Aircraft configured for flight in an atmosphere having low density

US8196858B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Mark A. Croom · Yorktown, US
• Stephen Smith · Atlanta, US
• Paul Gelhausen · Yorktown, US
• Mark D. Guynn · Yorktown, US
• Craig A. Hunter · Milton, CA
• David A. Paddock · Nashua, US
• Steven E. Riddick · Hampton, US
• John E. Teter, Jr. · Hampton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 11, 2010
• Grant date: Jun 12, 2012
• Expiry date: Feb 15, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64G1/1071
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An aircraft is configured for flight in an atmosphere having a low density. The aircraft includes a fuselage, a pair of wings, and a rear stabilizer. The pair of wings extends from the fuselage in opposition to one another. The rear stabilizer extends from the fuselage in spaced relationship to the pair of wings. The fuselage, the wings, and the rear stabilizer each present an upper surface opposing a lower surface. The upper and lower surfaces have X, Y, and Z coordinates that are configured for flight in an atmosphere having low density.