A vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (101) for transporting persons or loads, including a plurality of preferably equivalent and redundant electric motors (3) and propellers (2), substantially arranged in one surface, wherein each propeller is assigned an individual electric motor to drive the propeller, the aircraft being characterized in that at least one attitude sensor is provided for attitude control of the aircraft (101) in an active signal connection to at least one signal processing unit which is designed or set up to automatically perform the attitude control based on measurement data from the attitude sensor by regulating the speed of at least some of the electric motors (3), preferably with signal actions of the speed controller assigned to each electric motor such that the aircraft (101) is positioned in space with the surface defined by the propeller (2) substantially horizontal at all times, without control input by a pilot or a remote control.

A motorized aircraft is controlled by a drive control means (120) that rotationally drives a propulsion system propeller. The propulsion system propeller is driven by a plurality of electric motors (130). Total output of the plurality of electric motors (130) and required output satisfy the following relationship: Pmax(n1)/n>Preq (where Pmax is the total output (kW) of the electric motors, n is the number of electric motors, and Preq is the required output (kW)).

The Distributed Electric Ducted Fan Wing concept incorporates multiple electric ducted fans on lifting surfaces configured to provide integrated aerodynamics and propulsion resulting in enhanced aerodynamic characteristics and thus aircraft performance. The concept uses a plurality of electric ducted fans (EDFs) to not only provide thrust, but to also blow air across the upper surface of a substantial portion of the lifting surface area increasing lift at little loss in efficiency. Not only can the total lift on the surfaces be enhanced, but the lift distribution managed: to aid in aircraft control; ameliorate the effects of turbulence: reduce shed vortices; mitigate the effects of system failures; eliminate stalls; and compensate for crosswinds. This concept offers the potential for increasing electric airplane efficiency and performance, enhancing Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities, improving passenger comfort, and reducing the structural stress and cost of aircraft.

A flight control device performs a flight control process for causing an eVTOL to fly. In a step of the flight control process, the flight control device determines whether the eVTOL is capable of maintaining a stable attitude. In the step, it is determined whether the eVTOL is capable of maintaining the stable attitude even if driving of an abnormal motor is stopped. In the step, it is determined whether the eVTOL is capable of maintaining the stable attitude even if the abnormal motor continues driving. When it is determined that the eVTOL is capable of maintaining the stable attitude, the flight control device performs output adjustment of at least one of a normal motor and the abnormal motor to maintain the eVTOL at the stable attitude.

A flight control device performs a flight control process for causing an eVTOL to fly. In a step of the flight control process, the flight control device determines whether the eVTOL is capable of maintaining a stable attitude. In the step, it is determined whether the eVTOL is capable of maintaining the stable attitude even if driving of an abnormal motor is stopped. In the step, it is determined whether the eVTOL is capable of maintaining the stable attitude even if the abnormal motor continues driving. When it is determined that the eVTOL is capable of maintaining the stable attitude, the flight control device performs output adjustment of at least one of a normal motor and the abnormal motor to maintain the eVTOL at the stable attitude.

An aircraft includes: rotors each driven by an electric motor; a PCU that converts AC power output from a generator into DC power; an inverter that converts DC power supplied from the PCU into AC power and outputs the AC power to the electric motor; a DC wire that connects the PCU and the inverter; and an AC wire that connects the inverter and the electric motor. The AC wire is disposed in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which rotation shafts of the generator and a gas turbine extend.

There is provided an electrical power system comprising: a DC voltage source, a DC electrical network, a DC to AC to DC converter having a primary side connected to the DC voltage source and a secondary side connected to the DC electrical network, and a controller configured to control the DC to AC to DC converter, wherein the controller is configured to: monitor an electrical current or voltage between the DC voltage source and the DC electrical network; determine, based on the monitored electrical current or voltage, whether the DC electrical network is in a fault condition; and increase a switching frequency of the primary side of the DC to AC to DC converter in response to a positive determination that the DC electrical network is in a fault condition.

A vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (101) for transporting persons or loads, including a plurality of preferably equivalent and redundant electric motors (3) and propellers (2), substantially arranged in one surface, wherein each propeller is assigned an individual electric motor to drive the propeller, the aircraft being characterized in that at least one attitude sensor is provided for attitude control of the aircraft (101) in an active signal connection to at least one signal processing unit which is designed or set up to automatically perform the attitude control based on measurement data from the attitude sensor by regulating the speed of at least some of the electric motors (3), preferably with signal actions of the speed controller assigned to each electric motor such that the aircraft (101) is positioned in space with the surface defined by the propeller (2) substantially horizontal at all times, without control input by a pilot or a remote control.

A system for providing regenerative power for an aircraft to sustain flight includes multiple energy cells disposed within the aircraft, the energy cells being configured to supply power to a propulsion motor and electronics of the aircraft, a fan generator harnessing propeller blast created by an aircraft propeller and converting kinetic energy of the propeller blast into electrical energy, a charger receiving the electrical energy generated by the fan generator and using the electrical energy to recharge one or more of the energy cells, and a power transfer switch selectively connecting one of the energy cells to the propulsion motor and electronics of the aircraft, such that the energy cells are rotated one at a time to power the propulsion motor and electronics. During recharging, the one or more of the energy cells are disconnected by the power transfer switch.

An aircraft propulsion power plant for use in an aircraft includes one or more core engines housed in an airframe of the aircraft, one or more secondary propulsion units, each of the one or more secondary propulsion units being removably attached to the airframe, and one or more power transmission means, each of the one or more power transmission means being configured to transmit mechanical power from the or each core engine to a corresponding one of the or each secondary propulsion unit when the or each secondary propulsion unit is attached to the airframe.