US Patent:
20200189767, Jun 18, 2020
Inventors:
- Providence RI, US
Matthew Holvey - North Richland Hills TX, US
Assignee:
Textron Innovations Inc. - Providence RI
International Classification:
B64F 1/00
B64F 1/12
B64F 1/28
Abstract:
A heliport docking system provides automated transport, fueling, maintenance, and logistical management of VTOLs. The heliport docking system can include a plurality of helipads that can be autonomously transported from area-to-area to assist in the logistics of heliport management and control. The helipad system can include a surface on which a VTOL can land and a controller that can perform functions related to routing, maintenance, object detection, and transport, among others. The helipad system can releasably secure the VTOL to the helipad and transport the VTOL to different areas of the heliport system. The helipad system can also fuel the VTOL by providing, electricity, combustible fuel, or other suitable energy source, and perform a maintenance check of the VTOL and create maintenance crew of any VTOL irregularities.