Abstract: An airflow adjusting apparatus includes a downward airflow generator, a rearward airflow generator, and a controller. The downward airflow generator is configured to generate an airflow, and is disposed at a front edge of a movable body to generate the airflow traveling in downward direction. The rearward airflow generator is configured to generate an airflow, and is disposed at a lower surface of the movable body to generate the airflow traveling in a rearward direction. The controller is configured to perform switching between a lifting-force increase control and a lifting-force suppression control in accordance with a state of the movable body to execute one of the controls. The lifting-force increase control is a control of activating the downward airflow generator and deactivating the rearward airflow generator. The lifting-force suppression control is a control of deactivating the downward airflow generator and activating the rearward airflow generator.

Abstract: A multifunctional mattress overlay of the present invention comprises an air cell body, a gas pipe set and an inflating device. The air cell body has multiple first and second air cells. The first and second air cells both have a left and right air chamber. The gas pipe set respectively connects to the left and right air chambers. The inflating device is connected to the gas pipe set, and can selectively inflate and/or deflate the left and right air chambers, which makes the air cell body show an alternate state. The inflating device can inflate and/or deflate all the right or all left air chambers separately, which makes the air cell body show a turnover state. Through it, the air cell body can selectively in the alternating state or the turnover state, which makes the air cell body massage the patient and also assist the patient in turning over.

Abstract: A system for lifting and transporting an aircraft comprising a movable platform, a lower lift system, and a first pair of wheels. The platform comprises a frame having an upper and a lower surface and a plurality of hook ups. The lower lift system is configured to raise the platform and an aircraft supported by the frame. The lower lift system comprises a lifter selected from the group consisting of: at least one hydraulic jack, at least one pneumatic jack, slots for forklift arms, at least one inflatable airbag, and combinations of any or all of the foregoing. The first pair of wheels are coupled to or configured for coupling to the frame so that the raised platform with an aircraft supported by the platform can be transported. A method of using the system comprises positioning the system beneath an aircraft and lifting the platform and the aircraft.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to end-user modification of the driving behavior of a vehicle when operating in an autonomous driving mode. One embodiment stores disengagement data associated with an autonomous driving mode of the vehicle; outputs, to an end user from the stored disengagement data, a report of a disengagement that occurred along a particular route identified by the end user due to incorrect identification, by a sensor system of the vehicle, of an object; receiving, from the end user, a corrective input that includes labeling the object; and modifying automatically one or more autonomous driving modules of the vehicle in accordance with the corrective input to prevent future disengagements when the vehicle is traveling along the particular route in the autonomous driving mode.

Abstract: A valve for an inflatable device includes a pocket configured to be located in a cavity of the inflatable device. The pocket includes an entrance opening to receive air from an air source and an exit opening to deliver air to the cavity. The exit opening is spaced apart from the entrance opening, such that airflow passes through the valve by flowing from the entrance opening, through the pocket, and out through the exit opening to enter the cavity. The pocket may include a second exit opening spaced from the entrance opening and the exit opening, and may include a first branch and a second branch extending away from each other, and wherein the exit opening is located on the first branch and the second exit opening is located on the second branch.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a motor vehicle is instantaneously driven manually or automatically, the motor vehicle being operable in a first operating mode in which the motor vehicle may be driven manually, and operable in a second operating mode in which the motor vehicle may be driven automatically. The method includes checking whether minimum conditions are met. If the change instruction specifies that a change is to be made from the first into the second operating mode, determining that the motor vehicle is instantaneously driven automatically when all minimum conditions are met, and otherwise, determining that the motor vehicle is instantaneously driven manually. If the change instruction specifies that a change is to be made from the second into the first operating mode, determining that the motor vehicle is instantaneously driven manually when all minimum conditions are met, and otherwise, determining that the motor vehicle is instantaneously driven automatically.

