Autonomous launch pad for micro air vehicles
First Claim
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1. An autonomous launch pad, the launch pad comprising:
- a launching surface adapted to support a vertical takeoff and landing air vehicle;
a battery housed in the launch pad; and
a starter housed in the launch pad, the battery adapted to selectively provide power to operate the starter, the starter adapted to start an engine of the air vehicle upon a remote launch signal command that directs power from the battery to be coupled to the starter, wherein the air vehicle can be commanded to launch from a location that is remote from the launch pad via the remote launch signal command.
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Abstract
Autonomous micro air vehicles surveillance systems are provided. A MAV system of one embodiment includes an MAV and a launch pad. The MAV has an engine that is adapted to power the MAV. The launch pad has a starter that is adapted to start the engine in the MAV when the MAV is resting on a launching surface of the launch pad. The launch pad further has a battery to power the starter.
103 Citations
35 Claims
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1. An autonomous launch pad, the launch pad comprising:
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a launching surface adapted to support a vertical takeoff and landing air vehicle;
a battery housed in the launch pad; and
a starter housed in the launch pad, the battery adapted to selectively provide power to operate the starter, the starter adapted to start an engine of the air vehicle upon a remote launch signal command that directs power from the battery to be coupled to the starter, wherein the air vehicle can be commanded to launch from a location that is remote from the launch pad via the remote launch signal command. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A micro air vehicle system (MAV), the MAV system comprising:
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a MAV having an engine adapted to power the MAV; and
a launch pad, the launch pad having a starter adapted to start the engine in the MAV when the MAV is resting on a launching surface of the launch pad, the launch pad further having a battery to power the starter. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method of operating a MAV surveillance system, the method comprising:
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placing a MAV on a launch pad at a desired location;
coupling a starter motor in the launch pad to an engine starting shaft of an engine of the MAV; and
activating the starter motor from a remote location. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A MAV surveillance system including a MAV and a launch pad, the system comprising:
a means for remotely starting the MAV with a starter that is located in the launch pad, wherein the MAV and launch pad can be placed in a desired location and activated at a later time from a remote distance.
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33. The system of claim 33, further comprising:
a means for securing the MAV to the launch pad when the MAV is not activated. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35)
Specification