in accordance with a second coordinate system that is from a perspective of the RC vehicle. A plurality of control devices are configured to control motion of the RC vehicle based on the control data.

A system and method for controlling a swarm of UAVs that are stored on and released from an airborne platform, fly to and destroy a target, where the UAVs download target information from the airborne platform before being released therefrom, do not communicate with each other or the airborne platform while in flight, and do not depend of the presence of GPS. Each UAV includes a vision sensor that provides image data, a navigation module that receives the image data and causes the UAV to navigate and fly towards the target, and a target destruction module that receives the image data and causes the UAV to destroy the target.