A stoppable rotor, which includes a first and second blade and rotates about a substantially vertical axis, is stopped with the first blade pointing forward and the second blade pointing backward while the aircraft is mid-flight. Anti-torque is provided using a set of one or more combination rotors in a first mode of operation in order to counter torque produced by the stoppable rotor when the stoppable rotor is rotating where the set of combination rotors rotate about a substantially longitudinal axis. Forward thrust is provided using the set of combination rotors in a second mode of operation when the stoppable rotor is not rotating.

An improved system of electrical, battery operated propulsion for use by an individual when engaging in paragliding, powered paragliding, paramotoring, hang gliding, and other similar sporting activities. The system includes a lightweight frame; at least one electrical driven, ducted turbine system made of at least one turbine, a shroud with a cut protector, and an electric motor; a seat assembly; a seat belt, and a pair of shoulder straps to hold user to the seat; a power system with a set of rechargeable batteries, battery boxes, a wiring harness from batteries to motors; and a servo-throttle for powering a motor of the system.

An improved system of electrical, battery operated propulsion for use by an individual when engaging in paragliding, powered paragliding, paramotoring, hang gliding, and other similar sporting activities. The system includes a lightweight frame; at least one electrical driven, ducted turbine system made of at least one turbine, a shroud with a cut protector, and an electric motor; a seat assembly; a seat belt, and a pair of shoulder straps to hold user to the seat; a power system with a set of rechargeable batteries, battery boxes, a wiring harness from batteries to motors; and a servo-throttle for powering a motor of the system.

An arrangement of a structural element for an aerospace vehicle and a battery set. The structural element extends along a longitudinal direction and has a main web, a first flange and a second flange. The flanges extend away from the main web and are defined by flange edges extending along the longitudinal direction. The first flange, the second flange and the main web form a U-shaped profile defining a cavity. The battery set includes a baseplate and at least one battery on the baseplate. The structural element and the battery set are formed such that the baseplate can be releasably attached to the structural element. The baseplate extends between flange edges and the battery is received in the cavity when the battery set is mounted to the structural element. Further, an aerospace vehicle including such an arrangement, a structural element for an aerospace vehicle and a battery set are disclosed.

Methods of use of flow sensors on aerial vehicles and devices thereof are disclosed. The methods include a method for flow correction for a flow induced lifting device, a method for a first flight vehicle to autonomously follow a second flight vehicle, a method for providing an informed launch for a flight vehicle, and a method for thermal soaring. Flight vehicles configured to perform the method are also disclosed.

Methods of use of flow sensors on aerial vehicles and devices thereof are disclosed. The methods include a method for flow correction for a flow induced lifting device, a method for a first flight vehicle to autonomously follow a second flight vehicle, a method for providing an informed launch for a flight vehicle, and a method for thermal soaring. Flight vehicles configured to perform the method are also disclosed.

An unmanned aerial vehicle is configured to fly along a flight path and collect a substance at a specified geographic location. For example, the unmanned aerial vehicle may include a rail mount to which various attachments can be coupled. One such attachment may be a rail attachment coupled to a support that carries a canister. The canister may include a lid that allows substances to enter the canister, but that prevents substances from exiting the canister. The unmanned aerial vehicle can fly to the specified geographic location, descend or otherwise cause the canister to descend, and maintain a position for a period of time to allow a substance to enter the canister. The unmanned aerial vehicle can then return to the point of origin.

An unmanned aerial vehicle is configured to fly along a flight path and collect a substance at a specified geographic location. For example, the unmanned aerial vehicle may include a rail mount to which various attachments can be coupled. One such attachment may be a rail attachment coupled to a support that carries a canister. The canister may include a lid that allows substances to enter the canister, but that prevents substances from exiting the canister. The unmanned aerial vehicle can fly to the specified geographic location, descend or otherwise cause the canister to descend, and maintain a position for a period of time to allow a substance to enter the canister. The unmanned aerial vehicle can then return to the point of origin.

An unmanned aerial vehicle is configured to fly along a flight path and capture audio signals produced by animal species or emitted by collars coupled to animals. For example, the unmanned aerial vehicle may include a rail mount to which various attachments can be coupled. One such attachment may be a rail attachment coupled to a support that carries a microphone, a recording device, and/or a radio frequency (RF) transceiver. The microphone can capture audio signals and transmit the captured audio signals to the recording device for storage. The RF transceiver can receive signals emitted by collars and forward the signals to a remote receiver. A remote system can compare the captured audio signals with animal species audio signatures or expected data payloads to identify which animal species are present along the flight path and/or the location at which the animal species are present.

A plant growth measurement and prediction system uses drone-captured images to measure the current growth of particular plant species and/or to predict future growth of the plant species. For example, the system instructs a drone to fly along a flight path and capture images of the land below. The captured images may include both thermographic images and high-resolution images. The system processes the images to create an orthomosaic image of the land, where each pixel in the orthomosaic image is associated with a brightness temperature. The system then uses plant species to brightness temperature mappings and the orthomosaic image to identify current plant growth. The system generates a diagnostic model using the orthomosaic image to then predict future plant growth.