The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 17, 2012
Filed:
Oct. 31, 2008
Lloyd E. Kinsey, Tucson, AZ (US);
Patrick Kranking, Marana, AZ (US);
Lloyd E. Kinsey, Tucson, AZ (US);
Patrick Kranking, Marana, AZ (US);
Raytheon Company, Waltham, MA (US);
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for a transforming aerial vehicle according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a launch system configured to rotate the aerial vehicle about its longitudinal axis. A lifting surface pivotally connected to the aerial vehicle may be positioned such that the rotation of the aerial vehicle causes the lifting surface to generate a lifting force on the aerial vehicle. This lift causes the aerial vehicle to rise gyroscopically before the lifting surface is rotated to a second position such that the aerial vehicle transforms from a gyroscopic mode to a fixed-wing aerial vehicle. The lifting surface may then be rotated again to allow the aerial vehicle to land as an auto gyro.