Patent classifications
B64D17/725
PARACHUTE ARCHITECTURE FOR LOW-ALTITUDE VTOL AIRCRAFT
In an embodiment, a system to deploy a plurality of parachutes includes a plurality of parachute canopies each packed in a canister, a plurality of rockets adapted to extract an associated canopy from the canister, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine that an aircraft is at least one of: in a hover mode of operation and a forward flight mode of operation. In response to the determination that the aircraft is in the hover mode of operation, the controller applies a hover deployment sequence including by instructing the plurality of parachutes to deploy substantially simultaneously. In response to the determination that the aircraft is in the forward mode of operation and above a threshold airspeed, the controller applies a forward deployment sequence including by instructing the plurality of parachutes to deploy in a predefined sequence.
Parachute device, flight device, and flying body ejection mechanism
A parachute device includes a parachute, a parachute accommodation section configured to accommodate the parachute, at least one flying body including a flying body main body section connected to the parachute, and a gas generating device configured to generate gas. The parachute device further includes an ejection section configured to eject the flying body, and a lead wire configured to ignite the gas generating device. The flying body main body section is engaged with the ejection section, the gas generating device is disposed in an internal space defined by the ejection section and the flying body main body section, and the lead wire is led out from the internal space in a different direction from an ejection direction of the flying body in a state with one end connected to the gas generating device.
Preferred break points and paths in airframes for ballistic parachute systems
A preferred break point is provided in the airframe, where there is a ballistic parachute system which includes a rocket which sits in a rocket canister and a canopy which sits in a canopy canister. The airframe includes a composite material and covers the ballistic parachute system. The preferred break point is located in the airframe over the opening of the rocket canister. A preferred break path is provided in the airframe located at least partially over the opening of the rocket canister and at least partially over the opening of the canopy canister.
MULTI-ROCKET PARACHUTE DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM
Techniques to deploy a parachute are disclosed. In various embodiments, a first projectile is configured to be propelled in a first direction, causing the parachute to be deployed. A second projectile configured to be propelled in a second direction is coupled to a line tethered to the parachute in such a way that a force in a direction opposite the first direction is applied to the line of the parachute when the second projectile is propelled in the second direction.
Automated aircraft recovery system
Sensor data that includes or more of the following: (1) aircraft state information associated with an aircraft or (2) parachute canopy state information associated with a parachute canopy is received. The parachute canopy is coupled to the aircraft at a point aft of a center of mass of the aircraft. It is determined, based at least in part on the sensor data, whether to generate a control signal associated with maneuvering the aircraft into a nose-up position. A recovery action is performed, including by deploying the parachute canopy; wherein a load on the parachute canopy is reduced in the event the aircraft is in the nose-up position compared to the aircraft being in a nose-down position.
Attached rocket parachute deployment system
A parachute deployment system is disclosed. In various embodiments, a parachute is tethered to an aircraft. A self-propelled projectile is tethered to the parachute. The self-propelled projectile is configured to be launched in a trajectory away from the aircraft. Once launched, the self-propelled projectile pulls the parachute taut in one dimension.
Parachute architecture for low-altitude VTOL aircraft
In an embodiment, a system to deploy a plurality of parachutes includes a plurality of parachute canopies each packed in a canister, a plurality of rockets adapted to extract an associated canopy from the canister, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine that an aircraft is at least one of: in a hover mode of operation and a forward flight mode of operation. In response to the determination that the aircraft is in the hover mode of operation, the controller applies a hover deployment sequence including by instructing the plurality of parachutes to deploy substantially simultaneously. In response to the determination that the aircraft is in the forward mode of operation and above a threshold airspeed, the controller applies a forward deployment sequence including by instructing the plurality of parachutes to deploy in a predefined sequence.
Parachute device for divisible shell
A parachute device is provided for a divisible shell that includes an active body and a shell base. The parachute device includes two parachutes, a first, main parachute connected to the active body by parachute lines and a second parachute connected to the shell base.
Multi-rocket parachute deployment system
Techniques to deploy a parachute are disclosed. In various embodiments, a first projectile is configured to be propelled in a first direction, causing the parachute to be deployed. A second projectile configured to be propelled in a second direction is coupled to a line tethered to the parachute in such a way that a force in a direction opposite the first direction is applied to the line of the parachute when the second projectile is propelled in the second direction.
Apparatus and method for rapid deployment of a parachute
The present invention relates to a parachute deploying apparatus, comprising: a) a manifold with which is releasably coupled a single vessel within which pressurized gas is generated; b) a gas generator which cooperates with said vessel; c) a plurality of hollow tubes which extend obliquely and upwardly from, and are in communication with, said manifold; and d) a plurality of projectiles, each of which formed with a rod that is receivable in a corresponding tube and to each of which is connected a cord that is also connected to a corresponding portion of an undeployed parachute, wherein the pressurized gas which is generated upon triggering of said gas generator is flowable through each of said tubes to propel said plurality of projectiles in different directions and to cause said parachute to become deployed.