Inventors:
Peter B. S. Lissaman - Altadena CA
Herman M. Drees - Simi Valley CA
Charles J. Sink - Simi Valley CA
William D. Watson - Simi Valley CA
Assignee:
Aerovironment, Inc. - Monrovia CA
International Classification:
B60V 111
B60V 114
Abstract:
A flight system capable of passively stable hover and horizontal translatory flight, comprises an apparatus defining a vertical axis, and including multiple ducts with substantially vertical axes in hover mode, spaced the axis; fluid momentum generators in the ducts to effect flow of fluid downwardly in the ducts in hover; and fluid flow deflector structure in the path of the flowing duct fluid, and angled to deflect the fluid flow away from the axis, in such manner as to provide stability in hover of the apparatus, as well as stability when the entire device is tilted through approximately 90. degree. to execute horizontal translatory flight.