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Method and apparatus for automated launch, retrieval, and servicing of a hovering aircraft

  • US 8,955,800 B2
  • Filed: 06/19/2012
  • Issued: 02/17/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for retrieving an aircraft from free thrust-borne flight, the apparatus comprising:

  • a frame;

    a parking station supported by the frame and including at least one arm configured to engage a portion of the aircraft;

    at least one rail connected to and extending from the frame; and

    a plurality of restrainers connected to the at least one rail, each restrainer being movable toward and away from the parking station, wherein at least two of the plurality of restrainers are positioned such that, when the at least one rail is oriented substantially horizontally;

    (i) a fixture on the aircraft can be received therebetween; and

    (ii) after the fixture on the aircraft is received therebetween, the aircraft is restrained in translation and rotation.

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