Abstract: A thrust producing unit for producing thrust in a predetermined direction, comprising at least two rotor assemblies and a shrouding that accommodates at most one of the at least two rotor assemblies, wherein the shrouding defines a cylindrical air duct that is axially delimited by an air inlet region and an air outlet region, and wherein the air inlet region exhibits in circumferential direction of the cylindrical air duct an undulated geometry.

Abstract: A fan-in-wing aerial vehicle according to an embodiment may comprise: a fuselage; main wings expending from both sides of the fuselage in the span direction; rotors rotatably mounted inside the main wings, respectively; and opening/closing portions installed on the main wings such that the same can be opened/closed and thereby expose the rotors to the outside or conceal the rotors from the outside, respectively.

Abstract: A method of controlling forward thrust of an aircraft includes receiving a first pitch angle command; generating a second pitch angle command and a forward thrust engine throttle command based on a bounded pitch angle for the aircraft; comparing a determined bounded pitch angle for the aircraft to the pitch angle corresponding to the first pitch angle command; generating a reduced pitch angle command so the resultant aircraft pitch angle does not exceed the bounded pitch angle; and generating the forward thrust engine throttle command based on the reduced pitch angle command.

Abstract: An aircraft operable to transition between thrust-borne lift in a VTOL orientation and wing-borne lift in a forward flight orientation. The aircraft has a blended wing body and includes an engine, a trinary lift fan system, a forced air bypass system and an exhaust system. The engine has a turboshaft mode and a turbofan mode. The lift fan system includes a plurality of ducted fans in a tandem lateral and forward orientation. In the VTOL orientation of the aircraft, the engine is in the turboshaft mode coupled to the lift fan system such that the engine provides rotational energy to the ducted fans generating the thrust-borne lift. In the forward flight orientation of the aircraft, the engine is in the turbofan mode coupled to the forced air bypass system such that bypass air combines with engine exhaust in the exhaust system to provide forward thrust generating the wing-borne lift.

Abstract: Convertible-type aircraft, able to fly with the speed and the reduced operating costs of a fixed-wing aircraft and also to take-off/land vertically and hover/manoeuvre like an helicopter. The aircraft object of the invention comes in the form of a classical plane, with a fuselage (1), a fixed wing (2), an horizontal stabilizer (3) and a vertical fin (4), as well as one or several jet engines or turboprops (5) for propulsion and it comprises exposable rotors (6 and 7) installed inside the wing and possibly inside the horizontal stabilizer or the fuselage for lifting the aircraft for vertical take-off/landing and stationary flight. For the flight and the horizontal take-off/landing, the rotors are completely enclosed inside the wing and possibly inside the horizontal stabilizer or the fuselage.

Abstract: A selectively deployable heated propulsor system which may be integrated into vehicles, airplanes, or any other machinery configured for flight. The system includes a structural feature that includes a mounted propulsor including a rotor and a motor mechanically coupled to the rotor allowing the rotor to rotate when in an activated mode. The mounted propulsor includes a chamber configured to support a first configuration where the propulsor and the rotor are stowed and heated in an enclosed environment, and a second configuration where the rotor is deployed.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage; a propulsion system including a power source and a vertical thrust electric fan driven by the power source; and a wing extending from the fuselage. The vertical thrust electric fan is positioned on or within the wing, the wing including a diffusion assembly movable between a first position and a second position and positioned at least partially downstream of the vertical thrust electric fan when in the second position, the diffusion assembly including a first member and a second member, the second member movable generally along the vertical direction relative to the first member such that the first member and second member together define at least in part an exhaust flowpath for the first vertical thrust electric fan when the diffusion assembly is in the second position.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage; a propulsion system including a power source and a plurality of vertical thrust electric fans driven by the power source; and a wing extending from the fuselage. The plurality of vertical thrust electric fans are arranged along a length of the wing, the wing including a variable geometry assembly extending along the length of the wing and moveable between a forward thrust position and a vertical thrust position, the variable geometry assembly at least partially covering the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans when in the forward thrust position and at least partially exposing the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans when in the vertical thrust position.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage; a propulsion system including a power source and a plurality of vertical thrust electric fans driven by the power source; and a wing extending from the fuselage. The plurality of vertical thrust electric fans are arranged along a length of the wing, the wing including a variable geometry assembly moveable generally along a horizontal direction between a forward thrust position and a vertical thrust position, the variable geometry assembly at least partially covering at least one vertical thrust electric fan of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans when in the forward thrust position and at least partially exposing the at least one vertical thrust electric fan when in the vertical thrust position.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing a maximum asymmetric condition between pylon tilt angles due to a degraded pylon in a fly-by-wire tiltrotor aircraft during transitions between airplane mode and helicopter mode includes a conversion system for imparting movement on a right and left pylon. A flight control computer is operatively connected to a set of transducers for measuring pylon angles. The flight control computer is further connected to a set of actuators which are attached to each pylon. The flight control computer receives flight dynamics input from the set of transducers and/or the pilot and sends pylon command to the set of actuators. The conversion system measures the difference between the pylon angles during the transition and provides a pylon command adjustment if the difference exceeds a preset threshold.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for operating a multicopter experiencing a failure during flight, the multicopter comprising a body, and at least four effectors attached to the body, each operable to produce both a torque and a thrust force which can cause the multicopter to fly when not experiencing said failure.

