Flying craft and a thruster engine suitable for use in such a craft

US5836542A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• David Burns · Tillicoultry, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 28, 1995
• Grant date: Nov 17, 1998
• Expiry date: Apr 28, 2015

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T90/40
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A flying craft (14) has a dish shaped body (18, 20, 21) with a convex upper surface (18) to provide lift. Engine means (1) in the form of a jet or rocket engine is housed in the body at the rear, while a duct (15) extends through the body from an air opening (15A) at the front of the craft (14) so as to direct air to the engine means (1) for example to serve as cooling and/or combustion air for the engine means. Additional thruster jets (16A, 16B) can be located on the bottom of the body for directional control. In a further embodiment (FIG. 12), an electric motor driven fan (37) is located in the duct (15) to form a ducted fan propulsion and unit for forward, slightly descending, movement of the craft (14A), while a more powerful jet or rocket engine (35) is located vertically in the craft to effect vertical ascent of the craft to an elevation where forward motion by the ducted fan propulsion unit can commence. A turbine fan driven alternator (27) can also be located in the ducting (15). A suitable rocket engine is also described (FIGS. 1 and 6).