| 摘要 |
<p>A circular VTOL aircraft with a central vertically mounted turboprop engine (14), driving contra-rotating co-axial propellers (24), above a central jet engine, or engines (12), horizontally mounted on a turntable (11) and steerable through 360 degrees. The turboprop provides vertical thrust from propellers compressing air from an upper circular intake (5) downward through a circular funnel-shaped rotor-chamber (6), to a circular vent (10) at the base of the aircraft. The resulting column of compressed air gives lift for VTOL operations and a cushion of air in flight. The horizontally mounted turbine provides acceleration, retro-thrust and directional control for horizontal flight and vectored thrust for VTOL. An alternative engine configuration (Figure 9), replaces the turboprop and propellers with a vertical turbojet or rocket-engine system providing direct vertical thrust via four control vents (12/14), with an optional horizontal vectored thrust vent (15/37). he aircraft. Fuel-tanks are installed around the central engines. The flight-deck is at the top-centre of the craft above the engines, which are detachable for maintenance.</p> |
