CPC B64C 3/56 (2013.01) [B64C 3/185 (2013.01); B64C 3/30 (2013.01); B64D 17/80 (2013.01)] | 22 Claims |
1. A method of deploying an aircraft, the method comprising:
separating the aircraft from a launch vehicle, the aircraft having a wing pivotably coupled to a fuselage;
rotating, about an axis of rotation, the wing relative to the fuselage from a first rotational orientation to a second rotational orientation different from the first rotational orientation, wherein, in the first rotational orientation, the wing extends along a direction that substantially aligns with a longitudinal axis of the fuselage; and
extending an inflatable portion of the wing from a folded position, the inflatable portion to extend in a lateral direction away from the fuselage when the wing is rotated to the second rotational orientation.
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