Intelligent self-leveling docking system

A method for docking an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising:

• positioning a landing surface to provide a level landing area for a UAV;
• receiving a signal that the UAV has landed on the landing surface;
• and
• positioning the UAV in a predetermined area on the landing surface, wherein positioning the UAV comprises actuating one or more sliding wiper arms coupled with the landing surface to slide to contact the UAV resting on the landing surface and push the UAV along the landing surface to the predetermined area on the landing surface,
• wherein the landing surface comprises a first side, the first side configured to position the UAV, and a second side, the second side comprising one or more photovoltaic cells,
• and wherein the method further comprises orienting the second side of the landing surface to generate electricity when the UAV is away from the landing surface.

A system for extended operations of one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), comprising:

• a plurality of autonomous docking nodes each comprising:
• a landing surface;
• an orientation mechanism coupled with the landing surface configured to adjust the orientation of the landing surface;
• an alignment mechanism coupled with the landing surface, wherein the alignment mechanism comprises two or more sliding wiper arms coupled with the landing surface and configured to slide to contact a UAV resting on the landing surface and push the UAV along the landing surface to a predetermined location on the landing surface;
• and
• a refueling system associated with the landing surface that is configured to refuel UAVs located on the landing surface, wherein an operating range of the UAVs is extended through use of one or more autonomous docking nodes located remotely from personnel supporting the operation of the UAVs,
• wherein the landing surface comprises a first side comprising the alignment mechanism, and a second side that comprises one or more photovoltaic cells, and wherein the orientation mechanism is further operable to orient the second side of the landing surface to generate electricity when the UAV is away from the landing surface.