Abstract: A rotor system of a tail-sitter aerial vehicle configured to rotate about an axis of rotation is provided including a rotor hub which rotates about the axis of rotation and at least one rotor blade operably coupled to the rotor hub. The at least one rotor blade is configured to rotate about a folding axis between an extended position where the at least one rotor blade is substantially within a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and a stowed position where the rotor blade is arranged out of the plane of at an angle less than ninety degrees to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: There is provided a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (VTOL), having a main propulsion unit (GT engine) with high-pressure and low-pressure turbine shafts installed along a longitudinal axis of a frame to be rotated by pressurized gas jetted on combustion of an air-fuel mixture to produce propulsion force in a longitudinal direction of the frame, high-pressure side and low-pressure side motor generators coaxially attached to the high-pressure and low-pressure turbine shaft, four fans installed on the frame to be rotatable around axes parallel to a vertical axis of the frame, four propulsion units individually connected to the fans to rotate them and generate lift force in a vertical direction of the frame, and a controller. The controller control operation of the main propulsion unit, motor generators and sub propulsion units to obtain propulsion forces in the longitudinal direction and in the vertical direction of the frame.

Abstract: A tiltrotor aircraft having a VTOL flight mode, a forward flight mode and a storage mode includes a fuselage having a wing rotatably mounted thereto. The wing has an orientation generally perpendicular to the fuselage, in the flight modes, and an orientation generally parallel to the fuselage, in the storage mode. First and second pylon assemblies are positioned proximate outboard ends of the wing. First and second mast assemblies are respectively rotatable relative to the first and second pylon assemblies and have generally vertical orientations, in the VTOL flight mode, and generally horizontal orientations, in the forward flight mode and the storage mode. First and second proprotor assemblies are respectively rotatable relative to the first and second mast assemblies. Each proprotor assembly includes a plurality of rotor blades and has a radially extended orientation, in the flight modes, and a stowed orientation, in the storage mode.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage; a wing coupled to, and extending from, the fuselage; and a hybrid-electric propulsion system. The hybrid-electric propulsion system includes a power source including a combustion engine and an electric generator; a plurality of vertical thrust electric fans integrated into the wing and oriented to generate thrust along the vertical direction, the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans arranged along a length of the wing and driven by the power source; and a forward thrust propulsor. The forward thrust propulsor it is selectively or permanently mechanically coupled to the combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the design and manufacturing of a tiltrotor aircraft, including the steps of: determining a compatible mission data set; identifying lift propulsion module components for the compatible mission data set; determining compatible specifications; and generating a design for a lift propulsion module; wherein the lift propulsion module is configured to be connected to at least two different fuselages. There is also a method of designing a tiltrotor aircraft, comprising the step of modularizing a lift propulsion system, wherein the lift propulsion system is configured to be connected to at least two different fuselages. In another aspect, there is a tiltrotor aircraft including a fuselage; and a lift propulsion module, the lift propulsion module including a mounting surface; wherein the lift propulsion module is coupled to the fuselage on the mounting surface. Also included are methods of assembling and systems including a lift propulsion module.

