Separated lift-thrust VTOL aircraft with articulated rotors
US11919630B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 2020 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 22, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64C2211/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A separated lift-thrust (SLT) aircraft includes a longitudinal-thrust engine and articulated electric rotors, at least some of which are variable-position rotors having variable orientations based on rotor position signals. Control circuitry independently controls thrust of the longitudinal-thrust engine and the thrust and orientation of each of the variable-position rotors, relative to the aircraft lifting surface and longitudinal thrust engine, to provide for commanded thrust-vectoring maneuvering of the aircraft during VTOL, fixed wing flight, and intermediate transitional states, including maintenance of a desired pose of the lifting surface independent of orientation of the rotor orientations when hovering the aircraft in windy conditions. A flight and navigation control system automates flight maneuvers and maintains desired aircraft pose and position relative to static or dynamic coordinates during station keeping, tracking, avoidance, or convergence maneuvers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.