US 12,202,624 B2 · Heliport docking system

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.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A helipad configured to transport an aircraft, comprising:

an aircraft landing surface configured to receive an aircraft;
a plurality of connectors configured to selectively secure the aircraft to the helipad;
an aircraft fueling mechanism configured to provide the aircraft with an energy source;
an aircraft maintenance device configured to receive maintenance data from the aircraft;
and
a transport mechanism configured to transport the helipad between a plurality of predetermined areas, the predetermined areas comprising a landing area and a maintenance area;
and
a controller configured to:
determine that the maintenance data received from the aircraft indicates that the aircraft needs a maintenance activity;
and
in response to determining that the maintenance data received from the aircraft indicates that the aircraft needs the maintenance activity, send one or more instructions to the transport mechanism to transport the helipad to the maintenance area.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Heliport docking system

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Heliport docking system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20