Abstract: In order to further benefit from the principle of boundary layer ingestion by engines of an aircraft assembly, the rear portion of the fuselage of this aircraft assembly includes a front portion which splits up into at least two distinct rear portions, spaced apart from each other, and each integrating the rotary ring of the receiver of one of the engines.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for operating a multicopter experiencing a failure during flight, the multicopter comprising a body, and at least four effectors attached to the body, each operable to produce both a torque and a thrust force which can cause the multicopter to fly when not experiencing said failure.

Abstract: The present invention is a variable geometry aircraft that is capable of morphing its shape from a symmetric cross-section buoyant craft to an asymmetric lifting body and even to a symmetric zero lift configuration. The basic structure is a semi rigid airship with movable longerons. Movement of the longerons adjusts the camber of the upper and/or lower surfaces to achieve varying shapes of the lifting-body. This transformation changes both the lift and drag characteristics of the craft to alter the flight characteristics. The transformation may be accomplished while the craft is airborne and does not require any ground support equipment.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle, preferably including: a rotary wing and a protection housing enclosing the rotary wing. An aerial vehicle, preferably including: a first rotary wing module including a first rotary wing and a second rotary wing module including a second rotary wing, wherein the first rotary wing module and the second rotary wing module are preferably operable between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. A method of aerial vehicle operation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a shaft, a rotor, and a cam surface. The shaft comprises a spiral spline along a length of the shaft. The rotor comprises a blade extending from the rotor and a tubular hole extending into the rotor. The tubular hole comprises a spiral groove configured to mate with the spiral spline on the shaft. Relative rotation between the spiral spline and the spiral groove causes the rotor to linearly move along the shaft. The cam surface comprising a recession. The blade nesting in the recession to constrains rotation of the rotor about the shaft and allows linear movement of the rotor along the shaft.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a pod assembly transportation system includes a transportation services provider computing system and a plurality of flying frame flight control systems, wherein the system is configured to receive, at the transportation services provider computing system, a request for transportation of a pod assembly; upload a flight plan to a flight control system of a flying frame including an airframe and a distributed propulsion system coupled to airframe; dispatch the flying frame by air to the current location of the pod assembly; couple the pod assembly to the flying frame; transport the pod assembly by air from the current location of the pod assembly to the destination of the pod assembly including transitioning the flying frame between a vertical takeoff and landing mode and a forward flight mode; and decouple the pod assembly from the flying frame at the destination of the pod assembly.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for operating a multicopter experiencing a failure during flight, the multicopter comprising a body, and at least four effectors attached to the body, each operable to produce both a torque and a thrust force which can cause the multicopter to fly when not experiencing said failure.

Abstract: A VTOL aircraft, preferably of the swept wing design. An arrangement of propellors and motors are individually housed within ducts which are mounted within a wing. Each individual motor support arm will run from the motor it is supporting, through the duct wall and into the wing and will be attached to a central frame structure housed in the fuselage. Covers are provided over the ducts, operable by motor means such as a servo. When the aircraft is relying on the internally housed propellors to provide lift, the covers will be open to allow air to pass through the ducts. When the aircraft is relying on airflow over the wings to provide lift these covers can be closed to provide uninterrupted airflow over the wings. The covers are designed to match the surface contour of the wing when closed.

Abstract: A tiltrotor aircraft having a VTOL flight mode, a forward flight mode and a storage mode includes a fuselage having a wing rotatably mounted thereto. The wing has an orientation generally perpendicular to the fuselage, in the flight modes, and an orientation generally parallel to the fuselage, in the storage mode. First and second pylon assemblies are positioned proximate outboard ends of the wing. First and second mast assemblies are respectively rotatable relative to the first and second pylon assemblies and have generally vertical orientations, in the VTOL flight mode, and generally horizontal orientations, in the forward flight mode and the storage mode. First and second proprotor assemblies are respectively rotatable relative to the first and second mast assemblies. Each proprotor assembly includes a plurality of rotor blades and has a radially extended orientation, in the flight modes, and a stowed orientation, in the storage mode.

