Utilizing multi-directional energy-absorbing landing gear for vertical takeoff and landing

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising:

• a UAV body constructed and arranged to carry a payload;
• a set of UAV wings coupled with the UAV body, the set of UAV wings being constructed and arranged to provide lift to the UAV;
• and
• a set of undercarriage apparatus coupled with at least one of the UAV body and the set of UAV wings, at least one undercarriage apparatus of the set of undercarriage apparatus including:
• an elastomeric vehicle mount,
• a leg,
• a coupling constructed and arranged to couple the leg with the elastomeric vehicle mount, the elastomeric vehicle mount being constructed and arranged to absorb energy provided from the leg through the coupling, and
• a spring-biased release pin coupled with the elastomeric vehicle mount, the spring-biased release pin being constructed and arranged to translate radially toward the coupling to secure the coupling to the elastomeric vehicle mount and away from the coupling to release the coupling from the elastomeric vehicle mount when the coupling resides within the elastomeric vehicle mount.

An undercarriage apparatus, comprising:

• an elastomeric vehicle mount;
• a leg;
• and
• a coupling constructed and arranged to couple the leg with the elastomeric vehicle mount, the elastomeric vehicle mount being constructed and arranged to absorb energy provided from the leg through the coupling;
• wherein the elastomeric vehicle mount includes:
• a base portion constructed and arranged to mount to a vehicle;
• an inner portion constructed and arranged to interface with the coupling;
• and
• an elastomeric member disposed between the base portion and the inner portion;
• and
• wherein the elastomeric member is spherical and separates the base portion from the inner portion to enable 360 degree angular deflection of the inner portion relative to the base portion.