Cycloidal hybrid advanced surface effects vehicle
US7219854B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2101/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A “wing in ground effect” aerial vehicle includes a wing mounted on a fuselage, and two cycloidal propulsion units for providing lift, thrust and longitudinal control. Additional lift is provided by a lighter-than-air gas such as helium contained in the fuselage. Operationally, the two cycloidal propulsion units and the volume of lighter-than-air gas are concertedly regulated to achieve “wing in ground effect” flight. Importantly, the two cycloidal propulsion units may operate in one of several modes, to include a curtate mode, a prolate mode, and a fixed-wing mode. Additionally, the vehicle may hover. Also, a thruster unit is mounted on the fuselage for providing forward thrust in combination with, or in lieu of, the two cycloidal propulsion units.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.