Abstract: A lever outputs a first signal level where the first signal level is based at least in part on the position of the lever and the first signal level is used to control a first set of rotors associated with a vertical propulsion system. A thumb controller (coupled to the vertical thrust lever) outputs a second signal level where the second signal level is based at least in part on the position of the thumb controller, the second signal level is used to control a second set of rotors associated with a horizontal propulsion system, and the thumb controller includes a detent associated with a recommended sustained maximum.

Abstract: An unmanned aircraft includes a forward propulsion system comprising one or more forward thrust engines and one or more corresponding rotors coupled to the forward thrust engines; a vertical propulsion system comprising one or more vertical thrust engines and one or more corresponding rotors coupled to the vertical thrust engines; and a pitch angle and throttle control system, comprising a processor configured to receive a first pitch angle command; and generate a second pitch angle command and a forward thrust engine throttle command based on a bounded pitch angle for the aircraft.

Abstract: A tiltrotor aircraft having a VTOL flight mode, a forward flight mode and a storage mode includes a fuselage having a wing rotatably mounted thereto. The wing has an orientation generally perpendicular to the fuselage, in the flight modes, and an orientation generally parallel to the fuselage, in the storage mode. First and second pylon assemblies are positioned proximate outboard ends of the wing. First and second mast assemblies are respectively rotatable relative to the first and second pylon assemblies and have generally vertical orientations, in the VTOL flight mode, and generally horizontal orientations, in the forward flight mode and the storage mode. First and second proprotor assemblies are respectively rotatable relative to the first and second mast assemblies. Each proprotor assembly includes a plurality of rotor blades and has a radially extended orientation, in the flight modes, and a stowed orientation, in the storage mode.

Abstract: A tiltrotor aircraft having a VTOL flight mode, a forward flight mode and a storage mode includes a fuselage having a wing rotatably mounted thereto. The wing has an orientation generally perpendicular to the fuselage, in the flight modes, and an orientation generally parallel to the fuselage, in the storage mode. First and second pylon assemblies are positioned proximate outboard ends of the wing. First and second mast assemblies are respectively rotatable relative to the first and second pylon assemblies and have generally vertical orientations, in the VTOL flight mode, and generally horizontal orientations, in the forward flight mode and the storage mode. First and second proprotor assemblies are respectively rotatable relative to the first and second mast assemblies. Each proprotor assembly includes a plurality of rotor blades and has a radially extended orientation, in the flight modes, and a stowed orientation, in the storage mode.

Abstract: A tiltrotor aircraft having a VTOL flight mode, a forward flight mode and a storage mode includes a fuselage having a wing rotatably mounted thereto. The wing has an orientation generally perpendicular to the fuselage, in the flight modes, and an orientation generally parallel to the fuselage, in the storage mode. First and second pylon assemblies are positioned proximate outboard ends of the wing. First and second mast assemblies are respectively rotatable relative to the first and second pylon assemblies and have generally vertical orientations, in the VTOL flight mode, and generally horizontal orientations, in the forward flight mode and the storage mode. First and second proprotor assemblies are respectively rotatable relative to the first and second mast assemblies. Each proprotor assembly includes a plurality of rotor blades and has a radially extended orientation, in the flight modes, and a stowed orientation, in the storage mode.

Abstract: An aircraft includes at least one propulsion engine, coupled to a fuselage, and configured to provide forward thrust to propel the aircraft along a first vector during forward flight. Each of at least two of multiple rotors coupled to the fuselage is coupled to a motor configured to supply power to that rotor and/or to draw power from that rotor. At least two of the rotors are configured to operate during forward flight to provide at least some lift to the aircraft along a second vector. A flight control system is configured to control the rotors that are configured to operate during forward flight in a power managed regime in which a net electrical power, consisting of the sum of the power being supplied to or drawn from each rotor by its motor, is maintained within a range determined by a feedback control system of the flight control system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a passenger pod assembly transportation system includes a transportation services provider computing system and a plurality of flying frame flight control systems, wherein the system is configured to receive, at the transportation services provider computing system, a request for transportation of a passenger pod assembly having a current location and a destination; upload a flight plan to a flight control system of a flying frame including an airframe and a propulsion system; dispatch the flying frame to the current location of the passenger pod assembly; couple the flying frame to the passenger pod assembly at the current location of the passenger pod assembly; transport the passenger pod assembly by air from the current location of the passenger pod assembly to the destination of the passenger pod assembly; and decouple the passenger pod assembly from the flying frame at the destination of the passenger pod assembly.

