Terrain-following transient surface contact vehicle

摘要

A terrain-following transient surface contact vehicle for transporting a load from a surface starting point to a surface end point has a structure for carrying the load from the starting point to the end point. A vehicle support extends from the structure and abuts the surface and thereby supports the vehicle at a predetermined distance above the surface. An acquisition sensor mounted on the structure initiates surface operations. A sensor is mounted on the structure and cooperates with the acquisition sensor to sense and track a target at the end point upon initiation of surface operations. A power source is mounted on the structure and cooperates with the sensor to energize upon tracking of the target and to move the vehicle along the surface to impact with the target at the end point. A position control mounted on the vehicle produces a negative pitching moment to maintain the structure in terrain-following contact with the surface.