Modular miniature unmanned aircraft with vectored-thrust control

摘要

An aircraft for unmanned aviation is described. The aircraft includes an airframe, a pair of fins attached to a rear portion of the airframe, a pair of dihedral braces attached to a bottom portion of the airframe, a first thrust-vectoring (“T/V”) module and a second T/V module, and an electronics module. The electronics module provides commands to the two T/V modules. The two T/V modules are configured to provide lateral and longitudinal control to the aircraft by directly controlling a thrust vector for each of the pitch, the roll, and the yaw of the aircraft. The use of directly articulated electrical motors as T/V modules enables the aircraft to execute tight-radius turns over a wide range of airspeeds.

主权项

1. A folding airframe, the folding airframe comprising:
a plurality of integrated hinges, each of said plurality of integrated hinges defining a fold line; a locking mechanism configured to lock the folding airframe in a deployed position,
wherein the locking mechanism comprises a rod configured to attach to an edge of the folding airframe via at least one clip when in the deployed position,wherein the edge of the folding airframe defines a recess configured to receive at least a portion of said rod when in the deployed position; and at least one passive retention device for securing one or more flight components to the folding airframe, wherein said one or more flight components are configured to eject from the folding airframe upon a sudden impact.