Gregory Edward Cole

US Patent:

20220177114, Jun 9, 2022

Filed:

Mar 11, 2020

Appl. No.:

17/438110

Inventors:

- Los Altos Hills CA, US
Gregory M. Cole - Bend OR, US

International Classification:

B64C 13/16
B64C 9/12
B64C 9/18
B64C 29/00

Abstract:

A winged vertical take-off and landing aircraft with compound control surfaces comprising flaps and ailerons which can be operated simultaneously with each other offers improved aerodynamic performance and maneuverability. Configuration of the compound control surfaces may be varied to optimize performance in hovering (vertical) flight modes, cruising (horizontal) flight modes, and transitional flight modes.

US Patent:

20230034258, Feb 2, 2023

Filed:

Jul 27, 2021

Appl. No.:

17/386189

Inventors:

- San Bernardino CA, US
Gregory M. Cole - Bend OR, US

Assignee:

Fenix Space, Inc. - San Bernardino CA

International Classification:

B64G 1/00
B64D 3/00
B64D 5/00
B64C 31/02

Abstract:

A launch system and method for orbital or suborbital air-launch of a payload involving releasably coupling a launch vehicle with a towed aircraft via an articulatable carriage to form an air-launch assembly, towing the air-launch assembly via a tow aircraft and interconnected tow cable to a first altitude, releasing the air-launch assembly from tow at or above the first altitude, activating the towed aircraft propulsion system and initiating a pull-up and climb maneuver of the towed aircraft to a second altitude, articulating the articulatable carriage to shift the air-launch assembly from a stowed position to a deployed position with the launch vehicle spaced from the towed aircraft, releasing the launch vehicle from the articulatable carriage and thus from the towed aircraft, and activating the launch vehicle propulsion system for further altitude gain or to meet specific mission requirements.