Abstract: An airborne surveillance platform utilizes a low aspect ratio delta-shaped aircraft having a radar-transparent hull. The antenna is located within, and stationary relative to, the hull. The antenna comprises planar or linear phased arrays arranged to scan in a continuous 360 degree pattern in all azimuthal directions or in a continuous 180 degree pattern in all forward azimuthal directions. Planar phased arrays can be arranged to scan in a continuous pattern in the range from zenith to nadir or in portions of that range. In the case of forward direction scanning, the antenna arrays are located immediately inside the radar-transparent leading edges of the aircraft hull, thereby allowing a large cargo space within the hull between the antenna arrays. Access to the cargo space is provided through an opening in the trailing edge.

Abstract: An unexpectedly high augmentation of aerodynamic lift for a given amount of power in STOL operation of a V/STOL aircraft is achieved by combining the unique features of a lifting body with those of a "jet flap", i.e. an aerodynamic mechanism in which a slipstream is directed over a deflected flap. Specifically, a movable flap is located on the trailing edge of the lifting body, and a tiltable propeller, which propels the aircraft in the normal manner in cruising, may be tilted, in low-speed flight, in order to direct air toward the leading edge of the flap and over the upper surface thereof. The movement of a large mass of air at a higher velocity over the upper surface of the flap maintains the air flow over the flap in an attached condition, and entrains and energizes the lower-velocity boundary layer on the airfoil forward of the flap, thereby producing an augmentation in lift.