Marine vessel-towable aerovehicle system with automated tow line release
First Claim
1. A marine-aerovehicle system, comprising:
- a marine vessel capable of towing;
a towed aerovehicle; and
a tow line releasably connected between the towing vessel and towed aerovehicle, the towed aerovehicle including;
a flight body;
an autogyro assembly connected to the flight body; and
a controller to control operation of the autogyro assembly for unmanned flight;
wherein when the controller determines a stop in the towing vessel, the controller automatically releases the tow line and controls the towed aerovehicle flight to a landing by substantially following a flight path determined by sensed signals and a programmed destination.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An unmanned, towable air vehicle is described and includes electronic sensors to increase the detection range relative to the horizon detection limitations of a surface craft, an autogyro assembly to provide lift, and a controller to control operation the autogyro assembly for unmanned flight. A forward motive force powers the autogyro assembly to provide lift. In an example, the autogyro assembly includes a mast extending from the container, a rotatable hub on an end of the mast, and a plurality of blades connected to the hub for rotation to provide lift to the vehicle. In an example, an electrical motor rotates the blades prior to lift off to assist in take off. The electrical motor does not have enough power to sustain flight of the vehicle in an example.
88 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A marine-aerovehicle system, comprising:
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a marine vessel capable of towing; a towed aerovehicle; and a tow line releasably connected between the towing vessel and towed aerovehicle, the towed aerovehicle including; a flight body; an autogyro assembly connected to the flight body; and a controller to control operation of the autogyro assembly for unmanned flight; wherein when the controller determines a stop in the towing vessel, the controller automatically releases the tow line and controls the towed aerovehicle flight to a landing by substantially following a flight path determined by sensed signals and a programmed destination. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification