Disclosed herein is a booster aircraft system having a host aircraft and one or more booster UAVs coupled thereto. When necessary, such as during takeoff and climb of the host aircraft, the booster UAVs operate to boost the thrust of the host aircraft. The booster UAVs are configured to detach from the host aircraft when no longer needed (e.g., at cruising altitude/speed), thus removing their weight from the host aircraft. Each booster UAV includes wings, one or more propulsors, a control system, and landing gear, which enable the booster UAV to return autonomously to a predetermined location once detached from the host aircraft to be refueled and reused.
UAV Booster Aircraft for Takeoff and Climb Assist
2018-08-09
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
IPC: | B64C AEROPLANES , Flugzeuge |
HYBRID VERTICAL TAKEOFF AND LANDING (VTOL) AIRCRAFT WITH VEHICLE ASSIST
Europäisches Patentamt | 2019
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