Abstract: An aircraft is provided with a wing assembly mounted in a slipstream of a source of propulsion of the aircraft. The aircraft includes a body having a longitudinal axis, a wing assembly carried by the body and including a moveable portion moveable relative to the body and a wing carried by the moveable portion. A first actuator is coupled to the moveable portion to move it relative to the body in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the body. A second actuator is coupled to the wing to move the wing relative to the moveable portion and between first and second positions. The second actuator at least selectively permits uninhibited pivoted movement of the wing relative to the body in response to aerodynamic forces acting on the wing so that the wing may pivot to a position wherein the forces acting on the wing are balanced.

Abstract: Three aspects are disclosed of an airstream control system for a hovercraft that includes a platform and a lift gas chamber beneath the platform. Firstly, the system includes an impeller for receiving air at an inlet and discharging pressurized air at an outlet as an airstream. The impeller is positioned above an orifice of the lift gas chamber. The impeller is supported along a first axis transverse to the airstream and about which the impeller is rotatable by a first axis frame that is rotatable about a pair of first axis supports fixed to the platform. The impeller is further supported along a second axis transverse to the airstream and about which the impeller is rotatable by a second axis frame that is attached to the first axis frame and that comprises a first arm supporting a first point of the impeller and extending upstream of the impeller.

Abstract: Three aspects are disclosed of an airstream control system for a hovercraft that includes a platform and a lift gas chamber beneath the platform. Firstly, the system includes an impeller for receiving air at an inlet and discharging pressurized air at an outlet as an airstream. The impeller is positioned above an orifice of the lift gas chamber. The impeller is supported along a first axis transverse to the airstream and about which the impeller is rotatable by a first axis frame that is rotatable about a pair of first axis supports fixed to the platform. The impeller is further supported along a second axis transverse to the airstream and about which the impeller is rotatable by a second axis frame that is attached to the first axis frame and that comprises a first arm supporting a first point of the impeller and extending upstream of the impeller.

Abstract: A sealed, air-containing vehicle suspension assembly. The assembly includes an endless track unit trained over a pair of wheel units each supported by the end portion of an axle, a pair of side plates, and a pair of dynamic seal assemblies. The dynamic seal assemblies each include a diaphragm portion with its outer margin secured to outer margins of the track unit and its inner margin carried by support units extending inwardly from the track. The primary seal unit has a tubular cross section and its inner sidewall affixed to the inner diaphragm margin. A part of the primary seal outer sidewall has a smooth sidewall sealing surfaces which engages an inwardly facing surface of its associated end plate along a path generally parallel to the travel path of the track.

Abstract: A buoyant-wheeled vehicle for operation over difficult terrain utilizing low ground pressure supports combined in a crawler configuration. A plurality of individual air-pressurized, inflatable casing units are interconnected to each other and supported for movement in an endless path of movement to form the air-track crawler on which the vehicle is supported.

Abstract: A lightweight, man carrying aircraft including a skeletal fuselage assembly in combination with a primary arc-shaped lifting airfoil having variable camber, incidence angle, and pitching moment and a secondary stabilizing airfoil of a tubular, ring-like configuration. The arc-shaped primary airfoil is superior to traditional low speed airfoil forms due to its high aerodynamic efficiency, inherent design simplicity and strength. The ring-tail assembly, offering marginal aerodynamic lift, contributes significantly to the in-flight stability and safety of the aircraft. Both airfoil members are independently controllable and constructed of a fabric or like skin material which is fitted over a wing assembly and tensioned into an operable airfoil form by the aerodynamic forces of the air during flight. Typically, the wing assemblies are supported and maintained by a lightweight, tubular fuselage structure to which is affixed the propulsion system, control mechanisms and ground support assemblies.

Abstract: An air track device employing an air cushion principle to reduce ground pressure of a vehicle such as a tandem dual, utilizing an endless belt for operative connection to the tandem dual wheels and maintained at a predetermined internal pressure. The endless belt operates in connection with several embodiments of a tubular edge seal for sealing the interior of the chamber defined by the endless belt and for directing a peripheral air jet against a portion of the underside of the belt to create a proximity and lubricating effect.

Abstract: A ground effect vehicle of the type supported by a cushion of gas and especially adapted for use within specially constructed roadways providing guidance along a plurality of axes. The application describes vehicles having skirts with lower margins adapted to conform to the cross sections of the roadways, with the roadways preferably being of arcuate cross section whereby sustenance of the vehicle is accomplished by maintaining an air cushion between the skirt and the bottom portion of the roadway, and whereby turning of the vehicle is accomplished by the banking of the vehicle in combination with the reaction to a curvilinear roadway sidewall, or in response to thrust having a lateral vector, or both.