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.

Abstract: An aircraft body has a pair of hydraulic fluid-operated motors mounted on it, a pair of stream-creating devices driven by the motors and symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the body. One or more hydraulic fluid-flow producing devices has at least a pair of separate fluid-handling chambers each connected to one of a pair of separate outlets, and including arrangements for fluid-tight separation of the chambers and outlets, so that fluid from each chamber passes through only one of the outlets. A pair of displacement units is associated with the fluid-handling chambers, respectively, and an equally acting actuator arrangement cooperates equally with both of the two displacement units for maintaining equal movements of the two displacement units so that fluid flows in the outlets at proportionate and equal flow rates. A pair of delivery passages connects each of the outlets with a different one of the motors, respectively.

Abstract: An airplane having a fuselage, a high wing projecting from the upper part of the fuselage to either side first at an upward angle and then slightly downwardly whereby said wing presents a gull wing frontal contour, fins to either side and forward of and at the bottom of the fuselage with ducted fans nested to the wing under the high point of the gull wing frontal contour to be unobstructed thereby.

Abstract: A vertical takeoff and landing airplane has a plurality of rotors which are positioned selectively about the center of balance of the airplane so that it can hover upon failure of any one of the rotors. Each rotor is driven by an associated steam propulsion unit and the rotors and propulsion units are constructed so that they may be tilted about their lateral axes from vertical lift positions to horizontal propulsion positions while the airplane is in flight. The working fluid upon which the propulsion units operate is supplied from two or more combustion centers which are separated from the propulsion units, and which produce a high pressure steam-combustion product mixture, automatically at a constant pressure, which is routed to a common pressure system for powering the individual propulsion units. Should one of the fuel combustion centers fail, the steam pressure requirements are provided for automatically by the remaining fuel combustion centers.