초록 ▼

A system and method are provided for using a first aircraft to retrieve a second aircraft. The first aircraft is typically larger than the second aircraft. A minimum airspeed of the first aircraft is typically greater than a maximum airspeed of the second aircraft. The first aircraft flies in a subs

A system and method are provided for using a first aircraft to retrieve a second aircraft. The first aircraft is typically larger than the second aircraft. A minimum airspeed of the first aircraft is typically greater than a maximum airspeed of the second aircraft. The first aircraft flies in a substantially circular pattern and extends a tow line, such that the tow line forms a substantially helical shape behind and below the first aircraft. Due to the helical shape, there is at least one point along the extended tow line at which the speed of the tow line is substantially equal to the speed of the second aircraft. The second aircraft can readily latch onto the tow line at that point, thereby minimizing potential damage otherwise caused by differential airspeeds.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A method of using a first aircraft to retrieve at least one second aircraft onto the first aircraft, comprising the steps of:flying the first aircraft along a first path;extending a tow line from the first aircraft such that the flying of the first aircraft along the first pat

What is claimed is: 1. A method of using a first aircraft to retrieve at least one second aircraft onto the first aircraft, comprising the steps of:flying the first aircraft along a first path;extending a tow line from the first aircraft such that the flying of the first aircraft along the first path causes a helical shape to be formed by the extended tow line behind and below the first aircraft;determining a point on the extended tow line at which a tow line speed is substantially equal to a second aircraft speed for each of the at least one second aircraft;adjusting an altitude of the first aircraft or the at least one second aircraft such that an altitude of the point on the extended tow line at which the tow line speed is substantially equal to the at least one second aircraft speed is substantially equal to an altitude of the at least one second aircraft for each of the at least one second aircraft; andsecuring each of the at least one second aircraft to the extended tow line.