Abstract: A magnetic kinetic propulsion motor apparatus and method includes a shaft with a first two ended rotational blade attached at a midpoint of the two ended rotational blade to the shaft. A proximity magnetic sensor is connected at both ends of the two ended rotational blade. A stationary housing surrounds the shaft and the first two ended rotational blade. Several self-aligning repulsion electro-magnets are connected to the stationary housing and a proximity switch is connected with each of the self-aligning repulsion electro-magnets. An electronic ignition distributor is connected to each proximity switch connected with the self-aligning repulsion electro-magnets and a battery is connected to the electronic ignition distributor.

Abstract: A lift fan for use in short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft is disclosed and claimed. The lift fan is driven by bleed air from a main engine of the aircraft and may be controlled by an electromagnet. This eliminates the drag and torque on the main engine and reduces fuel cost and engine wear.

Abstract: Multi-directional control using upper surface blowing systems is described herein. One disclosed example method includes a flow director of an aircraft, where the flow director is to cause an exhaust stream of an upper surface blowing system to attach to a fuselage of the aircraft, and a controller to control the flow director to affect one or more of a pitch, a yaw or a roll of the aircraft by varying a degree of the attachment of the exhaust stream to the fuselage.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a tail extending from a fuselage. The tail defines a structural box having first and second vertical stabilizers that support a horizontal stabilizer. The tail includes at least one sacrificial control surface and at least one primary control surface. The primary control surfaces maintain aircraft controllability in the event that the sacrificial control surface becomes inoperable.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to vary reverse thrust of turbofans are disclosed. An example cascade apparatus disclosed herein includes a fixed frame having a plurality of fixed vanes coupled to the frame, where each of the fixed vanes defines a plurality of slots. A plurality of movable vanes intersects the fixed vanes to form a reverse thrust flow path and slidably coupled to the fixed vanes via the slots. The movable vanes slide relative to the fixed vanes between a first position to provide a first reverse thrust and a second position to provide a second reverse thrust different from the first reverse thrust.

Abstract: Example doors for ducted fan inlet openings are disclosed herein. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a door and a duct of a ducted fan unit extending through a body of an aircraft. The duct of the example apparatus defines a passageway between a first opening in a first side of the body and a second opening in a second side of the body opposite the first side. The example apparatus also includes an actuation system to move the door between a first position in which the door is disposed over the first opening and a second position in which the door is disposed over the first side of the body and outside of a diameter of the first opening. In the example apparatus, the door is orientated generally parallel to the first side of the body throughout movement of the door between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An electrical energy generator system for an aircraft, the system including a streamlined fairing containing at least one turbine housed in the front portion of the fairing, and an electrical energy generator connected to said turbine. The front portion of the fairing is fitted with air admission means that are movable between an open position in which the turbine is exposed to the stream of air outside the fairing and a closed position in which the turbine is masked inside the fairing. The system may serve to reduce the aerodynamic drag caused by turbulence present at a wing tip for a conventional wing having sharp edges during stages of takeoff, climbing, and cruising; and during stages of descent it makes it possible to recover the kinetic and potential energy that has been accumulated by the aircraft during its stages of climbing and cruising.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) is configured with a redundant power generation system on-board the UAV. A redundant power system on-board the UAV can selectively utilize an auxiliary power source during operation and/or flight of the UAV. The power system on-board the UAV may include a battery and at least one auxiliary power source comprising a combustion engine. The combustion engine on-board the UAV may be selectively operated to charge the battery when a charge level of the battery is below a full charge level, and/or to power one or more propeller motors of the UAV.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow guiding system for a turbo engine, in particular an aircraft engine, characterized by an air intake device taking a thermal management air stream from a free flowing air stream during the operation of the turbo engine and at least one flow guiding means for guiding the thermal management air stream to at least one target region to be thermally managed in the turbo engine. The invention also relates to a turbo engine with a flow guiding system and a method for manufacturing a flow guiding system.

