Tethered Hovering Platform (THP)

University of Kansas
posted on 06/17/2010

The THP is a lightweight hovering device that remains tethered in place to a vehicle on the ground. The THP can be equipped with various types of sensors and surveillance equipment. Additionally, because the THP is tethered and flies under 150 feet, it would be permissible to use under Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Title 14 101.15.

Suggested Uses

Aerial surveillance and reconnaissance - Border and coastal surveillance - Intelligence - Drug interdiction - Search and rescue - First responder events - Accident investigation - Environmental control/Weather monitoring - Fire control - Crop monitoring - Construction site monitoring - Land planning and development - Aerial photography - Aerial crowd management - Media coverage - Major sports events - Fairs and festivals -

Advantages

Lightweight - Carry a variety of sensors - Vertical take off and landing - Meets FAA requirements - Wind stability - Low cost - Low operating cost - Low energy consumption - Easy to deploy, operate, and transport - Little risk of collateral damage

Innovation Details

Detailed Description

The THP is a lightweight device that remains tethered in place to a vehicle on the ground by three cables, can be equipped with various types of surveillance equipment, and can quickly elevate vertically into the air by simple controls. The use of cables allows the utilization of the "kite effect" for hovering purposes, while also providing a smooth, safe pulley-controlled landing. The use of cabling creates favorable flight conditions, reducing the need for coordination and integration with high-cost aerial control, monitoring and navigation systems. The system‟s cabling also allows it to be powered by a typical vehicle‟s 12 volt accessory outlet, negating the need for time-consuming charging of the battery between flights.

File Number: 09KU027L

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