VTOL launching and retrieval systems

Claim 1

A VTOL launching and retrieval system using in combination: (a) a VTOL landing gear comprising in combination a single cylindrical stud having shock absorbing means, the structure of said stud being adequately rugged to withstand the clamping required to fully restrain said VTOL in a vertical direction by friction, without affecting the operation of said shock absorber and (b) a retrieval means at the landing site having a mechanical arm comprising: two digits, at least one of which is movable in an essentially horizonal plane from an open position to a closed position to guide said stud into a slot formed by said digits in said closed position; said mechanical arm further comprising stud clamping jaws, at least one of which is movable in said slot to further guide said stud in said horizontal plane to a predetermined position where it can be clamped by said jaws to fully restrain said VTOL, said combination thereby providing a VTOL retrieval by means of an orderly transfer of the control of the VTOL from that of its own flight control system to the control of said mechanical arm.