Multi-modal vehicle

摘要

A multi-modal vehicle (“MMV”) 20a-20d. The MMV 20a-20d includes a fuselage 22 and a chassis 26 supporting at least three wheels 44 having deployed and stowed states. Extending away from the fuselage 22 is a canard wing system 28 and a main wing system 30. The main wing system 30 includes an inboard portion 134 and an outboard portion 132. The inboard portion 134 is pivotally connected to the fuselage 22; the outboard portion 132 is pivotally connected to the inboard portion 134. The MMV 20a-20d further includes a vertical thrust system 32 comprising a pair of ducted fans 100 that are incorporated into the fuselage 22, and a dual-use thrust system 34 that is configured to transition between a first position for supplying vertical thrust and a second position for supplying a horizontal thrust. A controller 42 is configured to control the MMV operations, reconfigurations, or transitions.

主权项

1. A multi-modal vehicle (“MMV”) configured to operate as a roadable vehicle on land, a vertical takeoff and landing (“VTOL”) vehicle, an aircraft vehicle, and a watercraft vehicle on water, swamp, grassland, snow, or ice, the MMV comprising:
a fuselage; a chassis coupled to the fuselage and supporting at least three wheels in a deployed position and in a stowed position; a canard wing system supported on the fuselage; a main wing system simported on the fuselage, wherein the main wing system further comprises: an inboard portion pivotally connected to the fuselage, and an outboard portion pivotally connected to the inboard portion; a first vertical thrust system including a pair of ducted fans incorporated within the fuselage; a dual-use thrust system coupled to a rear portion of the fuselage and configured to transition between a first position for supplying a vertical thrust during a vertical takeoff or landing and a second position for supplying a horizontal thrust during an airborne cruise; and a controller configured to automatically control at least one of the MMV operations, reconfigurations, and transitions.