Abstract: A rotor system for an aircraft includes an open rotor assembly comprising an open rotor assembly comprising a plurality of rotor blades connected to a rotor mast, wherein the rotor assembly is tiltable relative to a wing of the aircraft between a first position corresponding to an airplane mode of the aircraft and a second position corresponding to a helicopter mode of the aircraft; and a drive system for providing rotational energy to the open rotor assembly via the rotor mast. The drive system includes at least one electric motor for generating rotational energy to a motor shaft; and a gearbox connected to receive rotational energy from the at least one electric motor via the motor shaft and to provide rotational energy to the rotor mast via a rotor shaft, wherein the at least one electric motor is fixed relative to the wing of the aircraft.

Abstract: Provided is a process that includes: obtaining, using one or more surface tension sensors, one or more surface tension measurements of a surface, determining a reaction force for an aircraft using the one or more surface tension measurements and a weight of the aircraft. The process includes causing one or more engines included in the aircraft to generate thrust based on the reaction force.

Abstract: A stage for a space launch vehicle is provided. The space launch vehicle has a main body including a first end and a second end, and defines a central longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end. The stage comprises a stage rocket engine arranged at or near the first end of the stage to propel the launch vehicle vertically upwards at take-off. The stage furthermore comprises a plurality of fans for providing lift during a landing procedure of the stage, wherein the fans have a rotational axis arranged substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. Also provided are space launch vehicles and methods for transporting a payload into space.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle includes a propulsion unit and a fuselage unit. The propulsion unit includes a rotary shaft extending in a first direction and thrust producing mechanisms provided at both ends of the rotary shaft and produces a propulsion force for flying in air. The fuselage unit is suspended from the propulsion unit below the rotary shaft, has a center of gravity at a position below the rotary shaft, is configured to freely rotate around the rotary shaft, and is capable of storing an article.

Abstract: A tail sitter aircraft includes a wing with a closed front section and a fuselage, from which the wing extends. The wing includes a first portion projecting from the fuselage and a second portion spaced from the first portion. The aircraft includes first and second connecting section that are interposed between the first and second portions. The fuselage extends parallel to a first axis and the first and second portions extend parallel to a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The first axis is arranged, in use, vertically in a take-off/landing position and inclined with respect to the vertical direction in a cruising position.

Abstract: Electromagnetic gyroscopic stabilizing propulsion system method and apparatus is an electric gyroscope that creates magnetic fields used to rotate its flywheel. The rotation of its flywheel creates both a gyroscopic effect and thrust with airfoil shaped spokes. The invention attaches to an airframe through an articulating joint that causes the axle of the gyroscope to precess in a vertical orientation regardless of the movements/angle of the airframe. The gyroscope's thrust aligns itself with the axle of the gyroscope. The net effect is that the invention has tremendous efficiency, no external drive because it is also a motor, tremendous power from magnetic leverage of the flywheel, and stability because of the gyroscopic effect.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for ram air turbine deployment actuator assemblies utilizing an actuator heater. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for ram air turbine deployment actuator assemblies utilizing an integrated electric heater element in the actuator housing. The present disclosure provides that by warming the hydraulic fluid in a ram air turbine deployment actuator assembly via an actuator heating member (e.g., by warming the hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic fluid cavity or chamber that provides an integrated hydraulic snubbing loop), the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid is reduced, thus helping to reduce ram air turbine deployment time via the actuator heating member of the ram air turbine deployment actuator assembly.

Abstract: A VTOL with a redundant propulsion system, the redundant propulsion system comprising two independent groups of rotors, and each group of rotors are driven by an independent engine. When any failure is detected in the first group of rotors or in its connecting parts, the second group of rotors will be accelerated to take over the first group of rotors to supply flying thrust, or vice versa. The VTOL is quiet, low cost, easy to maneuver and highly reliable, and can be used in future personal transportation.

Abstract: A flying drone, which includes: a fuselage composed of a single central body; wings composed of a forward aerofoil and an aft aerofoil, the aft aerofoil being offset in height and in length along the fuselage relative to the forward aerofoil; propulsion powered at least by electrical accumulators and/or photovoltaic cells; and photovoltaic cells essentially covering the upper faces of the forward aerofoil and the aft aerofoil.

