Unmanned aerial vehicle (uav) systems and methods for maintaining continuous uav operation

A computer-implemented method for maintaining UAV flight continuity, comprising:

• receiving a remaining battery charge signal from a first UAV;
• selectively deploying a second UAV, from a ground station when the remaining battery charge signal indicates that a remaining battery charge of the first UAV is below a threshold value;
• and
• returning the first UAV to the ground station.

A ground station comprising:

• a base plate including a first surface, a second surface, a proximal portion, a mid-portion and a distal portion, the mid-portion including a pivot member configured for lateral rotation of the base plate, the first surface is configured to store and charge a first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and the second surface is configured to store and charge a second UAV;
• a first linear rail;
• a first linear slider disposed on the first linear rail;
• a scissor lift configured to raise the mid-portion of the base plate, the scissor lift including:
• a top portion including a worm drive configured to rotate the base plate;
• a first leg fixedly attached to a first sidewall of the ground station;
• a second leg pivotably attached to the first linear slider;
• and
• a motor configured to actuate the second leg;
• a second linear rail;
• and
• a second linear slider disposed on the second linear rail and pivotably connected to the proximal portion of the base plate, the second linear slider configured for lateral motion along the second linear rail,
• wherein the base plate further includes:
• a first position where the first UAV is in a launch position and the second UAV is in a storage position;
• and
• a second position where the second UAV is in the launch position and the first UAV is in the storage position.