Aeronautics and astronautics – Miscellaneous
Patent
1993-10-28
1996-04-02
Grant, William
Aeronautics and astronautics
Miscellaneous
244 13, 244 62, 244190, 244194, B64C 3902
Patent
active
055033504
ABSTRACT:
An unmanned, remotely controlled microwave-powered aircraft for use as a stationary communications platform. The aircraft is generally a flying wing with a large, flat inner wing having a rectenna on the underside. Rectennas may also be provided on the underside of the wings, the combined output from the rectenna being used to provide power to two electric motors housed within torpedo-shaped nacelles which drive two rear propellers. The rectenna converts a microwave signal at 35 GHz generated by a ground power station utilizing dual gyrotrons and a 34-meter diameter antenna dish. The aircraft has a preferred airfoil cross section throughout and is constructed of lightweight but strong materials in order to provide an enhanced flying time of several months. A power management and distribution system manages the DC power produced by the rectenna to supply power to the flight controls, propulsion system and payload.
REFERENCES:
patent: D139634 (1944-12-01), Walker
patent: D145145 (1946-07-01), Riegel
patent: 1893129 (1933-01-01), Charpentier
patent: 2604276 (1952-07-01), Huben
patent: 4662588 (1987-05-01), Henderson
patent: 4943811 (1990-07-01), Alden et al.
patent: 4955562 (1990-09-01), Martin et al.
patent: 5068669 (1991-11-01), Koert et al.
patent: 5082204 (1992-01-01), Croston
patent: 5218374 (1993-06-01), Koert et al.
Grant William
Skysat Communications Network Corporation
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