Air-drop device tail charger

摘要

A system and method for powering an air-drop device is presented. One configuration of the system includes an energy capture device, a generator and an electrical logic unit. The energy capture device converts the movement air passing by the air-drop tail device into kinetic energy. The generator converts that kinetic energy into electrical energy and the electrical logic unit can then be powered by the electrical energy allowing it to perform at least a portion of a mission.

主权项

1. A method comprising the steps of:
providing an air-dropped device comprising a mission section, a rotational shaft extending outwardly from the mission section and a pinwheel mounted on the shaft entirely external to the mission section; dropping the air-dropped device through air to cause the pinwheel to rotate; converting kinetic energy of the rotating pinwheel into electrical energy; and using the electrical energy to power the mission section so that the mission section has power to perform at least part of a mission that the mission section is configured to perform; wherein the mission section has a front end and a back end; a plurality of fins are mounted to the mission section and extend rearward beyond the back end of the mission section; and the pinwheel includes a plurality of fan blades connected to the shaft rearward of the fins.