US 12,291,359 B2
Rotorcraft-assisted system for launching and retrieving a fixed-wing aircraft into and from free flight
Andreas H. von Flotow, Hood River, OR (US); and Corydon C. Roeseler, Hood River, OR (US)
Assigned to Hood Technology Corporation, Hood River, OR (US)
Filed by Hood Technology Corporation, Hood River, OR (US)
Filed on Jan. 9, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/408,030.
Application 18/408,030 is a division of application No. 17/246,969, filed on May 3, 2021, granted, now 11,897,628.
Application 17/246,969 is a continuation of application No. 16/119,283, filed on Aug. 31, 2018, granted, now 11,027,844, issued on Jun. 8, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/554,730, filed on Sep. 6, 2017.
Prior Publication US 2024/0182170 A1, Jun. 6, 2024
Int. Cl. B64D 5/00 (2006.01); B64F 1/02 (2006.01); B64F 1/04 (2006.01); B64F 1/222 (2024.01); B64U 10/25 (2023.01); B64U 50/13 (2023.01); B64U 70/20 (2023.01); B64U 80/82 (2023.01); B64U 70/30 (2023.01)
CPC B64U 70/20 (2023.01) [B64D 5/00 (2013.01); B64F 1/029 (2020.01); B64F 1/0295 (2020.01); B64F 1/04 (2013.01); B64F 1/222 (2013.01); B64U 10/25 (2023.01); B64U 50/13 (2023.01); B64U 80/82 (2023.01); B64U 70/30 (2023.01)] 9 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An aircraft launch apparatus comprising:
a bottom attachment assembly configured to receive a fixed wing aircraft, the bottom attachment assembly including a saddle movable between an open position and a locked position, the saddle including one or more front engagers and one or more rear engagers configured to engage the fixed-wing aircraft, the one or more front engagers are each configured to engage a top and a bottom of a respective wing of the fixed-wing aircraft;
a plurality of landing legs connected to the bottom attachment assembly; and
a top attachment assembly connected to the bottom attachment assembly and configured to receive a flexible member.