Abstract: An aircraft airfoil having an internal thrust unit and an aircraft having the same are provided. The airfoil includes a skin structure having a lower surface extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the airfoil over which air flows during forward flight. A thrust system is connected to the skin structure and includes a thrust unit generating an airflow that is at least partially expelled through an outlet in the lower surface of the skin structure. At least one outlet cover is connected to the skin structure and movable between a forward flight position, in which the at least one outlet cover is configured to deflect the airflow in an at least partially rearward direction, and a vertical flight position, in which the at least one outlet cover is substantially clear of the airflow which is directed in an at least partially downward direction.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 4, 2021
Date of Patent:
January 10, 2023
Assignee:
Horizon Aircraft Inc.
Inventors:
Eric Brian Robinson, Eric Brandon Robinson
Abstract: An aircraft airfoil disclosed herein has a forward skin structure at least partially defining a leading edge of the airfoil and an aft skin structure at least partially defining a trailing edge of the airfoil. At least one of the forward skin structure and the aft skin structure is movable relative to the other of the forward skin structure and the aft skin structure between a closed position, in which at least one thrust fan positioned between the leading edge and the trailing edge is at least partially covered, and an open position, in which the at least one thrust fan is less covered than in the closed position.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 21, 2020
Date of Patent:
May 11, 2021
Assignee:
HORIZON AIRCRAFT INC.
Inventors:
Eric Brian Robinson, Eric Brandon Robinson