Daniel Delong

US Patent:

20190168887, Jun 6, 2019

Filed:

Sep 19, 2018

Appl. No.:

16/135998

Inventors:

John A. Burgener - Mississauga, CA
Mitchell Burnside Clapp - Arlington VA, US
Daniel Lee DeLong - Midland TX, US

International Classification:

B64D 39/00
B64C 39/02
B64G 1/00
B64G 1/14
B64D 5/00

Abstract:

A high altitude vehicle is brought to a desired altitude above sea-level prior to the transfer of fuel and/or oxidant from an airplane to the high altitude vehicle. The high altitude vehicle may be towed to the desired altitude by a tow airplane or may reach the desired altitude under its own power. At the desired altitude, the high altitude vehicle is connected to the tow airplane via a tow cable. Alternatively, the high altitude vehicle may be mechanically carried by the tow airplane. Fuel and/or oxidant is transferred to the high altitude vehicle from the tow airplane via respective fuel and/or oxidant lines. The high altitude vehicle then separates from the tow airplane and proceeds to high altitude under its own power. The high altitude vehicle weighs less and may have smaller wings than a comparable vehicle configured for self-powered, fully fueled flight from takeoff.

US Patent:

20180265211, Sep 20, 2018

Filed:

Mar 24, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/468878

Inventors:

John A. Burgener - Mississauga, CA
Mitchell Burnside Clapp - Arlington VA, US
Daniel Lee DeLong - Midland TX, US

International Classification:

B64D 39/00
B64D 5/00
B64C 39/02
B64G 1/14
B64G 1/00
B64D 27/02

Abstract:

A high altitude vehicle is brought to a desired altitude above sea-level prior to the transfer of fuel and/or oxidant from an airplane to the high altitude vehicle. The high altitude vehicle may be towed to the desired altitude by a tow airplane or may reach the desired altitude under its own power. At the desired altitude, the high altitude vehicle is connected to the tow airplane via a tow cable. Alternatively, the high altitude vehicle may be mechanically carried by the tow airplane. Fuel and/or oxidant is transferred to the high altitude vehicle from the tow airplane via respective fuel and/or oxidant lines. The high altitude vehicle then separates from the tow airplane and proceeds to high altitude under its own power.