Abstract: A propulsion system includes at least one rotating detonation actuator comprising: a flow path extending from an inlet end to an outlet end; an inner wall defining a radially inner boundary of the flow path; an outer wall defining a radially outer boundary of the flow path; and at least one aircraft wing. The rotating detonation actuator is disposed in the aircraft wing. At least one rotating detonation wave travels through the flow path from the inlet end to the outlet end.

Abstract: A shroud for an aircraft configured to at least partially surround a noise source including a propeller. The shroud includes an outer layer and two or more sound absorbing materials located inside the shroud. The outer layer is configured to transmit noise from the noise source into the inside of the shroud and/or includes a recess located and sized to partially surround at least a part of a tip of at least one blade.

Abstract: A heat radiator for an aircraft, which cools a heat source installed in the aircraft, includes a heat radiating part in which a contact surface comes into contact with a main flow, the contact surface being formed with a concave portion or a convex portion in which a surface thereof directed upstream in a flow direction of the main flow is curved in a plan view.

Abstract: An electric ducted fan for an aircraft is shown. A nacelle defines a duct that houses a propulsive fan having a fan diameter DF. An electric machine is configured to drive the fan, and has an electromagnetically active length LA and an electromagnetically active diameter DA defining an aspect ratio (LA/DA) of from 0.8 to 2. A speed reduction device is located between the electric machine and the fan, and has a reduction ratio of at least 3:1. A ratio of the electromagnetically active diameter DA to the fan diameter DF (DA/DF) is from 0.3 to 0.5.

Abstract: An electric ducted fan for an aircraft is shown. A nacelle defines a duct that houses a propulsive fan having a fan diameter DF. An electric machine is configured to drive the fan, and has an electromagnetically active length LA and an electromagnetically active diameter DA defining an aspect ratio (LA/DA) of from 0.8 to 2. A ratio of the electromagnetically active diameter DA to the fan diameter DF (DA/DF) is from 0.45 to 0.60.

Abstract: Haptic augmented reality device for facilitating the actions to control a boom in full flight, allowing the boom to be controlled with a single hand, without the need for any training in what the manoeuvres refer to. In addition, the system not only provides information concerning how the operation is being performed, but also provides assistance, indicating to the boomer when a particular movement is completely prohibited (making the movement impossible) or is not recommendable (making it necessary to apply more force to perform the movement).

Abstract: Introduced here is an ingestible device comprising a capsule having a central axis therethrough, at least one propulsion component, and at least one motor configured to supply motive power to the propulsion component(s). The propulsion component(s) may be disposed at locations radially offset from the central axis. Upon receiving input indicative of a request to alter a position and/or an orientation of the ingestible device, the motor(s) can supply motive power to some or all of the propulsion component(s) to cause movement of the ingestible device.

Abstract: A tiltrotor aircraft includes a rotor system, a pylon coupled to the rotor system, a spindle coupled to the pylon, an actuator arm coupled to the spindle, and an actuator. The actuator can cause the actuator arm to rotate, thereby causing the spindle to rotate the pylon and the rotor system. The actuator is in front of a forward spar of the wing of the tiltrotor aircraft and the actuator arm is about one-half (0.5) of an inch to about five (5) inches from the wing.

Abstract: A blended wing body aircraft wherein at least each profile section corresponding to the normalized half-span values from 0 to 0.2 has a thickness ratio having a nominal value within the range set forth in Table 1. Also, a blended wing body aircraft wherein at least each profile section corresponding to the normalized half-span values from 0.15 to 0.3 has a normalized chord having a nominal value within the range set forth in Table 1, and wherein a ratio between a maximum thickness of the center body and the chord length along the centerline has a nominal value of at least 16%. Also, a blended wing body aircraft wherein a region of the aircraft defined by normalized half-span values from 0.1 to 0.2 has a normalized chord having a dimensionless rate of change from ?3.5 to ?5.1, and a thickness ratio having a rate of change from ?0.27 to ?0.72.

