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Launch and recovery system for unmanned aerial vehicles

  • US 8,864,069 B2
  • Filed: 08/26/2013
  • Issued: 10/21/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/23/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of recovering an aircraft, said method comprisingflying said aircraft in wing-borne flight into contact with an arrestment line;

  • the arrestment line being more nearly vertical than horizontal, the arrestment line being supported by support structure, the support structure being supported by the earth or by a boat or ship,said aircraft having a capturing device for capturing said arrestment line, said capturing device comprising a hook portion positioned laterally of a longitudinal axis of said aircraft, said hook portion being adapted to secure said arrestment line to said aircraft during recovery and enable release thereof, said aircraft containing structure suitable for deflecting said line laterally into engagement with said hook, said suitable structure comprising a leading edge of a wing of said aircraft,mechanically securing said arrestment line with said hook part during recovery; and

    thereafter releasing said arrestment line from said hook;

    said method further comprising reducing vertical motion of the arrestment line relative to said aircraft following contact between said aircraft and said line.

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