Space Combat Drone

Abstract

An unmanned aerial combat vehicle system is disclosed. The system provides for an unmanned aerial combat vehicle that is capable of performing reconnaissance, disrupting enemy communications, or delivering a weaponized payload. The unmanned aerial combat vehicle may also be equipped with a cloaking mechanism, where it can mask it's heat signature, or simulate an image on its outer surface.

Claims

1. An unmanned aerial vehicle system, comprising: an unmanned vehicle, comprising: a wireless transceiver, an airframe, a propulsion system, a navigation mechanism, a processor, a memory, a power source, at least one fuel tank; a control system, comprising: a wireless transceiver, an input device, capable of receiving a user's input and converting said user's input to electrical signals, a processor, a memory, wherein said memory contains at least one computer program executable by said processor, said at least one computer program being capable of interpreting said electrical signals and transmitting corresponding instructions to said propulsion system via said wireless transceiver, a power supply, wherein said control system is in wireless communication with said vehicle such that said control system is capable of utilizing said propulsion system of said vehicle in substantially real-time.

2. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 1, further comprising a payload delivery system, wherein said control system is capable of operating said payload delivery system.

3. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 1, wherein said airframe comprises fixed wings.

4. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 1, wherein said propulsion system comprises at least one rocket or jet engine.

5. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 4, wherein said at least one rocket or jet engine can be complimentarily reoriented to direct the motion of said vehicle, wherein said reorientation is performed via at least one motor rotating at least one arm.

6. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 1, where said vehicle is wrapped in a cloaking mechanism.

7. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 6, wherein said cloaking mechanism projects the appearance of outer space.

8. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 6, wherein said cloaking mechanism blends the external temperature of the vehicle with an area immediately surrounding the vehicle.

9. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 2, wherein said payload is a weapon.

10. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 2, wherein said payload is at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of: electro-optical/infrared sensors, hyperspectral imaging sensors, LIDAR, DIAL, SAR, video recorders, and cameras.

11. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 1, wherein said power source utilizes power obtained by at least one solar panel disposed on said vehicle.

12. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 1, wherein said control system is housed in an automobile.

13. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle further comprises a radio frequency jamming mechanism.

14. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle is capable of transmitting a signal within a predetermined frequency range.

15. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle lowers the signal-to-noise ratio within said predetermined frequency range.

16. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle further comprises at least one weapon.

17. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 1, wherein said wireless transceiver is retractable into said airframe.

18. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 2, wherein said payload is retractable into said airframe.

19. The unmanned aerial vehicle system of claim 2, wherein said control system is capable on controlling the retracting of said payload, as well as the operation of said payload.

20. A method of disrupting satellite communications comprising: deploying, from the stratosphere, an unmanned vehicle, comprising: a wireless transceiver, an airframe, a propulsion system, a navigation mechanism, a processor, a memory, a power source, a cloaking mechanism, and a payload at least one fuel tank; operating, said vehicle via a control station, comprising: a wireless transceiver, an input device, capable of receiving a user's input and converting said user's input to electrical signals, a processor, a memory, wherein said memory contains at least one computer program executable by said processor, said at least one computer program being capable of interpreting said electrical signals and transmitting corresponding instructions to said propulsion system via said wireless transceiver, a power supply, wherein said control system is in wireless communication with said vehicle such that said control system is capable of utilizing said propulsion system of said vehicle in substantially real-time guiding, said vehicle into the thermosphere; transmitting, via said wireless transceiver of said vehicle, a transmission within a predetermined radio frequency range for a pre-determined amount of time.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of operating, said vehicle via a control station is performed by a human operator.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein said payload is retractable into said airframe.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein said control system is capable on controlling the retracting of said payload, as well as the operation of said payload.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a fully-retracted position.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention is a fully-extended position.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the rotatable nature of the at least one source of propulsion.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the camouflage function of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a transportation rocket housing an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.

[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

[0038] While this disclosure refers to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the spirit thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed.

