Chad M Richardson

US Patent:

20060097105, May 11, 2006

Filed:

Nov 11, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/986596

Inventors:

C. Stone - Greenville SC, US
Chad Richardson - Lawrence KS, US
Grant Wittenborn - Olathe KS, US
William Anemaat - Lawrence KS, US

International Classification:

B64C 29/00

US Classification:

24402300B

Abstract:

Systems for propelling and controlling attitude of aircraft. Systems according to certain embodiments of the invention employ a fan whose rotational axis is preferably generally parallel to the yaw axis of the aircraft and which is preferably generally aligned with the center of gravity of the aircraft at least during the vertical phases of flight. Efflux from the fan can be routed downward through a vertical outlet for providing lift and vertical flight, and aft through a propulsion duct for providing thrust in horizontal flight modes. Vanes in the vertical outlet can be used to direct flow of efflux more in a forward or aft direction for “balancing” of the aircraft about the rotor in vertical flight. A vector unit located away from the center of gravity of the aircraft, such as in or near the tail of the aircraft, through which engine efflux can be routed, employs vanes to direct efflux flow, in a controllable fashion, upward, downward, port and/or starboard for commensurate control of the pitch and yaw of the aircraft.