Abstract: A device designed for the three-dimensional geometrical detection of an environment includes at least one inertial measurement system for provisionally calculating a trajectory of the detection device. The device is calibrated by steps of: (a) positioning and/or orienting the detection device in a position and/or orientation with respect to at least one reference point characterized by at least one predefined relative coordinate, or determining at least one relative coordinate which characterizes the position and/or the orientation of the detection device relative to at least one reference point; (b) determining at least one error variable which characterizes the deviation of the relative coordinate in accordance with step (a) from the relative coordinate(s) provisionally calculated by the inertial measurement system; and (c) if the error variable fulfills a predefined correction criterion, correcting the provisional trajectory.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate generally to autonomous vehicles and associated mechanical, electrical and electronic hardware, computer software and systems, and wired and wireless network communications to provide an autonomous vehicle fleet as a service. In particular, a method may include identifying a location of a user device associated with a user, transmitting a command to an autonomous vehicle system associated with an autonomous vehicle service to transit to the location, and providing information associated with the user device to the autonomous vehicle system, where the information includes configuration data to adapt one or more sub-systems of the autonomous vehicle. Sub-systems of the autonomous vehicle may include interior lighting, ambient sound, road handling, seating configuration, communication synchronization, and temperature control systems.

Abstract: A system and method for the real-time optimization of aircraft fuel economy includes sensors to monitor in-flight performance characteristics, to monitor the status of aircraft control elements during flight, to monitor fuel consumption, and to identify aircraft position information during flight. A processor is coupled to receive information from the sensors. During flight, the processor calculates a current performance level by entering the received information into a predetermined flight model. The processor then determines, based on a comparison of the calculated current performance level with a predetermined expected performance level, a current level of fuel efficiency. Next, the processor determines any parameter changes for improving fuel efficiency. Finally, the processor causes the determined parameter changes to be displayed on a flight deck display. The flight crew may then selectively implement one or more of the determined parameter changes via the flight deck display.

Abstract: A sensor system runs real-time software on the processor to receive and log temperature and humidity data from the sensors. A processor processes the data, reformats, if necessary, the data packaged with GPS information provided by the centralized sensor control system, transmits the packaged data (including error checking) to a designated receiver, and provides a diagnostic interface for displaying logged data and status information. This data is time stamped and transmitted to the centralized sensor control system across the external control/data interface.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and related methods for balancing two or more pieces of independently rotating (e.g., not synchrophased) machinery are provided. In some aspects, the devices, systems, and methods can provide improved balancing techniques and can include providing a controller configured to simultaneously measure/receive vibration data and control balancers, one balancer at a time. In some aspects, the controller can calculate a beating cycle or a beating period using vibration data received from multiple rotating machines. In some aspects, a balance correction command can be derived in part from either one of: (a) an interpolation of an average vibration of the first rotating machine from a complex vibration of the multiple rotating machines or (b) an average vibration derived from one or more rules applied based upon the duration of the beating period or the beating cycle.

Abstract: Example systems and methods enable an autonomous vehicle to request assistance from a remote operator in certain predetermined situations. One example method includes determining a representation of an environment of an autonomous vehicle based on sensor data of the environment. Based on the representation, the method may also include identifying a situation from a predetermined set of situations for which the autonomous vehicle will request remote assistance. The method may further include sending a request for assistance to a remote assistor, the request including the representation of the environment and the identified situation. The method may additionally include receiving a response from the remote assistor indicating an autonomous operation. The method may also include causing the autonomous vehicle to perform the autonomous operation.

Abstract: A fan, including a volute, a motor, and multiple fan blades that are assembled on a rotor of the motor, where the volute includes a side wall that is disposed around circumference of the multiple fan blades, and a support frame that is connected to an end of the side wall and located on an inner side of the side wall; and the rotor of the motor drives the multiple fan blades to rotate, where multiple through-holes are disposed on the side wall of the volute, and at least more than one of the multiple through-holes is a slant through-hole.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates use of an image. During operation, the system uses a set of images from a camera on a device to obtain a set of features in proximity to the device, wherein the set of images comprises the image. Next, the system uses the set of images and inertial data from one or more inertial sensors on the device to obtain a set of three-dimensional (3D) locations of the features. Finally, the system enables use of the set of 3D locations with the image.

Abstract: A levitation device includes a body having a top surface and a bottom surface positioned opposite the top surface, an air reservoir configured to contain a predetermined volume of compressed air, and a thrust arrangement including a flow conduit having a primary inlet, a secondary inlet, and an outlet, with the outlet positioned adjacent to the bottom surface of the body. The secondary inlet is in fluid communication with ambient air and the primary inlet is in fluid communication with the air reservoir and positioned upstream from the secondary inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A system and method for pressure based load measurement are provided. The system and method measure at least one pressure differential on an airfoil and determine at least one aerodynamic load associated with the at least one pressure differential. The determined at least one load is used to modify characteristics of the airfoil to increase efficiency and/or avoid damage. The determined at least one aerodynamic load may be further utilized to balance and/or optimize loads at the airfoil, estimate a load distribution along the airfoil used to derive other metrics about the airfoil, and/or used in a distributed control system to increase efficiency and/or reduce damage to, e.g., one or more wind turbines.

