Patent ID: 8172172
Filing Date: 2012-05-08
Classification: B64C,B64D,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A method for docking together two or more aircraft, each aircraft comprising an aerodynamic lifting structure with a first end and a second end, the method comprising the steps of: moving a first aircraft and a second aircraft such that the second end of a first aerodynamic lifting structure of the first aircraft and the first end of a second aerodynamic lifting structure are within a first predetermined distance of each other; substantially reducing air vortices located at the second end of the first aerodynamic lifting structure of the first aircraft; substantially reducing air vortices located at the first end of the second aerodynamic lifting structure of the second aircraft; moving any aerodynamic lifting structure air vortices existing around tip areas of the aerodynamic lifting structures away from each respective aerodynamic lifting structure tip area; and hard docking the first aircraft with the second aircraft.