Tailboom-stabilized vtol aircraft

A method comprising:

• (a) providing a lift unit including a propulsion subsystem and a tailboom;
• (b) providing a payload unit pivotally coupled to the lift unit such that the tailboom and payload unit are free to independently pivot with respect to each other about a first axis;
• (c) operating the lift unit in a first mode wherein its propulsion subsystem provides an aerial motive force predominantly countering gravity;
• (d) during at least a portion of the first mode, latching the tailboom to the payload unit in a substantially vertical orientation;
• (e) transitioning the lift unit to a second mode wherein its propulsion subsystem provides an aerial motive force predominantly parallel to the ground;
• and
• (f) during at least a portion of the second mode, releasing the tailboom from the payload unit, thereby allowing it to pivot independently of the payload unit.

A method comprising:

• (a) in a flying craft having a tailboom and a payload support structure free to pivot with respect to each other about a first axis, generating an aerial motive force predominantly countering gravity;
• (b) during at least a portion of part (a), having the tailboom latched to the payload support structure, thereby arranging the tailboom in a substantially vertical orientation;
• (c) in the flying craft, generating an aerial motive force predominantly parallel to the ground;
• and
• (d) during a transition between parts (a) and (c), releasing the tailboom from the payload support structure, thereby allowing the tailboom and the payload support structure to pivot independently of each other about the first axis.

A method comprising, in a flying craft having a tailboom and a payload unit free to pivot with respect to each other about a first axis and a plurality of airfoil blades held by a central hub and moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position:

• (a) spreading the blades to form a pair of rotors coaxial with each other and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis;
• (b) orienting the hub in a substantially vertical direction and rotating the rotors in opposite directions about the second axis, thereby generating an aerial motive force predominantly countering gravity;
• (c) during at least a portion of part (b), keeping the tailboom lached to the payload unit, thereby arranging the tailboom in a substantially vertical orientation;
• (d) transitioning the hub to being oriented in a direction predominantly parallel to the ground while continuing to rotate the rotors in opposite directions;
• and
• (e) during part (d), releasing the tailboom from the payload unit, thereby allowing the tailboom and the payload unit to pivot independently of each other about the first axis.