Launcher system for an unmanned aerial vehicle

• US 5,695,153 A
• Filed: 11/16/1995
• Issued: 12/09/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 11/16/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (Northrop Grumman Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Inventors: Britton, Ken G., Schaper, Don O.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kashnikow, Andres
• Assistant Examiner(s): DINH, TIEN QUANG
• Application Number:
  US08/559,056
• Time in Patent Office: 754 Days
• Field of Search: 244/63, 124/63, 124/65, 124/61, 124/56, 124/73
• US Class Current: 244/63
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/04 for launching aircraft

Abstract

A launch system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is contained in a portable trailer where all the components of the launch platform can be unfolded and/or attached to each other by hand using removable pins attached to the platform by lanyards. The platform includes launch extension mechanisms that insure a proper launch angle. Wing rails that fold into and are pinned into position to support the UAV before a launch. The launcher also includes a crane that provides a fixed position lifting crank and a movable boom with a lifting cable that is not exposed to getting tangled during movements of the boom when positioning the UAV on the launcher. The trailer has an air compressor and air tanks, and a foot operated release valve that supplies compressed air for a piston based launch mechanism that is controlled by the pilot. The system includes enclosed compartments that are capable of storing components for several vehicles. The system also includes an aircraft starter mechanism that can be slidably positioned for starting a motor of the aircraft by the pilot.

Claims

1. A launching system for an unmanned aircraft, comprising:

a portable trailer;

a launch platform including removable pin connections for assembling said platform extending from a rear of said trailer;

an air compressor providing compressed air;

an air tank coupled to said compressor for storing said compressed air;

a valve coupled to said tank for releasing said compressed air;

a launch tube coupled to said valve for receiving said released compressed air;

a guide tube coupled an end of said launch tube; and

a launch piston coupled to the aircraft and propelled from said launch tube and said guide tube by said compressed air.

2. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein the aircraft includes an engine and further comprising a retractable starter motor engaging said engine of the aircraft.

3. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein said launch platform includes:

a guide tube extension coupled to said guide tube for guiding said piston until said piston exits said launch tube.

4. A system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a storage compartment mounted on said trailer and adapted to store parts for several aircraft.

5. A system as recited in claim 4, further comprising:

a hollow pivoting crane mounted on said compartment and having a lifting cable threaded therethrough; and

a non-movable winch attached to said compartment and winching the cable.

6. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said launch platform comprises:

a launch tube having a sleeve and a pin receiver; and

a guide tube fitting into the sleeve and having a tang connectable to said pin receiver.

7. A system as recited in claim 6, further comprising a support truss attachable to said guide tube and including:

a removable support, said removable support being pin attachable to said guide tube; and

first and second pivoting supports pivotally attached to said trailer and pin connectable to said removable support.

8. A system as recited in claim 7, wherein said first and second pivoting supports fold up under said trailer and are held in a storage position by a single pin.

9. A system as recited in claim 6, further comprising:

pivoting wing support rails pivotally attached to said trailer; and

wing braces, said wing braces being pin attachable to said guide tube and said rails.

10. A system as recited in claim 6, further comprising a pin positionable pivoting support jack attached to said guide tube.

11. A system as recited in claim 1, further comprising pin positionable leveling jacks attached to said trailer.