Aerodynamically buoyant sailcraft

摘要

A vehicle includes a frame having an elongated shape extending in a longitudinal direction, a canard airfoil mounted to a forward portion of the frame, a wing airfoil mounted to an aft portion of the frame, a mast mounted to the frame, at least one sail supported by the mast, and a support rotatably mounted to the mast and supporting a cabin and/or equipment, and a plurality of support devices attached to one or more of the frame or the wing airfoil to stabilize and support the vehicle when stopped or at low speeds and to provide directional control. The canard airfoil is adjustable to thereby change the amount of lift provided to the forward portion of the frame, and the wing airfoil is adjustable to provide lift and to balance the forces on the vehicle.

主权项

1. A vehicle for carrying one or more of passengers or material over a surface, said vehicle comprising:
a frame extending in a longitudinal direction; a canard airfoil mounted to a forward portion of the frame; a wing airfoil mounted to an aft portion of the frame; a mast mounted to the frame; at least one sail supported by the mast; and a support rotatably mounted to the mast and supporting a cabin; wherein the canard airfoil is adjustable to thereby change an amount of lift provided to the forward portion of the frame; and wherein the wing airfoil is adjustable to provide lift and to balance forces on the vehicle.