Patent · US Expired

Ram wing vehicle

US5860620A · kind A · utility

14Cited by
19References
30Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 10, 1996
Grant dateJan 19, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 10, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60V1/22
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A ram wing vehicle comprises a main structure extending between a nose end and a tail end, including an aerodynamic lifting body having an aspect ratio less than approximately 1.0 and extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The ratio of the thickness of the lifting body intermediate the leading edge and the trailing edge to the length of the chord thereof is greater than approximately 1:8. A propulsion source is provided adjacent the nose end for generating an efflux and for directing the efflux beyond the tail end in a direction away from the nose end. A directional control mechanism is positioned adjacent the nose end for turning the vehicle about the yaw axis into a curve having a center and so vectoring the efflux from the propulsion source as to direct the efflux to the outside of the turn and the nose end toward the center of the curve. The directional control mechanism includes a yaw control mechanism for vectoring the efflux from the propulsion means about the yaw axis and a pitch control mechanism for vectoring the efflux from the propulsion means about the pitch axis of the main structure. The vehicle has significant cargo carrying capacity and is capable of…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.