Abstract: An air vehicle has an airframe, aerodynamic lift-generating wings, and a propulsion system. The propulsion system provides propulsion to the air vehicle in powered aerodynamic flight mode and in vectored flight mode, and stability and control in vectored flight mode. The propulsion system includes a first set of non-pivotable first propulsion units, arranged in polygonal arrangement with respect to the airframe, enclosing the air vehicle center of gravity, providing a fixed vertical thrust vector and an aggregate vertical thrust sufficient for enabling vectored flight mode. The propulsion system includes a second set of pivotable second propulsion units, arranged in spaced relationship with respect to the center of gravity, and provide vectored control moments to the air vehicle in three rotational degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A payload elevator system and method are disclosed, configured for providing a plurality of alternative payload elevator configurations, each payload elevator configuration being configured for transporting a payload module. A composite air vehicle configuration is also provided, including a respective payload elevator configuration, the payload elevator configuration being defined by and provided by the payload elevator system, and also including at least one payload module reversibly engaged to the payload elevator configuration via a corresponding engagement and release system.

Abstract: An air vehicle has an airframe, aerodynamic lift-generating wings, and a propulsion system. The propulsion system provides propulsion to the air vehicle in powered aerodynamic flight mode and in vectored flight mode, and stability and control in vectored flight mode. The propulsion system includes a first set of non-pivotable first propulsion units, arranged in polygonal arrangement with respect to the airframe, enclosing the air vehicle center of gravity, providing a fixed vertical thrust vector and an aggregate vertical thrust sufficient for enabling vectored flight mode. The propulsion system includes a second set of pivotable second propulsion units, arranged in spaced relationship with respect to the center of gravity, and provide vectored control moments to the air vehicle in three rotational degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A payload elevator system and method are disclosed, configured for providing a plurality of alternative payload elevator configurations, each payload elevator configuration being configured for transporting a payload module. A composite air vehicle configuration is also provided, including a respective payload elevator configuration, the payload elevator configuration being defined by and provided by the payload elevator system, and also including at least one payload module reversibly engaged to the payload elevator configuration via a corresponding engagement and release system.