Abstract: An apparatus and method in which a vehicle is guided along a path defined by a centerline and left and right boundaries parallel to and spaced laterally on opposite sides thereof and in which a passenger in the vehicle can steer it for lateral movement between the boundaries. The method and apparatus utilize an electrical conductor to define the center of the pathway and a sensor for sensing the position of the vehicle relative to the electrical conductor. Based on a comparison of the position of the vehicle and the steering command received from the passenger, as well as the steer angle position of the vehicle, the vehicle is confined to a predetermined envelope, while permitting the passenger to steer the vehicle within the envelope.

Abstract: The invention is a propulsion system for powering an aircraft in both vertical and horizontal flight modes. In detail, the invention includes a pair of ducted lift fans mounted in the aircraft for providing thrust in the vertical flight mode. A pair of ducted cruise fans are mounted in the aircraft for providing thrust in the horizontal flight mode. Two sets of turboshaft engines are mounted in the aircraft with each of the sets comprising a plurality of the turboshaft engines, each turboshaft engine including an output shaft and having an optimal power output sufficient for powering one of the pair of ducted cruise fans in the horizontal flight mode. Each of the sets includes a sufficient number of the turboshaft engines to provide an optimal power output for powering one of the pair of ducted lift fans and one of the pairs of ducted cruise fans the vertical flight mode. A shafting system is mounted in the aircraft for coupling all of the turboshaft engines to the pairs of ducted fans.

Abstract: The invention is a propulsion system for powering an aircraft in both vertical and horizontal flight modes. In detail, the invention includes first and second gas-driven ducted lift fans mounted in the aircraft for providing thrust in the vertical flight mode. First and second shaft-driven ducted cruise fans that have inlet ducts and bypass air ducts that are mounted in the aircraft for providing thrust in the horizontal flight mode and supercharged air for the engines in all flight modes. First and second gas transfer ducts couple the bypass air ducts of the first and second ducted cruise fans to the first and second turbo compressors, respectively. First and second shaft-driven turbo compressors are mounted in the first and second gas transfer ducts, respectively. First and second high-pressure feed ducts couple the first and second shaft-driven turbo compressors to the first and second ducted lift fans, respectively.

Abstract: The invention is a propulsion system for powering an aircraft in both vertical and horizontal flight modes. In detail, the invention comprises a gas-driven ducted lift fan mounted in the aircraft for providing thrust in the vertical flight mode. A turbofan engine is mounted in the aircraft that comprises a fan section for providing thrust in the horizontal flight mode and a turboshaft engine having an output drive shaft coupled to the fan section for driving same. A gas transfer duct is mounted in the aircraft having a first end adapted to receive exhaust air from the fan section and a second end coupled to the lift fan. A turbocompressor is mounted in the transfer duct and a combustor is mounted in the transfer duct between the turbocompressor and the lift fan, the combustor for receiving and burning fuel and providing combustion gases for driving the ducted left fan. A shafting system couples the turbocompressor to the output shaft of the turboshaft engine.