EVTOL Aircraft Using Large, Variable Speed Tilt Rotors
AssigneeKarem Aircraft, Inc.
InventorsAbe Karem, William Martin Waide
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus, systems, and methods are contemplated for electric powered vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Such are craft are engineered to carry safely carry at least 500 pounds (approx. 227 kg) using a few (e.g., 2-4) rotors, generally variable speed rigid (non-articulated) rotors. It is contemplated that one or more rotors generate a significant amount of lift (e.g., 70%) during rotorborne flight (e.g., vertical takeoff, hover, etc), and tilt to provide forward propulsion during wingborne flight. The rotors preferably employ individual blade control, and are battery powered. The vehicle preferably flies in an autopilot or pilotless mode and has a relatively small (e.g., less than 45′ diameter) footprint.
Claims23
A method of engineering a design for an aircraft, comprising:
- engineering the design to have 2, 3, or 4 tilting rotors, inclusive, wherein at least one of the tiling rotors is powered by a first electric motor, and each of the rotors has disc loading lower than 7 lb/Ft̂2);
- and
- including in the design a wing having a wing loading lower than 24 lb/Ft̂2);
- and
- configuring the aircraft to have a flight weight of between 500 lb and 10000 lb.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.