PROPULSIVE FORCE VECTORING

摘要

A propulsive force imparted to an object is vectored using rotatable members arranged in one or more arrays disposed in the path of a fluid ejected by a fluid accelerator unit, such as air ejected by a fan driven by a gas turbine engine. The propulsive force is vectored by changing the rotation of one or more of the rotatable members.

主权项

1. An apparatus for vectoring a propulsive force imparted to an object, the apparatus comprising:
a fluid acceleration unit adapted to eject a fluid to thereby provide a first component of said propulsive force; a first array of rotatable members disposed in the path of said ejected fluid, each of said rotatable members being fully rotatable about a respective rotation axis extending through the respective member, wherein the flow of said ejected fluid around said rotatable members when spinning provides a second component of said propulsive force; and one or more motors adapted to spin one or more of said rotatable members in said first array in a first rotational direction to vector said propulsive force in a first direction and further adapted to spin one or more of said rotatable members in said first array in a second rotational direction to vector said propulsive force in a second direction.