Portable unmanned aerial vehicle

• US 5,779,190 A
• Filed: 11/22/1995
• Issued: 07/14/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (Northrop Grumman Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Inventors: Rambo, James E., Kincade, Robert S., Bowling, Jerry H.
• Primary Examiner(s): GRANT, WILLIAM ALEXANDER
• Application Number:
  US08/561,929
• Time in Patent Office: 965 Days
• Field of Search: 244/13, 244/225, 244/91, 244/120, 244/124, 244/118.2, 244/131, 244/132, 244/139, 244/147, 244/54, 244/65, 244/190, 248/554, 248/555
• US Class Current: 244/54
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 39/024 of the remote controlled vehicle type, i.e. RPV
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/00 UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/30 for imaging, photography or videography
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2201/20 Remote controls
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 30/10 Wings
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 30/12 Variable or detachable wings, e.g. wings with adjustable sweep
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 50/11 using internal combustion piston engines
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 50/13 using external fans or propellers
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 70/83 using parachutes, balloons or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 80/60 by wearable objects, e.g. garments or helmets

Abstract

An unmanned aerial vehicle that includes symmetrical wings, tail section and internal compartments. The wings which include the only control surfaces can be attached to either side of the aircraft. An engine and a payload are non-symmetrically attached modules. Assembly and disassembly is performed with quick release pin and plate latches, quarter turn fasteners and guides that prevent improper assembly. The compartments include quick release hatch covers for the various internal craft compartments.

Claims

1. An unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising:

a pusher engine;

a payload;

a first mounting plate;

one of said engine and said payload being affixed to said first mounting plate;

said first mounting plate having a plurality of non-symmetrically disposed notched attachment plates;

a delta wing airframe having a fuselage and detachable, symmetrical, interchangeable wings;

a second mounting plate affixed to said fuselage;

quick release draw latches for attaching said wings to said fuselage, said engine to said fuselage and said payload to said fuselage;

said second mounting plate including said quick release draw latches for attaching said one of said engine and said payload to said fuselage, wherein each of said draw latches for attaching said one of said engine and said payload to said fuselage includes a pin engageable with a respective one of said non-symmetrically disposed notched attachment plates of said first mounting plate.

2. A vehicle as recited in claim 1, further comprising stabilizers and quarter turn fasteners attaching the stabilizers to said fuselage.

3. A vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein said fuselage includes symmetrically shaped compartments having covers attached by quarter turn fasteners.

4. A vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein said wings include the only vehicle control surfaces and include control surface control motors.

5. A vehicle as recited in claim 1, further comprising a wing spar for each wing, said fuselage having right and left sides, each said side including a respective spar socket for receiving a said wing spar, each said side also including a respective locating stubs, with each of said wings including a locating recess which matches said stub when said wing is fastened to said fuselage.

6. A vehicle as recited in claim 1, further comprising an oil compartment and an oil bottle for said compartment and having a cap with an air vent, an oil pickup tube and an engine intake nipple.

7. A vehicle as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

vertical stabilizers attached to said fuselage and having lower extensions extending from a bottom of said fuselage;

a parachute compartment on the bottom of the fuselage; and

a parachute attached to a top of said fuselage by cords running around a rear of the vehicle and around an outside of said stabilizers to said parachute compartment.