Abstract: A hovercraft including a directional control system is disclosed. The directional control system includes at least one airflow control assembly configured to generate and direct at least one airflow. The at least one airflow generated and directed by the airflow control assembly results in component forces that are used to move and control the hovercraft in lateral, forward and reverse directions, or any degree of direction between the lateral, forward and reverse directions. The configuration of the at least one airflow control assembly enables precise control over movement of the hovercraft.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle may determine that a speed of the autonomous vehicle is less than or equal to a threshold speed, and that the autonomous vehicle has not detected a traffic control signal. The autonomous vehicle may identify a cause C for the speed to be less than or equal to the threshold speed. The autonomous vehicle may start a timer T that is based on the cause C. After the timer T expires, the autonomous vehicle may determine whether the cause C remains as a cause for the speed to be less than or equal to the threshold speed. After determining that the cause C remains the cause for the speed to be less than or equal to the threshold speed, the autonomous vehicle may send an assistance signal indicating a stuck condition.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for communicating tactile messages to a user, such as a racecar driver, yacht crewmember, or other athlete. The system can include a tactile vest having tactile activators for conveying tactile messages to the user, including real time messages for helping the user assess and improve physical performance. The messages may be generated based on various types of sensor data, including, for example, data collected by vehicle sensors of a racecar or yacht.

Abstract: The group of inventions relates to aviation and to transport means having (static and dynamic) air discharge, in particular to self-stabilizing wing-in-ground-effect craft of types A, B and C. The following technical results are achieved: increased flight safety and maneuvering safety, increased load-bearing capacity and flight height in ground effect mode, reduced dimensions, improved take-off and landing characteristics, as well as amphibian characteristics and economic efficiency, increased functionality and a wider range of operational alignments, and greater ease of use and maintenance. This result is achieved by simultaneously applying the methods for generating a system of aerodynamic forces, the structural solutions and the piloting methods conceptually linked therewith which are proposed in the present group of inventions to “flying wing” or “composite wing” design layouts.

Abstract: A mono boat hull power boat with extendable and retractable surface effects wings. The boat hull has wing cavities housing the wings inside the hull. At the front of wing cavity wing pivots are located, and at the rear of the wing cavities extending mechanisms are located, allowing for the pivotal extension and retraction of the wings in to the hull cavities.

Abstract: In one example, a first vehicle traveling on a road is provided. The vehicle comprises a communication device coupled in the first vehicle configured to receive information transmitted by a second vehicle traveling on the road, the information identifying road surface conditions experience by the second vehicle; and a controller configured to adjust a vehicle operating parameter of the first vehicle in response to receiving the transmitted information from the second vehicle.

Abstract: In an arrangement for strengthening the road grip for a vehicle, particularly for a passenger car, air can be sucked from a vacuum chamber arranged under the vehicle and closed off with respect to the ambient atmosphere. As a result, a vacuum can be generated in a vacuum chamber arranged in a braking plate, and the latter can be changed from an inoperative position away from the ground into a operative position close to the ground, as a result of the generated vacuum.

Abstract: A rig transport system provides an air bearing subsystem supporting a drilling and workover rig. The transport system moves the entire rig without having to disassemble the rig, including leaving the derrick in a vertical standing position, along one of a pair of parallel tracks. The air bearing subsystem distributes the rig load over a large footprint to reduce ground bearing pressure. The air bearings lift the load so that the entire rig rides on a film of air, thereby reducing moving friction by up to about 96%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guidance, navigation, and control method and system for an underground mining vehicle that allow said vehicle to be taught a route by a human operator and then have it automatically drive the route with no human intervention. The method works in three steps: teaching, route profiling, and playback. In the teaching step the vehicle is manually driven by a operator along a route which can consist of an arbitrary sequence of maneuvers including tramming forwards, switching directions, tramming backwards, turning, or pausing movement. During this phase raw data from vehicle-mounted sensors including odometric sensors and rangefinders are logged to a file throughout teaching for later processing. During the (offline) route profiling step, the raw data in the log file are processed into a route profile, and a profile of desired speed as a function of distance along the path.

