Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method where retractable ducts or shrouds are extended over propeller(s) that are fixed in wing channels on an aircraft during takeoff and landing to increase flight safety and efficiency. Fully extending the duct or shroud during takeoff increases lift and upward thrust, while retracting the duct or shroud and stowing the duct or shroud inside of the wing during forward cruise decreases aircraft drag and increases lift. Duct or shroud extension during takeoff also enables critical safety and noise cancellation functionality. The method provided for safe and efficient takeoff can be applied in reverse order for safe and efficient landing.

Abstract: An embodiment ofthe invention provides a method where retractable ducts or shrouds are extended over propeller(s) that are fixed in wing channels on an aircraft during takeoff and landing to increase flight safety and efficiency. Fully extending the duct or shroud during takeoff increases lift and upward thrust, while retracting the duct or shroud and stowing the duct or shroud inside of the wing during forward cruise decreases aircraft drag and increases lift. Duct or shroud extension during takeoff also enables critical safety and noise cancellation functionality. The method provided for safe and efficient takeoff can be applied in reverse order for safe and efficient landing.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage and a pair of channel wings which may vary incidence with respect to the fuselage and a pair of channel canards which can also vary incidence with respect to the fuselage and that can move independently of each other for the purpose of vertical takeoff and landing as well as forward and reverse flight. The wings may have multiple channels and may be powered by single propeller or contra-rotating propellers. The thrust to the propellers may be provided with an internal combustion engine or electric motors or a turbo prop or hybrid system. The channel wing allows the fuselage to maintain a level pitch with respect to the horizon. The aircraft will also have increased maneuverability in hover because it can independently vary the incidence of the wings and canards and be able to tightly turn about a point.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage and a pair of channel wings which may vary incidence with respect to the fuselage and a pair of channel canards which can also vary incidence with respect to the fuselage and that can move independently of each other for the purpose of vertical takeoff and landing as well as forward and reverse flight. The wings may have multiple channels and may be powered by single propeller or contra-rotating propellers. The thrust to the propellers may be provided with an internal combustion engine or electric motors or a turbo prop or hybrid system. The channel wing allows the fuselage to maintain a level pitch with respect to the horizon. The aircraft will also have increased maneuverability in hover because it can independently vary the incidence of the wings and canards and be able to tightly turn about a point.

Abstract: An aircraft including a fuselage and at least one wing which may vary incidence with respect to the fuselage for the purpose of extremely short take off and landing and an air cushion system mounted beneath the fuselage for the purpose of surface independent taxi, take off, and landing. The wings may be straight, forward swept, swept, or have the ability to change shape and sweep based on the conditions of flight. The air cushion system may use engine thrust for lift or may use a separate lift system, which is specifically used for the air cushion. The air cushion skirt may also be rigid, non-rigid, or semi-rigid, but shall incorporate a flotation and support system, to allow flotation on water and parking of the aircraft on solid surfaces.