Ducted fan air vehicle with deployable wings
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorJohn C. Colclough
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A ducted fan air vehicle and method of operation is disclosed for obtaining aerodynamic lift and efficiency in forward flight operation without significantly impacting hover stability. One or more retractable wings are included on the ducted fan air vehicle and are deployed during forward flight to provide aerodynamic lift. The wing or wings are retracted when the vehicle hovers to reduce the impact the wings have on stability in a wind. Each wing may conform to the curvature or profile of the vehicle when retracted, and may be constructed in one or more wing sections. The wing or wings may be deployed and retracted automatically or at the command of an operator. Each wing and related components may be integrated into the vehicle or may be detachable.
Claims14
A ducted fan air vehicle comprising:
- a body including a motor and impeller controlled by the motor;
- a first retractable wing having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the body, and wherein in a retracted position the first retractable wing conforms with a profile of the ducted fan air vehicle and in a deployed position the second end is extended outward from the body, wherein the first retractable wing includes a first section and a second section connected to each other via a hinge;
- and
- a second retractable wing connected to the body, wherein the first retractable wing and the second retractable wing overlap while in a retracted position.
A ducted fan air vehicle comprising:
- a body including a motor and impeller controlled by the motor;
- and
- at least one retractable wing having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the body, and wherein in a retracted position the retractable wing conforms with a profile of the ducted fan air vehicle and in a deployed position the second end is extended outward from the body, and wherein the retractable wing:
- is deployed automatically when the ducted fan air vehicle meets or exceeds a pre-selected speed;
- and
- is retracted automatically when the ducted fan air vehicle slows to or below a pre-selected speed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.