A new method of dynamic control of a rotary-wing drone in throw start includes the steps of: a) initializing a predictive-filter altitude estimator; b) the user throwing the drone in the air with the motors turned off; c) detecting the free fall state; d) upon detecting the free fall state, fast start with turn-on of the motors, open-loop activation of the altitude control means, and closed-loop activation of the attitude control means; e) after a motor response time, stabilizing the drone by closed-loop activation of the altitude control means, and closed-loop activation of the attitude control means; f) detecting a stabilization state such that the total angular speed of the drone is lower than a predetermined threshold; and g) upon detecting the stabilization state, switching to a final state in which the drone is in a stable lift condition and pilotable by the user.

A flight device includes at least one propelling unit and a controller unit for flying in the air, and the flight device is thrown by a user. The controller unit drives the propelling unit after throwing is performed by the user, such that the flight device flies based on a state of the flight device at a moment when the throwing is performed.

A water-rocket water-transfer-station, referred to as the water station, is comprised of a specialized manifold combined with a plastic carbonated drink bottle, which functions as a water reservoir. The water reservoir is pressurized with air to make a water transfer station for water rockets. By using pressurized air, water can be transferred from the water station to a water rocket launch system, referred to as the launcher, and into an attached water rocket. A second unique feature of this system is the ability to return water from the water rocket back into the water station reservoir, as in the case of an over-fill, or in a launch abort. This unique water station can easily and quickly transfer water to a water rocket from a water reservoir, and in reverse from a rocket, without having to remove the rocket from the launcher. This saves time and minimizes water waste which is important when water has to be hand carried into a remote launch field.

A system is provided having a launch mechanism with an energy generation capability and a capability to launch toy entities such as surface based entities and flying entities. The launch mechanism may include multiple orientations and configurations to facilitate launch sequences for the toy entities. The energy generation capability may include a handle, a trigger and a rack extending from the trigger capable of charging a gear box. The launch mechanism may also include a capability to transfer energy from the gear box to the toy entity. The system may also be used with game play to launch the flying entities and then utilize an upper portion of the launch mechanism to catch the flying entities.

A system is provided having a launch mechanism with an energy generation capability and a capability to launch toy entities such as surface based entities and flying entities. The launch mechanism may include multiple orientations and configurations to facilitate launch sequences for the toy entities. The energy generation capability may include a handle, a trigger and a rack extending from the trigger capable of charging a gear box. The launch mechanism may also include a capability to transfer energy from the gear box to the toy entity. The system may also be used with game play to launch the flying entities and then utilize an upper portion of the launch mechanism to catch the flying entities.

A flat-stock aerial vehicle includes a body having a plurality of flat-stock sheets connected to one another, at least one motor, and at least three aerodynamic propulsors driven by the at least one motor. The aerodynamic propulsors can provide lifting thrust, pitch, yaw, and roll control in both helicopter-like hover flight and airplane-like translational flight.

A flat-stock aerial vehicle includes a body having a plurality of flat-stock sheets connected to one another, at least one motor, and at least three aerodynamic propulsors driven by the at least one motor. The aerodynamic propulsors can provide lifting thrust, pitch, yaw, and roll control in both helicopter-like hover flight and airplane-like translational flight.

A launching device, system and method uses a fluid pressure system and a launch direction system in combination with an automated control system and a fluid cavity in a game ball for compressed air providing a pneumatically operated toy that releases upon a user-directed and automated control launch of a game ball.

A launching device, system and method uses a fluid pressure system and a launch direction system in combination with an automated control system and a fluid cavity in a game ball for compressed air providing a pneumatically operated toy that releases upon a user-directed and automated control launch of a game ball.

Systems, devices and methods for model rocketry are provided. According to some aspects, new forms of model rocket nose cones, other model rocket components, and methods for their use, are provided. A new form of reversibly-divisible nose cone is provided, including a plurality of housing sections forming an interior payload section and, in some embodiments, including a locking mechanism(s) configured to hold the plurality of housing sections together during the initial phases of flight. In some embodiments, such a locking mechanism is unlocked, and the housing sections are separated, at least in part, in an ejection phase of model rocket flight. In some embodiments, such a locking mechanism is unlocked, at least in part, by increased air resistance and tension from shock cord(s) of a model rocket. Shock cord mounting arms are provided, including eyelet(s), mounted at an angle to a trailing surface of the nose cone.