Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a blown flying wing tailsitter aircraft leveraging distributed electric propulsion to enable a combination of exceptional aerodynamic performance and high bandwidth control in both vertical (hovering) and horizontal flight. A pilot in one disclosed embodiment may be in the prone position during cruise and standing during vertical flight phase to enable greater aerodynamic efficiency with minimal engineering complexity and a small landing footprint. Batteries may be disposed in a high-volume wing sealed off from the piloted compartment to increase the safety of the pilot while distributing the inertial load of batteries and motors across the wingspan, thus enabling a lighter and simpler structure. Propellers may be above head-level for operational safety when the aircraft is standing on the ground.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a blown flying wing tailsitter aircraft leveraging distributed electric propulsion to enable a combination of exceptional aerodynamic performance and high bandwidth control in both vertical (hovering) and horizontal flight. A pilot in one disclosed embodiment may be in the prone position during cruise and standing during vertical flight phase to enable greater aerodynamic efficiency with minimal engineering complexity and a small landing footprint. Batteries may be disposed in a high-volume wing sealed off from the piloted compartment to increase the safety of the pilot while distributing the inertial load of batteries and motors across the wingspan, thus enabling a lighter and simpler structure. Propellers may be above head-level for operational safety when the aircraft is standing on the ground.