Abstract: A small and inexpensive plasma actuator is capable of accelerating induced flow and increasing the effect of controlling flow. A plurality of electrode pairs are disposed on a dielectric layer upstream to downstream along a predetermined direction. Each electrode pair includes an upstream electrode disposed on one surface of the dielectric layer and a downstream electrode disposed on another surface of the dielectric layer to sandwich the dielectric layer between the upstream electrode. A lowest electrode is on the one surface of the dielectric layer displaced downstream from the downstream electrode in an the most downstream electrode pair to have the same potential as the downstream electrode. A voltage application device is configured to apply voltage including AC voltage or repeated pulse voltage to each electrode pair such that the potential of the applied voltage inverts at adjacent electrode pairs.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a configuration of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that will facilitate extended flight duration. The UAV may have any number of lifting motors. For example, the UAV may include four lifting motors (also known as a quad-copter), eight lifting motors (octo-copter), etc. Likewise, to improve the efficiency of horizontal flight, the UAV also includes a pushing motor and propeller assembly that is oriented at approximately ninety degrees to one or more of the lifting motors. When the UAV is moving horizontally, the pushing motor may be engaged and the pushing propeller will aid in the horizontal propulsion of the UAV.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV includes a first cell unit and a second cell unit connected in parallel. The method includes: detecting, by a first control circuit, whether a failure occurs in the first cell unit; detecting, by a second control circuit, whether a failure occurs in the second cell unit; establishing a communication between the first control circuit and the second control circuit; and in response to detecting a signal indicating that a failure occurs in the first cell or the second cell from the first control circuit or the second control circuit, reducing an output power of a propulsion device of the UAV.

Abstract: A configurable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may include swappable avionics that may be selectable for use with other UAV components to build a customized UAV just prior to deployment of the UAV that is configured to deliver a package to a destination. Various factors may be involved in the selection of the avionics, such as an availability of different avionics, payload requirements (size, weight, etc.), environmental conditions along an anticipated route of flight, a region of use of the UAV, compatibility, a distance of the flight, power considerations, security considerations, and/or other factors. The avionics may include various hardware and/or software which may provide control output (e.g., data, power, and/or mechanical) to other components and/or systems, including a propulsion system. Coupling devices may selectively couple the avionics to other components of the UAV, such as to a battery, a cargo bay or package, and/or to a propulsion system.

Abstract: An aerial system, preferably including one or more housings. A housing for an aerial system, preferably including: a first and second piece that cooperatively surround one or more propellers of the aerial system; and a retention mechanism that removably couples the first piece to the second piece. A method for aerial system operation, preferably including attaching and/or detaching housing pieces of the aerial system.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (200, 300, 400, 700, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500) can include a central body (202, 302, 402, 702, 802, 1002, 1202, 1502), a plurality of rotors, and a plurality of arms (204, 306, 406, 706, 806, 1006, 1206, 1506) extending from the central body (202, 302, 402, 702, 802, 1002, 1202, 1502), where each arm of the plurality of arms (204, 306, 406, 706, 806, 1006, 1206, 1506) is configured to support one or more of the plurality of rotors.

Abstract: An aerial drone having a flying platform with a canard configuration and has detachable and interchangeable cabins.

Abstract: A tri-wing aircraft includes a fuselage having a longitudinally extending fuselage axis. Three wings extend generally radially outwardly from the fuselage axis and are circumferentially distributed generally uniformly about the fuselage at approximately 120-degree intervals. The wings have airfoil cross-sections including first and second surfaces having chordwise channels therebetween. A distributed propulsion system includes a plurality of propulsion assemblies. Each propulsion assembly includes a variable thrust cross-flow fan disposed within one of the chordwise channels of one of the wings. At least two variable thrust cross-flow fans are disposed within the chordwise channels of each of the wings. A flight control system is operably associated with the distributed propulsion system such that the flight control system and the distributed propulsion system are operable to generate a triaxial dynamic thrust matrix.

