DroneKite

DroneKite concept.

Idea to combine an aerial drone with a dispatchable kite for long-distance, low-energy transport. You read it here first - this has never been previously proposed anywhere. The drone with cargo takes off from the ground and releases the kite once it reaches a certain altitude. The high-altitude wind then allows for long-distance sailing, possibly over thousands of kilometers. Near the landing destination, the drone motors take over again and navigate the vehicle to the ground. The kite may be retracted at this point or manually on the ground.

• Relies on accurate weather prediction
• Bag for cargo (e.g. Flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC), i.e. "bulk bag").
• Especially suitable for cargo made up with powdery consistency (examples: powdered chemicals, flour, animal feeds, up to cereals). This is important safety feature, as the cargo can be dumped before a potential crash in case of loss of control or other failure.
• Can pick up new cargo and deliver it to yet another destination, eventually making its way around the world with the jet stream.
• Batteries can recharge on drag at high altitude. This just requires some velocity differential.
• May need to have more than one drone component for proper navigation. This is also a safety feature: in case one drone fails, the other one is still available to perform an emergency landing.
• DroneKite may need to be launched from a tower with its kite already deployed. This could allow for less powerful motors and hence lighter weight.
• implementation as a glider (sailplane) that is launched with a winch from the ground and then deploys the kite at altitude

Design Sketches

Concept with four drones for better navigation and power and attached FIBC as a safety feature (see above).