Honeywell International Inc.

Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Jonathan Fleming

James F O'Neill

Emray R Goossen

Armand R Losinski

William T Campbell

Eric Stephen Loos

Judith Marie Gallman

Robert Francis Talbert

Provided is a self-leveling support apparatus for use with a UAV or stationary device such as a table or ladder, the apparatus having multiple leg members, each associated with a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder; a connection among the hydraulic or pheumatic cylinders such that they share a common reservoir of fluid; a locking mechanism that obstructs free flow of fluid among the cylinders and stabilizes the UAV or stationary device without the need for electronic sensors or control systems.

Self-leveling support apparatus

One example includes a passive rotor pitch control system. The system includes a counterweights that are each associated with one of a respective plurality of rotors and can be arranged to have a center of mass configured to provide a pitch torque about a pitch axis associated with the respective one of the rotors in response to rotation of the rotors about a rotation axis. The system also includes a spring forcer comprising a pitch rod and a spring configured to provide a spring force on the pitch rod. The system further includes a pitch change assembly coupled to the counterweights and the pitch rod. The pitch change assembly can be configured to rotate a pitch of each of the rotors from a first pitch state to a second pitch state in response to a sum of pitch torques associated with the counterweights being greater than the spring force.

Passive rotor pitch control system

A ducted fan air-vehicle capable of generating control moments. The ducted fan air-vehicle includes an air duct, a fan, a center body, a plurality of control vanes. The vanes are independently controlled and are deflected in the same direction but at different angles, thereby providing an increased control moments to the vehicle compared to the prior art. The increased pitching moment allows for additional control authority. Additional control authority is useful in forward flight and is especially desirable when the ducted fan air-vehicle is maneuvering in unsteady or turbulent winds or with various types of cargo that may effect the vehicle center of gravity location.

Differential vane vehicle control

A ducted fan air-vehicle having alternative methods of control is described. The ducted fan air-vehicle includes an air duct, a fan, a center body, a plurality of control vanes. Each control vanes includes a separate servo for independent control of each control vane, and is therefore able to operate the control vanes in a non-traditional manner to provide maximum control authority.

Ducted fan UAV control alternatives

An air data system and method for a ducted fan air-vehicle is described. The air data system includes a plurality of air pressure sensors placed around a lip of an air duct of the ducted fan air-vehicle. The air data system calculates the speed and direction of airflow surrounding the ducted fan air-vehicle based on pressure data measured across the lip of the air duct. Additionally, the air data system may estimate forces generated by airflow surrounding the air-vehicle.

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Blacksburg, VA, United States of America

Jonathan Fleming