Abstract: Various embodiments for analyzing flight data using predictive models are described herein. In various embodiments, a quadratic least squares model is applied to a matrix of time-series flight parameter data for a flight, thereby deriving a mathematical signature for each flight parameter of each flight in a set of data including a plurality of sensor readings corresponding to time-series flight parameters of a plurality of flights. The derived mathematical signatures are aggregated into a dataset. A similarity between each pair of flights within the plurality of flights is measured by calculating a distance metric between the mathematical signatures of each pair of flights within the dataset, and the measured similarities are combined with the dataset. A machine-learning algorithm is applied to the dataset, thereby identifying, without predefined thresholds, clusters of outliers within the dataset by using a unified distance matrix.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for picking up, transporting, and lowering a payload coupled to a tether of a winch system arranged on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). For example, the winch system may include a motor for winding and unwinding the tether from a spool, and the UAV's control system may operate the motor to lower the tether toward the ground so a payload may be attached to the tether. The control system may monitor an electric current supplied to the motor to determine whether the payload has been attached to the tether. In another example, when lowering a payload, the control system may monitor the motor current to determine that the payload has reached the ground and responsively operate the motor to detach the payload from the tether. The control system may then monitor the motor current to determine whether the payload has detached from the tether.

Abstract: A system for preventing icing on an aircraft surface includes a plasma actuator which is applied onto an aircraft surface operationally exposed to air and which is arranged for generating at least one plasma discharge (D) for inducing a flow (F) of ionized hot-air particles towards the surface.

Abstract: An aircraft comprises a wing, a wing tip device at the tip of the wing and an actuator. The actuator is arranged to effect movement of the wing tip device between a flight configuration for use during flight and a ground configuration in which the wing tip device is moved away from the flight configuration such that the span of the aircraft is reduced. The aircraft comprises a carriage guide, such as a track assembly, fixed relative to the wing, and a carriage arranged to move along the track assembly as the wing tip device moves between the flight and ground configurations. The carriage carries the wing tip device on a pivot, such that the wing tip device is rotatable relative to the carriage, about the pivot, as the carriage moves along the track assembly.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of vertical and horizontal flight modes, a method of assembling a UAV, and a kit of parts for assembling a UAV. The UAV comprises an elongated wing structure having an elongated axis along the longest dimension of the elongated wing structure, the elongated wing structure having a middle location at a substantially halfway point; a connecting structure extending substantially perpendicularly from the elongated wing structure, the connecting structure being offset from the middle location of the elongated wing structure at a first position along the elongated axis; and at least three sets of propellers, wherein at least two sets of propellers are mounted on the connecting structure, and wherein at least one set of propellers is mounted at a second position offset from the middle location in an opposite direction away from the connecting structure.

Abstract: A shape shifting foil alters the shape of a fluid foil contour by rotating a leading edge structure. A skin that forms the fluid foil contour is at least partially attached to the leading edge structure, and is wrapped around the leading edge structure so two edges of the skin form the trailing edge of the fluid foil. The two edges forming the trailing edge slide with respect to one another, thereby permitting the skin to shift when the leading edge structure is rotated.

Abstract: An intrusion prevention system includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a UAV controller, and a restricted area data aggregator. The restricted data aggregator collects and stores restricted area data. The UAV controller is coupled to communicate with the UAV and the restricted area data aggregator, wherein the UAV controller receives positional data from the UAV and restricted area data from the restricted area aggregator. The UAV controller determines based on the received positional data and the received restricted area data whether the UAV is currently intruding within a restricted area or is predicted to intrude within a restricted area and wherein the UAV controller initiates actions to prevent unauthorized intrusions into restricted areas.

Abstract: A fixed wing type Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft retains a conventional seating arrangement and utilizes a single point VTOL lift source, in the form of a counter-rotating centrifugal compressor assembly having co-axially aligned upper and lower impellers. Air is fed to the upper impeller through a central intake, and to the lower impeller through either a VTOL mode intake or a flight mode intake. Air is exhausted from the impellers through a plurality of main air outlets. Each main air outlet is fitted with a thrust augmentation duct that can be pivoted downward for VTOL, or rearward for forward flight. A controller alternately closes the flight mode intake when the thrust augmentation ducts are in the downwardly pointing VTOL position, and closes the VTOL mode intakes when the thrust augmentation ducts are in the rearwardly pointing flight position.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle using a primary three axis orientation sensor and a reference three axis orientation sensor spaced apart from the primary sensor. At least one auxiliary control can be used for thrust. A wearable processor can be configured to receive the primary sensor signal and the reference sensor signal. The reference sensor signal can use a conditioning formula and the wearable processor can filter the conditioned signals using a Kalman filter. The filtered signals can form merged signals and apply operator configurations on wrist reference locations to the merged signals. Operation commands can use the merged signals to control the vehicle with four channels of control to a transmitter that communicates with the vehicle.

