Towed sensor array maneuvering system and methods

A method for maneuvering a sensor array on a towed airborne vehicle independently of a towing airborne vehicle, the method comprising:

• sensing by a sensor array on a towed airborne vehicle during flight, sensed signals from a desired ground path via the sensor array so that the towed airborne vehicle actively tracks the desired ground path, wherein the desired ground path taken by the towed airborne vehicle is independent of a path taken by a towing aircraft;
• actively maneuvering the towed airborne vehicle comprising the sensor array via a plurality of surfaces coupled thereto;
• and
• controlling the surfaces based on the sensed signals such that the desired ground path is tracked by the towed airborne vehicle.

A method for towing a towed airborne vehicle independently of a towing airborne vehicle, the method comprising:

• pulling a towed sensor array maneuvering system by the towing airborne vehicle, the sensor array maneuvering system comprising:
• the towed airborne vehicle operable to be pulled by the towing airborne vehicle via a tow cable, and follow a path independently of the towing airborne vehicle;
• a controller coupled to the towed airborne vehicle and operable to actively control the towed airborne vehicle based on and as a function of sensed signals;
• and
• a sensor array coupled to the towed airborne vehicle and operable to receive sensed signals during flight, from a desired ground path to be followed by the towed airborne vehicle, the sensor array operably controlled by the controller so that the towed airborne vehicle actively tracks the desired ground path independent of a path of the towing airborne vehicle and is actively maneuvered in response to the sensed signals.