[0039] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a fully-retracted position. Here, vehicle 100 is equipped with propulsion system 101, and airframe 102. While airframe 102 resembles an octagon here, because vehicle 100 is intended to operate in the earth's atmosphere, the principles of aerodynamics need not be adhered to due to the low density of the air that exists in the stratosphere. Further, there are many suitable mechanisms that can power propulsion system 101, such as, but not limited to, ramjet, rocket propulsion, afterburners, propellers, turbines, and fans. Many modern commercial aircraft prioritize high engine efficiency and low fuel usage, while military aircraft focus on having excess thrust so that they can achieve high acceleration and help overcome the drag that occurs at high-speeds. As such, in many preferred embodiments of the present invention, propulsion system 101 will be capable of creating large amounts of thrust very quickly, despite the fact that less drag will occur at the present invention's optimized operating altitude.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, another perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention is provided, where the vehicle's payload and wireless transceiver are fully extended. Here, vehicle 100 has airframe 102, propulsion system 101, payload 104, and wireless transceiver 103. In contrast to FIG. 1, both payload 104 and wireless transceiver 103 are in an extended position. This functionality is imperative to the use of the vehicle of the present invention. This is in part due to the cloaking mechanism that vehicle 100 is equipped with. AN additional benefit is that vehicle 100 may maneuver into the appropriate position before exposing itself to a potential enemy.

[0041] While payload 104 here is weaponized, not all embodiments of the present invention have a weaponized payload. For example, vehicle 100 may carry an array of sensors, such as but not limited to electro-optical/infrared sensors, hyperspectral imaging sensors, LIDAR, DIAL, SAR, video recorders, and cameras. When vehicle 100 is equipped with these sensors, it will be most suitable for use in reconnaissance missions. In those situations, wireless transceiver 103 may double as radio frequency jammer. This can be achieved by broadcasting a strong signal at the same frequency that an enemy is communicating on, or may be achieved by transmitting static, or some other predetermined sound across a wide range of frequencies.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the rotatable nature of the at least one source of propulsion. The rotatable nature of propulsion system 101 allows vehicle 100 to navigate freely in 3-dimensional space. In a preferred embodiment, propulsion system 101 is comprised of 4 rocket-powered engines, however, embodiments with two or more engines are also contemplated by the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, vehicle 100 will use the on-board processor and memory, coupled with an integrated GPS system to move vehicle 100 through Cartesian space. By adjusting the thrust and angle of propulsion system 101 in a complementary fashion, vehicle 100 will be able to move freely across any Cartesian axis. This provides for an incredibly high level of maneuverability, which is in part made possible by the lower levels of gravity and air density that exist in the Earth's upper atmosphere.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, a top view of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the camouflage function of the present invention. Here, the present invention is simulating a night sky, although in various embodiments, the present invention will be able to simulate a number of different images and textures. Preferably, the present invention will be equipped with at least one camera such that the camera will capture an image and the opposite side of the vehicle of the present invention will be able to reproduce that image.

[0044] Further, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, ADAPTIV cloaking technology will be employed. That is, the present invention will be able to mimic the heat signature of another type of vehicle, or eliminate its heat signature entirely.

[0045] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the vehicle of the present invention is equipped with server 106, at least one motor 107, at least one fuel tank 109, and retracting motor 110. As can be seen, at least one motor and at least one arm work in conjunction to manipulate propulsion system 101 (See FIG. 1). At least one motor 107 is capable of rotating at least one arm 108, such that the various components of propulsion system 101 may move in a way that enables the present invention to operate. In one embodiment, at least one motor 107 is also capable of extending arm 108 in addition to rotating it. This embodiment also features retracting motor 110. Here, the present invention is equipped with two retracting motors 110; one for the payload, and one for the wireless transceiver. This functionality allows the cloaking mechanism of the present invention to envelop the entirety of the UCAV. Further, the outer shell of the UCAV is armored, while the internal components, which are revealed when retracting motors 110 are extended, thus exposing the present invention.

[0046] Server 106 is comprised of at least one memory and at least one processor, and handles the computational processing of the UCAV. At least one fuel tank 109 typically holds rocket fuel, but is capable of storing any fluid that is suitable for use with the propulsion system of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a transportation rocket housing an embodiment of the present invention. In alternative embodiments, the UCAV of the present invention can be ferried to an altitude of 50,000 ft and can use its propulsion system to ascend into the earth's atmosphere. In yet another embodiment, the present invention is capable of taking off from ground-level.

[0048] The UCAV of the present invention is intended to be operated remotely. The control station can be in an automobile, in a building on earth, or from an aircraft near the UCAV.

[0049] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles a, an, and the are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective another, when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms including and having are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0050] Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed.