US Patent 10343776 Directed fragmentation for unmanned airborne vehicles

Directed fragmentation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is described. In one embodiment, the UAV includes various components, such one or more motors, batteries, sensors, a housing, casing or shell, and a payload for delivery. Additionally, the UAV includes a controller. The controller determines a flight path and controls a flight operation of the UAV. During the flight operation, the controller develops a release timing and a release location for one or more of the components based on the flight path, the flight conditions, and terrain topology information, among other factors. The controller can also detect a disruption in the flight operation of the UAV and, in response, direct fragmentation of one or more of the components apart from the UAV. In that way, a controlled, directed fragmentation of the UAV can be accomplished upon any disruption to the flight operation of the UAV.