Abstract: A combination floating pontoon boat and air-cushion supported hovercraft having a frame and a plurality of pontoons pivotally and retractably mounted to the frame for pontoon boat mode, and a second position extending laterally outward from the frame in hovercraft mode. A skirt is attached to and extends from the frame, the skirt on a first position being retracted against the bottom of the frame. In a second position, the skirt extends downward from the frame and forms an air-receiving pocket beneath the frame for hovercraft operation. A first power system moves the frame through water when the pontoons are in their first position. A second power system drives air into the air-receiving pocket when the skirt is in the second or hovercraft position, and a third power system propels the frame in a longitudinal direction when air is driven into the air-receiving pocket.

Abstract: This WIG craft has a configuration of tandem/canard type, comprising: a body; a front wing having a relatively small aspect ratio, as installed in the lowest portion of the fore half of the body; and a rear wing having a longer span and a shorter chord length than the front wing, as installed in the rearmost portion of the body. Since the front wing, which is also used for planing, is not fixed directly to the body, but installed through a suspension system, so as to travel up and down while planing along the rough water surface, the WIG craft can take off and land stably even in high waves, and further cruise at a extremely low height safely without worrying about the impacts of the wave.

Abstract: An HV_ECU executes a program including a step of calculating an estimated gradient, a step of performing rate limit processing on a change in the estimated gradient when on a hill and an absolute value of the vehicle speed is equal to or below V(0), a step of performing hysteresis processing, a step of calculating a creep increase coefficient, and a step of calculating a creep increase torque.

Abstract: A guidance, navigation, and control method and system for an underground mining vehicle wherein an operator directly or indirectly guides the vehicle along a route as vehicle-mounted sensors including odometric sensors and rangefinders log motion data to a file which data is processed into a route profile including a vehicle path, a sequence of submaps along the path, and a profile of desired speed as a function of distance along the path. Thereafter the vehicle automatically repeats the route as represented by the route profile without an operator using the sensors and the maps to determine vehicle location.

Abstract: An air-cushioned vehicle or hovercraft includes a three-dimensional frame comprising a latticework of tubular members. A pressure plate is coupled to the underside of the frame and includes at least one aperture therein and a skirt attached adjacent a periphery thereof. At least one lifting fan is positioned relative to the at least one aperture to generate a current of air therethrough. The frame may be configured to generate a visual indication of damage thereto. Methods of making and air-cushion vehicle are disclosed. Methods of using an air-cushion vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple unit surface effect vehicle movable through an aquatic environment is provided including connected units and lift fans. The multiple unit surface effect vehicle may further include a coupling system and/or a plurality of skirt portions connecting one of the connected units with another of the connected units. The multiple unit surface effect vehicle includes the connected units connected to form a continuous movable unit movable in an aquatic environment. Each connected unit includes a forced air containment chamber defined within each of the connected units. The forced air containment chambers of each of the connected units are connected to form a continuous pressurized air cushion. The lift fans force air into the forced air containment chamber to pressurize the continuous pressurized air cushion.

Abstract: A body having a fuselage, a wing unit including a main wing, and a propulsion unit including an engine. The wing unit includes a main wing protruding out from the lateral center of the WIG vehicle fuselage, a downward wing which is vertically and downwardly installed on the outer tip of the main wing, and a canard which protrudes out horizontally from the front end of the fuselage, which is in the moving direction of the WIG vehicle from the main wing. The canard includes a horizontal stabilization plate which has a stationary horizontal panel structure, and a variable flap which is installed to face the rear surface of the horizontal stabilization plate. In the lateral cross section shape, the front surface portion including the leading edge is round at a proper thickness to prevent clearance generated by turning of the canard, the trailing edge is sharp and straight, and the thickness of a portion between the thickest portion and rear portion narrows.

Abstract: One of first through fourth target state of charge levels, which are set at values that increase gradually over time, is selected on the basis of an ON/OFF state of a specific current consumer installed in the vehicle and a state of charge immediately preceding an engine stoppage. A target state of charge is set on the basis of the selected target state of charge level and an elapsed time after the lead storage battery is installed in the vehicle, whereupon the target state of charge is compared with the actual state of charge of the lead storage battery. The lead storage battery is charged in accordance with the comparative result.

