Patent ID: 8263919
Filing Date: 2012-09-11
Classification: F42B

Abstract:
1. A surveillance vehicle comprising a vessel and a parasail, wherein the vessel comprises: a canister having a stowage space in which the parasail is stowed, a sail deployer triggerable to deploy the parasail from the stowage space, a propulsion device for aerial movement of the vessel to an area of interest, a controller ascertaining arrival at the area of interest and triggering the sail deployer to deploy the parasail upon arrival above the area of interest, and a collector for collecting visual survey data from the area of interest; wherein: the vehicle is convertible from a pre-launch condition to a survey condition, when the vehicle is in the pre-launch condition, the parasail is stowed within the stowage space and the vessel is sized and shaped for launch from a mortar tube, when the vehicle is in the survey condition, the parasail is deployed from the stowage space and the vessel is supported thereby at an altitude of at least 100 feet; wherein the propulsion device includes a propeller, and a propeller motor used to drive the propeller; wherein the parasail includes: wherein the pull lines are attached to deployment arms within the vessel, to pull and/or pivot the pull lines after the parasail is deployed, to direct travel of the vehicle.