Abstract: A lift platform with a kinesthetic control system that is coupled to means for altering air flow through the first and second longitudinally-spaced ducts comprising the lift platform is provided. The control system includes a control handle bar with left and right hand grips, and first and second control roll bars located on either side of the lift platform's central cowling. Forward/rearward movement of the control handle bar from a neutral position generates nose-down/nose-up pitching moments, respectively; counterclockwise/clockwise movement of the control handle bar from the neutral position generates counterclockwise rotation/clockwise rotation of the lift platform about a lift platform vertical centerline; and left movement/right movement of the control roll bars generates left roll/right roll moments about the lift platform roll axis.

Abstract: A system for augmenting ducted fan thrust is provided, the system including a peripheral ejector comprised of inner and outer cowling members. With the addition of actuators mounted between the trailing edges of the inner and outer cowling members, the system may be used to generate control moments in the ducted fan. The peripheral ejector may be segmented to form discrete ejector control sections.

Abstract: A lift platform with a kinesthetic control system that is coupled to means for altering air flow through the first and second longitudinally-spaced ducts comprising the lift platform is provided. The control system includes a control handle bar with left and right hand grips, and first and second control roll bars located on either side of the lift platform's central cowling. Forward/rearward movement of the control handle bar from a neutral position generates nose-down/nose-up pitching moments, respectively; counterclockwise/clockwise movement of the control handle bar from the neutral position generates counterclockwise rotation/clockwise rotation of the lift platform about a lift platform vertical centerline; and left movement/right movement of the control roll bars generates left roll/right roll moments about the lift platform roll axis.

Abstract: An augmented kinesthetic control system for use with a lift platform, the lift platform comprising first and second longitudinally-spaced thrust generating means, is provided. The first and second lift planes defined by the first and second thrust generating means are positioned below the lift platform center of gravity. The kinesthetic control means are coupled to means for aerodynamically altering the air flow from the first and second thrust generating means such that the intuitive and balancing movements of the pilot are magnified to allow kinesthetic control of a vehicle of greater size and utility.

Abstract: A system for augmenting ducted fan thrust is provided, the system including a peripheral ejector comprised of inner and outer cowling members. With the addition of actuators mounted between the trailing edges of the inner and outer cowling members, the system may be used to generate control moments in the ducted fan. The peripheral ejector may be segmented to form discrete ejector control sections.

Abstract: An augmented kinesthetic control system for use with a lift platform, the lift platform comprising first and second longitudinally-spaced thrust generating means, is provided. The first and second lift planes defined by the first and second thrust generating means are positioned below the lift platform center of gravity. The kinesthetic control means are coupled to means for aerodynamically altering the air flow from the first and second thrust generating means such that the intuitive and balancing movements of the pilot are magnified to allow kinesthetic control of a vehicle of greater size and utility.