Abstract: Self-leveling legs are used to accommodate landing a ducted fan hovercraft on a sloped surface such as a roof-top. These legs move to accommodate a variation of slope within their range of motion irrespective to the azimuth of the vehicle body. The configuration and operation of the landing legs allow the hovercraft to land in a stable fashion with the hovercraft vehicle body maintained in a vertical orientation. The basic kinematics of the present invention is the displacement of one landing leg upwards is connected by a horizontal member to the opposite leg and displaces it downwards, and visa-versa. Planar surface contact is accomplished by the unique curvature of the legs and the splay of the legs from the vehicle body.

Abstract: A levitating platform, which is capable of stable flight, is disclosed. Levitating platform (100) comprises a platform structure (110), which includes a bottom extended surface (116) and a lip (114). An air movement device (120) is mounted on platform structure (110) to flow air (30) into plenum (123) between support surface (20), bottom extended surface (116) and lip (114). The flow of air (30) in plenum (123) creates positive and negative pressures within plenum (123). The positive and negative pressures generate attractive and repelling forces between platform structure (110) and support surface (20) causing platform structure (110) to levitate off support surface (20) in a stable, easily controllable manner.

Abstract: Vehicle for operation on various grounds, including a hull (1) having a first sidehull (10) and a second sidehull (12), a front skirt device (14), a stern skirt device (16), and side skirt devices (18) having side skirt elements (54) movably fastened to the hull (1) by means of a platform arrangement (20) between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for mapping are provided. In one embodiment, a system for mapping is provided. The system comprises a rangefinder adapted to output range measurements; an inertial sensor adapted to capture inertial measurements including inertial forces acting on the rangefinder and the attitude of the rangefinder; and a processor coupled the rangefinder and the inertial sensor and adapted to receive a set of range measurements from the rangefinder and inertial measurements from the inertial sensor. The processor is adapted to produce a virtual room reconstruction based on the set of range measurements from the rangefinder and inertial measurements from inertial sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for converting the area of federally protected wetlands, like those located between the Anacostia River's edge and the boundary of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) Anacostia Metrorail Station's property line, into a right-of-way or a specific travel route for the safe passage of hovercraft passenger ferry that is non-destructive of the environmentally sensitive nature of the land used as a right-of-way.

Abstract: A multi segment articulated Surface Effect Ship.Flexible air seals are formed between hull modules with a gas cushion contained between the side hulls under the entire length of the ship. In one embodiment the cushion formed may act as one continuous gas cushion whereby air cushion pressure generated or flowing from a leading car, or modular segment, flows rearward to supply or augment the cushion pressure necessary to support the following modules at the required operational draft. Hull configurations adaptable to the multi-unit, articulated surface effect ship described in the invention include conventional and air cushion assisted catamaran, trimaran and quadramaran designs and configurations.

Abstract: A flexible skirt-cell system is provided for a hovercraft having a propulsion system mounted to interface with water and a flexible skirt having an upper flexible panel section and a lower flexible finger section. The panel section extends around the bow, stern and two sides of the hovercraft hull and the finger section extends around the hull below the panel section and is connected to the panel section from a forward-abeam location and forward along the two sides and across the bow. Fans create pressurized air that is fed through air ducts to form a pressurized air cushion that supports the hovercraft. Interconnected flexible cells are connected between the panel and finger sections from the forward-abeam locations rearward to the stern. Additional air ducts pass pressurized air from the fan units to inflate the cells, thereby elevating the stern and raising the propulsion system above the water.

Abstract: A multi-mission/purpose ground-effect craft is provided which is derived from a common modular platform which includes a hull; an inner floor structure adapted to be installed over the hull; a body adapted to be attached to at least one of the top surface of the hull and the inner floor structure, such that a interior compartment is formed thereinside; a tail wing assembly adapted to be attached to the aft end of the body; a forward nose cowl adapted to be attached to at least one of the forward nose portion of the hull and the forward body portion of the body; a windshield integrated into the forward end of the body; at least one door assembly integrated into the left or right body side; at least one window assembly integrated into the left or right body side; a propulsion system integrated within the aft end of the body; and a retractable skirt attached and draped from the outer or inner perimeter of the hull.

