Aerial system utilizing a tethered uni-rotor network of satellite vehicles

An aerial system comprising:

• a central hub, two or more satellite vehicles, and tethers which secure each satellite vehicle to the central hub, which radiate outward in a hub-and-spoke arrangement;
• where the aerial system always operates in a state of rotation;
• where the central hub is a permanent member of the aerial system;
• where the central hub rotates with the aerial system;
• where each satellite vehicle comprises one or more wings to generate lift;
• where one or more of the wings comprises one or more structural members to maintain the rigidity of the wing;
• where each tether attaches to an inboard portion of the wing on each satellite vehicle;
• where the energy storage mass is located near the outboard portion of each satellite vehicle;
• where each satellite vehicle utilizes an asymmetrical layout;
• where each satellite vehicle has one or more propulsion units;
• where each satellite vehicle has a means of controlling its trajectory, through one or more of the following:
• (a) one or more of the propulsion units orients one or more of the thrust vectors relative to the satellite vehicle as a means of controlling each satellite vehicle, or
• (b) two or more of the propulsion units employ differential thrust as a means of controlling each satellite vehicle, or
• (c) one or more stabilizers are used to stabilize the trajectory of each satellite vehicle, or
• (d) one or more control surfaces are used as a means of controlling the trajectory of each satellite vehicle;
• such that, the rotation of the aerial system subjects each satellite vehicle to a centrifugal force;
• such that, the location of each tether connected to the inboard portion of the wing, and an energy storage mass located at the outboard portion of each satellite vehicle, places the one or more wings under tension;
• such that, a bending moment is alleviated within each structural member by reducing or eliminating the compression acting on each structural member;
• such that, abating compression from within the structural members, requires less structural material, and permits higher aspect ratio wings, than those that do not utilize centrifugal stiffening.