The invention relates, generally, to systems and methods for optimizing the performance of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) by optimizing the UAV's drivetrain, extending the UAV's battery life; by monitoring and reporting on payload imbalance or overweight conditions; and by improving the aerodynamics and streamlining of certain drag-producing elements.

An access management system includes a mobile device with a processor and a memory and a software platform including at least a processor and a memory. The software platform is configured to analyze data obtained from the mobile device and other devices connected to the software platform. Specifically, the software platform is operable to determine if an access key received, read, or captured by a mobile device matches an access key for an authorized account, object, device, or space for the mobile device, and to provide access to the mobile device if the access key received, read, or captured by the mobile device matches the authorized access key.

An access management system includes a mobile device with a processor and a memory and a software platform including at least a processor and a memory. The software platform is configured to analyze data obtained from the mobile device and other devices connected to the software platform. Specifically, the software platform is operable to determine if an access key received, read, or captured by a mobile device matches an access key for an authorized account, object, device, or space for the mobile device, and to provide access to the mobile device if the access key received, read, or captured by the mobile device matches the authorized access key.

An unmanned aerial vehicle, including: a propelling device configured to generate a downward airstream; a package carrier; and wheels arranged so as to allow the package carrier to stand alone. The package carrier includes: vertical members which surround a package in a horizontal direction to prevent falling of the package; support members configured to support a load of the package at positions; and a coupling device configured to hold vertical members so as to enable relative horizontal movement. The support members are each fixed to a corresponding one of the vertical members. The wheels are each mounted to the corresponding one of the vertical members, and enable the relative horizontal movement of the vertical members under a state in which the wheels are on the ground. Through the relative horizontal movement of the vertical members, the package is separable from the support members.

An unmanned aerial vehicle, including: a propelling device configured to generate a downward airstream; a package carrier; and wheels arranged so as to allow the package carrier to stand alone. The package carrier includes: vertical members which surround a package in a horizontal direction to prevent falling of the package; support members configured to support a load of the package at positions; and a coupling device configured to hold vertical members so as to enable relative horizontal movement. The support members are each fixed to a corresponding one of the vertical members. The wheels are each mounted to the corresponding one of the vertical members, and enable the relative horizontal movement of the vertical members under a state in which the wheels are on the ground. Through the relative horizontal movement of the vertical members, the package is separable from the support members.

An access management system includes a mobile device with a processor and a memory and a software platform including at least a processor and a memory. The software platform is configured to analyze data obtained from the mobile device and other devices connected to the software platform. Specifically, the software platform is operable to determine if an access key received, read, or captured by a mobile device matches an access key for an authorized account, object, device, or space for the mobile device, and to provide access to the mobile device if the access key received, read, or captured by the mobile device matches the authorized access key.

An access management system includes a mobile device with a processor and a memory and a software platform including at least a processor and a memory. The software platform is configured to analyze data obtained from the mobile device and other devices connected to the software platform. Specifically, the software platform is operable to determine if an access key received, read, or captured by a mobile device matches an access key for an authorized account, object, device, or space for the mobile device, and to provide access to the mobile device if the access key received, read, or captured by the mobile device matches the authorized access key.

A payload retrieval apparatus is provided including a channel having a first end and a second end provided with a curved portion, wherein the channel has a tether slot therein and is configured to receive a payload retriever attached to a tether suspended from a UAV; and a payload holder positioned at the second end of the channel on the curved portion, wherein the payload holder is adapted to hold a payload having a handle with an opening therein, wherein the curved portion is configured to change an exit angle of the payload retriever such that a lip of the payload retriever is angled upwardly to ease entry of the lip into the opening of the handle of the payload.

A package coupling apparatus for securing a package to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The package coupling apparatus includes a support plate configured to be secured to an upper surface of the package and a handle extending up from the support plate. The handle includes a handle opening and a bridge that extends over the handle opening, wherein the bridge is configured to be secured by a component of the UAV.

A VTOL aircraft system includes a first unit having a cockpit, at least one propeller, at least two landing legs and at least two locking mechanisms. A second unit has a housing with a base portion, a first unit engaging portion, and at least two lock mechanism-engaging structure, each corresponding to one of the at least two locking mechanisms of the first unit. The housing of the second unit defines at least one interior cavity with at least one cargo area, a central passage providing access between the first and second unit, and a fuel cell configured around the central passage.