Abstract: A light air-cushion vehicle has a thrust reverser bucket arranged at an output end of an air nozzle, at least one direction rudder having control surfaces at the output end of the air nozzle and at least one direction rudder having control surfaces in a lift contour, a control system for the thrust reverser bucket and a control system for the direction rudders. The direction rudders are kinematically connected to each other and to a steering device. The control surfaces at the output end of the air nozzle turn around an axis in the vertical direction and the control surfaces in the lift contour turn around an axis in the longitudinal direction axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to flying vehicles. A centre wing is provided with aerodynamic profiles on the longitudinal sections thereof. A cigar-shaped fuselage is arranged on the central wing. A crew cabin and a cargo-passenger cabin are arranged inside the fuselage. Hollow hermetical longitudinal beams are mounted on the periphery of the central wing on the sides thereof. Inflatable shock-absorbing balloons are arranged under said longitudinal beams. Two keels provided with rudders are mounted on the ends of the longitudinal beams. A horizontal tail is arranged on the keels and comprises a diving rudder which is disposed on a section between the keels and ailerons which are disposed on the sections of the longitudinal beams. The thrust propeller for horizontal thrust is accommodated inside an external annular cowl. The engine for the thrust propeller is arranged inside the tail cone of the fuselage. A set of tale-off and landing devices comprises a means for producing a static air cushion.

Abstract: An air-based thrust recovery system for use in a powered lift platform utilizing fixed-pitch propellers is provided. The system utilizes an air compressor coupled to the drive motor of the platform and an on-board, high pressure tank for air storage. The fixed-pitch propellers are coupled to the primary drive system with over-running clutches, thus allowing the thrust recovery system to rotate the propellers faster than if driven solely by the primary drive system. Preferably the propellers are surrounded by air ducts. The thrust recovery system uses individually, or in combination, cold air jets mounted at the tips of the propellers, a circulation control system which blows out the leading or trailing edge of the propellers, and one or more perforated tubing segments surrounding at least a portion of the platform's air ducts.

Abstract: A “wing in ground effect” aerial vehicle includes a wing mounted on a fuselage, and two cycloidal propulsion units for providing lift, thrust and longitudinal control. Additional lift is provided by a lighter-than-air gas such as helium contained in the fuselage. Operationally, the two cycloidal propulsion units and the volume of lighter-than-air gas are concertedly regulated to achieve “wing in ground effect” flight. Importantly, the two cycloidal propulsion units may operate in one of several modes, to include a curtate mode, a prolate mode, and a fixed-wing mode. Additionally, the vehicle may hover. Also, a thruster unit is mounted on the fuselage for providing forward thrust in combination with, or in lieu of, the two cycloidal propulsion units.

Abstract: An air board including a platform upon which an operator of the vehicle can be supported; and a support arrangement for providing an air flow for supporting the platform above a surface, wherein the direction of movement of the air board is at least partially controlled by varying the weight distribution of the operator on the platform.

Abstract: A Wing In Ground Effect Vehicle has a pair of supercavitating endplates (17) which extend below the fuselage (2) such that they can be immersed in water during flight thereover. The endplates have a nose (28) defining a leading edge (20) and adapted to generate a supercavity. The endplates (17) typically pivot about a pivot axis P to provide a stabilising weathercock-type effect.

Abstract: An air curtain (jet flow) replaces the conventional air-diverting baffle on the underside of a vehicle's front engine compartment to reduce drag and increase volumetric air flow for cooling.

Abstract: A surface effects skimmer vehicle generates a downward air flow into a tunnel under a main hull to lift the main hull off an adjacent surface, and rearward air flows for thrust. The air flows are generated by ducted fans or jet engines, and directed to the rear and/or down by controlling the degree of opening of a Deflector Air Gate (DAG) on the bottom of the main hull. The tunnel includes tunnel edges to contain the downward air flow under the main hull for surface lubrication. The vehicle further includes a rear portion with horizontal and vertical stabilizers to provide air-craft like behavior.

Abstract: An extremely large aircraft which is suitable for overseas cargo transport and which includes a fuselage defining a central storage cavity, a wing assembly defining a pair of wing storage cavities, an altitude control system, and a plurality of independently steerable landing gear units. The central storage cavity has a length, height and width of at least 100 feet, at least 16 feet and at least 24 feet, respectively. The wing assembly has a wingspan of at least 300 feet and is configured with a moderate aspect ratio to permit both ground-effect and high altitude operation. The altitude control system controls the aircraft in ground effect such that the aircraft is maintained at about a predetermined altitude. The landing gear units are coupled to the fuselage and are arranged in at least two discrete columns and at least ten discrete rows. The central storage cavity and the wing storage cavities are configured to receive cargo including intermodal re-usable cargo containers.