Abstract: An aircraft active flow control dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) device may include a machinable ceramic dielectric support having an aerodynamic surface shaped to form an exposed flush part of an airfoil surface on an aircraft. The DBD device may include at least two electrodes configured to be oppositely charged and spaced apart from each other on the dielectric support.

Abstract: The invention discloses an aircraft generating a larger lift from its interior. The fluid channel inside the aircraft communicates with the engine and the ports on the upper surface of the outer shell. With the powerful suction of the engine, the fluid on the upper surface of the outer shell is quickly sucked into the fluid channel via respective ports under conditions of long path, large area, high speed and low air pressure, which results in large lift from the interior of the aircraft. In the course of generating the lift, the fluid resistances of the fluid wall and the fluid hole are sucked into the fluid channel through the ports at the front and the surrounding area of the aircraft, then high-speed fluid is emitted from the rear port. This approach contributes greatly to the transformation of the existing aircraft. The unified big wing significantly improves the lift, the speed and the carrying capacity of the existing aircraft with lowered energy consumption.

Abstract: A flow body and method for taking in and/or blowing out fluid through a plurality of openings in a flow surface section of a flow body is disclosed. In some aspects, the flow body includes a flow surface section that extends in a flow body wingspan direction and a flow body chord direction and with a plurality of fluid lines that lead into the flow surface section and respectively form an opening therein. In some aspects, the method includes taking in and/or blowing out fluid through at least one fluid line that leads into a flow surface section of a flow body and respectively forms an opening therein.

Abstract: The present invention is a winged VTOL aircraft of novel configuration that utilizes a single-axis rotor mounted at an oblique angle within a forward-facing, bifurcating duct, that is controlled by a plurality of servo driven vanes, producing a mechanically simple, redundantly controlled vehicle that can carry cargo, people, or otherwise, directly from point to point. The configuration uses sets of vanes to produce both moments and forces referenced around the vehicle's center of gravity, thereby, allowing the vehicle to translate in a level position, or stay stationary relative to the ground while at a slight pitch or roll attitude. This feature is very important for autonomous vehicles to accurately pick up and drop off payloads on unlevel terrain or in windy conditions. Other rotor vehicles require pitch or roll attitude to translate or compensate for wind.

Abstract: A bi-fold valve door and method for controlling aircraft cabin pressure are provided. The bi-fold valve door includes an aft door section and a forward door section, and only the forward door section is selectively rotated about one rotational axis to a position between a closed position and a full-open position, while the aft door section is maintained in its closed position. The forward door section is selectively rotated about the rotational axis to a full-open position to engage the aft door section, while the aft door section is maintained in its closed position. When the forward door section is in the full-open position, the aft door section and the forward door section are simultaneously rotated about another rotational axis.

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 the data packaged with GPS information provided by the centralized sensor control system for transmission to the platform receiver (including error checking), 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: A holonomic floating mobile object is operated under gravity and includes a main body and six or more thrusters for generating thrust by changing the momentum of a fluid. The six or more thrusters are controlled independently of one another such that the thrust is set at a desired value. The six or more thrusters are arranged in a fuselage coordinate system defined on the main body, such that the range in which a total thrust vector obtained by combining vectors of the thrust generated by all of the thrusters can be generated spans a six-dimensional space with three directions of translation and three directions of rotation. Incoming and outgoing flows to and from one of the thrusters are spaced apart from incoming and outgoing flows to and from the other thrusters and even apart from every other fuselage structure aside from that one thruster.

Abstract: A cellular communication network utilizes cellular communication receivers and cellular communication transmitters in a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles that are deployed or flown in a point to point line or mesh like environment enabling a ground to air, air to air and air to ground cellular datalink communications network.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft comprising a fuselage and at least one fixed wing. The aircraft may include at least two powered rotors located generally along a longitudinal axis of the fuselage. The rotor units may be coupled to the fuselage via a rotating chassis, which allows the rotors to provide directed thrust by movement of the rotor units about at least one axis. By moving the rotor units, the aircraft can transition from a hover mode to a transition mode and then to a forward flight mode and back.

