Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has been granted a patent for an armed aerial platform that includes a weapon supported by a single-axis gimbal mechanism within a UAV body. The weapon’s elevation adjustment is controlled by the gimbal, while azimuth adjustment is achieved through UAV motion. GlobalData’s report on Rafael Advanced Defense Systems gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, AI assisted drone control was a key innovation area identified from patents. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems's grant share as of May 2024 was 28%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Armed aerial platform with single-axis gimbal mechanism
A newly granted patent (Publication Number: US11981459B2) details an armed aerial platform that combines a weapon system with a UAV. The platform includes a weapon capable of firing projectiles and a UAV with a rigid body housing the weapon in a central vertical slot. The UAV features a multirotor configuration with a propulsion system and a single-axis gimbal mechanism that controls the inclination angle of the weapon axis relative to the body. The design allows for a range of angles above and below a horizontal reference plane, enhancing flexibility and precision in targeting.
Furthermore, the patent describes a control system integrated into the armed aerial platform, including processors that communicate with the gimbal mechanism and propulsion system. This system enables alignment adjustments by changing the inclination angle and azimuthal alignment of the weapon axis in response to signals. Additionally, the platform incorporates image sensors for target tracking, with a tracking algorithm that processes images to maintain alignment with the target. The patent also outlines a method for operating the armed aerial platform, involving target acquisition, alignment of the weapon axis, and synchronized firing signals based on target location within images from the sensor. This innovative system offers a comprehensive solution for aerial targeting applications, combining precision weapon systems with advanced UAV technology for enhanced operational capabilities.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
