Microwave-powered aircraft
Patent 5503350 Issued on April 2, 1996. Estimated Expiration Date: 
October 28, 2013. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
October 28, 2013. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References D139634 D145145 1893129 2604276 Airplane configured with a moveable disk structure Dual polarization electromagnetic power reception and conversion system Microwave powered aircraft Power beaming system All wing aircraft Power beaming system with printer circuit radiating elements having resonating cavities Patent #: 5218374 InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 145204 filed on 10/28/1993US Classes:244/1R, MISCELLANEOUS244/13, Airplane sustained244/62, AIRCRAFT PROPULSION244/190, Of pilotless aircraft244/194Monitoring circuit or responseExaminersPrimary: Grant, WilliamAttorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassB64C 039/02AbstractAn unmanned, remotely controlled microwave-powered aircraft for use as a stationary communications platform. The aircraft is generally a flying wing with a large, flat inner wing having a rectenna on the underside. Rectennas may also be provided on the underside of the wings, the combined output from the rectenna being used to provide power to two electric motors housed within torpedo-shaped nacelles which drive two rear propellers. The rectenna converts a microwave signal at 35 GHz generated by a ground power station utilizing dual gyrotrons and a 34-meter diameter antenna dish. The aircraft has a preferred airfoil cross section throughout and is constructed of lightweight but strong materials in order to provide an enhanced flying time of several months. A power management and distribution system manages the DC power produced by the rectenna to supply power to the flight controls, propulsion system and payload. | |