Abstract: A lift-fan airplane lands vertically on dirt, kicking up debris but bringing a landing pad for use by others. The landing pad comprises many long slats hinged to each other at the sides. The slats are of generally increasing widths for rolling up into a tight spiral. This compact state allows low-drag air transport. After landing, the spiral is unrolled. A central slat has two stub axles sticking out the ends. Two men place a large wheel onto each stub axle, then push on the wheels to unroll the landing pad on the ground. An upturned wall at the end of the pad deflects upward the downwash from landing lift-fan VTOL airplanes, creating a shadow zone free of flying debris. This creates safe parking for massed operations. Inflated balloons, wedge-shaped to streamline necessary protuberances, detach and fill any large potholes under the landing pad.

Abstract: An aircraft with aerofoils including a main wing and a control flap that includes an adjustment flap. The aircraft includes an actuator for the control flap, as well as a sensor device for acquiring the position of the control flap, an arrangement of flow-influencing devices for influencing the fluid that flows over a segment of the main wing, and flow-state sensor devices for measuring the flow state. The aircraft includes a flight control device connected to the sensor device for acquiring the position of the control flap and to the flow-state sensor devices, and connected to the actuator and flow-influencing devices for transmitting actuating commands, and a flight-state sensor device connected to the flight control device for transmitting flight states. The flight control device includes a function that selects the flow-influencing devices that are operated for optimizing local lift coefficients on the aerofoil, depending on the flight state.

Abstract: This invention can take-off like a helicopter and then roll forward as a single unit to fly faster and further than any conventional helicopter. Just like the seats in a Ferris wheel, the payload of passengers or freight can remain upright and comfortable as this aircraft rotates from take-off to fast forward and back to landing mode. Prior inventions claiming similar performance generate lift for take-off and landing by relative rotation of major aircraft components or by vectoring a thrust through large angles of deflection which produces inherently unstable flight characteristics. This invention requires neither rotation of major assemblies nor highly vectorable thrust, making it simpler and more reliable than the aircraft with major rotating assemblies and more stable and efficient than aircraft relying on vectored thrust for lift.

Abstract: The invention concerns a life-saving vehicle (10) designed as a hollow body with the form of a sphere or disk essentially flattened along a vertical axis (16) that demonstrates its greatest width in a horizontal plane (15) and which body, composed of an upper part (11) and a lower part (13), limits an internal passenger compartment (25), whereby the body comprises a stabilizing arrangement (12) that stabilizes the vehicle when it is in water, a telescopic arrangement (40), a stabilization means (14) arranged at the lower part, which stabilization means can be displaced in a vertical direction downwards from the lower part through activation of the telescopic arrangement (40). The vehicle, in order for it to travel not only in the air but also in water, comprises: a first and second rotor (52, 17), a motor (55) with an associated transmission (54), a pair of propulsion units (60) and a stabilizing fin (65).

Abstract: The invention discloses an aircraft generating a larger lift from its interior. The fluid channel inside the aircraft communicates with the engine and the ports on the upper surface of the outer shell. With the powerful suction of the engine, the fluid on the upper surface of the outer shell is quickly sucked into the fluid channel via respective ports under conditions of long path, large area, high speed and low air pressure, which results in large lift from the interior of the aircraft. In the course of generating the lift, the fluid resistances of the fluid wall and the fluid hole are sucked into the fluid channel through the ports at the front and the surrounding area of the aircraft, then high-speed fluid is emitted from the rear port. This approach contributes greatly to the transformation of the existing aircraft. The unified big wing significantly improves the lift, the speed and the carrying capacity of the existing aircraft with lowered energy consumption.

Abstract: The invention is to an optionally piloted aircraft that can takeoff and land conventionally or vertically, and can convert between the two. The aircraft is immune to one or more engine failures during vertical flight through multiple engines and the use of a virtual nozzle. Aerodynamic controls are similarly redundant. Hovering flight is enabled with a novel stabilization system. Long range efficient cruise is achieved by turning off some engines in flight and sealing them into an aerodynamic fairing to achieve low drag. The resulting aircraft is capable of CTOL and VTOL, and is capable of converting between the two modes while in the air or on the ground. The aircraft can also be easily taxied on the ground in the conventional manner. Automatic controls considerably reduce the amount of training a pilot needs to fly and land the aircraft in either VTOL or CTOL mode.