Scalable drone launcher

Abstract

A method and apparatus for scalable and fast deployment of drones are presented. The method is based on packing multiple drones within a cell structure that provides means for changing, communication and fast deployment of drones as well as environmental protection. Multiple cells can be combined the further scale up the number and rate of drones being deployed. In a preferable arrangement, individual drones are equipped with special contacts that allow them to connect to the cell and optionally with other drones for power supply, diagnostic and communication.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A scalable unmanned aerial vehicle launcher comprising:
 two or more drones,   a ferris wheel or a conveyor belt,   two or more launchpads, and   a controller, wherein:
 a) each of said two or more drones is equipped with a first set of bottom-facing contacts and each of said two or more launchpads is equipped with a second set of top-facing contacts, wherein:
 i. each of said launchpad's top-facing set of contacts connects to the bottom-facing set of contacts of a drone above it to form a matching set of contacts, 
 ii. each matching set of contacts can physically attach, hold, release or repel each other through turning on, off, or reversing the polarity of a magnetic force, 
 iii. each of said launchpads is placed on said ferris wheel or conveyor belt. 
 
   
     
     
         2 . The scalable launcher of  claim 1 , wherein each of said launchpads transfers power for battery charging and drone operation to the drone above it via said matching set of contacts. 
     
     
         3 . The scalable launcher of  claim 1 , wherein each of said launchpads transfers data or commands from said controller to the drone above it via said matching set of contacts. 
     
     
         4 . The scalable launcher of  claim 1 , wherein each of said launchpads transfer data from the drone above it to said controller via said matching set of contacts. 
     
     
         5 . The scalable launcher of  claim 1 , wherein said drones, said launchpads, said ferris wheel or conveyor belt, and optionally, said controller are placed in an environmental and or vibration protective enclosure having an optional door. 
     
     
         6 . The scalable launcher of  claim 1 , wherein different types of drones and or different types of payload carried by said drones are placed on said ferris wheel or conveyor belt. 
     
     
         7 . The launcher of  claim 1 , wherein said ferris wheel or conveyor belt can bring any drone at any order to a launch position for takeoff.