Abstract: An aircraft used for short distance flights may have very different design characteristics than VTOL designs of conventional aircraft. The aircraft defined herein is radically different from existing aircraft and is intended to be used for short distance flights. This aircraft is horizontally circular (or at least symmetrical) with a thrust generating power source in the center. The structure around the power center has a cross sectional shape like a conventional airplane wing, such that air flowing over the top surface generates lift. This main structure is shaped like a donut and acts as both the aircraft fuselage and wing. The aircraft also may utilize lighter-than-air gas within the body structure or in attached external bladders to reduce the relative weight of the aircraft, thereby artificially increasing the power to weight ratio and improving operational efficiency.

Abstract: A VTOL aircraft includes a wing, a propulsion system, and an air dam. The propulsion system is located in a central void formed in the wing to cause air flow from an outer perimeter of the wing over the wing and down through the void to generate lift. The air dam is located over the central void to promote flow of air over the wing. The aircraft also may utilize sub-atmospheric pressure gas to reduce the relative weight of the aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electric motor for rotating an object around a central axis. The electric motor includes a motor casing. A circular segmented rail element is disposed within the motor casing about the central axis. The circular segmented rail element includes metallic non-ferrous segments interleaved with non-metallic segments. Each of the metallic non-ferrous segments has a predetermined segment length. At least one coil element is connected to the motor casing. The circular segmented rail element is disposed adjacent the at least one coil element. The at least one coil element has a predetermined coil length that is less than or equal to the predetermined segment length. The at least one coil element is configured to apply electromagnetic energy to the circular segmented rail element, such that the circular segmented rail element rotates around the central axis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electric motor for rotating an object around a central axis. The electric motor includes a motor casing. A circular segmented rail element is disposed within the motor casing about the central axis. The circular segmented rail element includes metallic non-ferrous segments interleaved with non-metallic segments. Each of the metallic non-ferrous segments has a predetermined segment length. At least one coil element is connected to the motor casing. The circular segmented rail element is disposed adjacent the at least one coil element. The at least one coil element has a predetermined coil length that is less than or equal to the predetermined segment length. The at least one-coil element is configured to apply electromagnetic energy to the circular segmented rail element, such that the circular segmented rail element rotates around the central axis.