Abstract: A wide area sensor system includes an unmanned airplane being switchable between an airplane mode for high speed flight and a VTOL mode for low speed flight, a state detection sensor provided in the unmanned airplane, the state detection sensor being driven to detect a state of a detection target, and an external control apparatus that controls flight of the unmanned airplane and driving of the state detection sensor. The external control apparatus performs high speed sensing by driving the state detection sensor while performing the high speed flight of the unmanned airplane in the airplane mode. The control apparatus performs low speed sensing by driving the state detection sensor while performing the low speed flight of the unmanned airplane in the VTOL mode.

Abstract: The present invention is a variable geometry lighter-than-air (LTA) aircraft that is adapted to morph its shape from a symmetric cross-section buoyant craft to an asymmetric lifting body and even to a symmetric zero lift configuration. The basic structure is a semi rigid airship with movable longerons. Movement of the longerons adjusts the camber of the upper and/or lower surfaces to achieve varying shapes of the lifting-body. This transformation changes both the lift and drag characteristics of the craft to alter the flight characteristics. The transformation may be accomplished while the craft is airborne and does not require any ground support equipment.

Abstract: An electric and hybrid Vertical-Take Off and Landing (“VTOL”) aircraft is disclosed comprising a plurality of small Electric Ducted Fans (“EDFs”) of various sizes and orientations. The thrust of each fixed EDF is individually controlled by modulation of motor power by one or more onboard microcomputers connected to a plurality of onboard laser distance measuring sensors, at least three onboard three-axis accelerometers and at least one GPS thereby allowing extremely precise and safe VTOL operation. The aircraft may be employed to allow robotic and passenger vehicles to transition extremely quickly between normal linear flight and VTOL and to operate in extreme and gusty conditions.

Abstract: An aircraft (1) comprising a fuselage (2), a rotary wing (10) having two contrarotating main rotors (12) arranged in tandem above the fuselage (2), at least one propulsion member (20), and a power plant (30). Each propulsion member (20) is carried by a rear portion (3) of the fuselage. The aircraft (1) includes an interconnection system (40) providing a permanent connection between the power plant (30) and the rotary wing (10), except in the event of a failure or during training, the aircraft (1) having differential control means (50) for controlling the cyclic pitch of the blades of the main rotors (12) to control the aircraft (1) in yaw, and inhibition means (60) for inhibiting each propulsion member (20).

Abstract: An aircraft includes a powerplant system operable to power a main rotor system and a secondary thrust system, the secondary thrust system is selectively driven through operation of a clutch system, and a clutch system synchronization time corresponds to a response time of the powerplant system.

Abstract: A system and method to control flight of an aircraft. The aircraft having an engine with a rotatably nozzle assembly configured to create forward propulsion and yaw control of the aircraft. The engine exhaust passing through the nozzle is redirected with a valve disposed within the nozzle. Lift is created with a lift system carried by the wing of the aircraft. Additional lift is created during flight with a retractable wing extension disposed within the wing of the aircraft.

Abstract: A fixed-wing VTOL aircraft features an array of electric lift fans distributed over the surface of the aircraft. A generator is (selectively) coupled to the gas turbine engine of the aircraft. During VTOL operation of the aircraft, the engine drives the generator to generate electricity to power the lifting fans. Power to the lifting fans is reduced as the aircraft gains forward speed and is increasingly supported by the wings.

Abstract: A vehicle including a fuselage having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, two Ducted Fan lift-producing propellers carried by the fuselage on each side of the transverse axis, a pilot's compartment formed in the fuselage between the lift-producing propellers and substantially aligned with one side of the fuselage, a payload bay formed in the fuselage between the lift-producing propellers and opposite the pilot's compartment, and two pusher fans located at the rear of the vehicle. Many variations are described enabling the vehicle to be used not only as a VTOL vehicle, but also as a multi-function utility vehicle for performing many diverse functions including hovercraft and ATV functions. Also described is an Unmanned version of the vehicle. Also described are unique features applicable in any single or multiple ducted fans and VTOL vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aircraft (1) comprising an airframe (2) provided with a fuselage (10) and fixed wings (20), a rotary wing (30), at least two propellers (41, 42), and a power plant suitable for driving said rotary wing (30) and said propellers (41, 42) into rotation.