Aircraft having a versatile propulsion system
US10501193B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 26, 2017 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 13, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An aircraft having a vertical takeoff and landing fight mode and a forward flight mode. The aircraft includes an airframe and a versatile propulsion system attached to the airframe. The versatile propulsion system includes a plurality of propulsion assemblies. A flight control system is operable to independently control the propulsion assemblies. The propulsion assemblies are interchangeably attachable to the airframe such that the aircraft has a liquid fuel flight mode and an electric flight mode. In the liquid fuel flight mode, energy is provided to each of the propulsion assemblies from a liquid fuel. In the electric flight mode, energy is provided to each of the propulsion assemblies from an electric power source.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.