A method for operating a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft includes modifying a first variable component of a wing associated with a first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to a second variable component of the wing associated with a second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans to adjust an exposure ratio of the first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to the second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans.

An autonomous flying device achieving a large payload and a long continuous flight tune and also accurately adjust position and orientation while flying. The device includes: a main rotor and the like that provide main thrust; a sub rotor and the like that controls the orientation; an engine that generates energy for rotating the main rotor and the like and the sub rotor and the like; and an arithmetic control device that controls rotation of the sub rotor and the like. Also, the main rotor and the like are rotated by being drivingly connected to the engine, whereas the sub rotor and the like are rotated by motors driven by electric power generated from generator and the like operated by the engine. Further, when orientation control to tilt the fuselage is performed, the arithmetic control device increases the output distribution ratio of the sub rotor to above the output distribution ratio of the sub rotor when hovering is performed.

An aircraft diesel engine may be operated at a minimal fuel rate. Shaft output power of the engine may be reduced by initiating combustion during the compression stroke. Combustion may be initiated during the compression stroke by advancing fuel injection, splitting fuel injection, and/or manipulating individual injection quantities. Initiating combustion during the compression stroke may slew torque generation to the compression stroke.

An aircraft diesel engine may be operated at a minimal fuel rate. Shaft output power of the engine may be reduced by initiating combustion during the compression stroke. Combustion may be initiated during the compression stroke by advancing fuel injection, splitting fuel injection, and/or manipulating individual injection quantities. Initiating combustion during the compression stroke may slew torque generation to the compression stroke.

An aircraft propulsion system comprising a reciprocating liquid cooled engine housed within the fuselage driving twin fuselage mounted ducted-fans is disclosed. The propulsion system may be liquid cooled with a liquid cooled exhaust and at least one turbocharger. The ducted-fans may run fan blade tip speeds of up to 97% Mach driven by a near constant RPM engine through a continuously variable transmission. The propulsion system may be low noise and may meet environmental standards typical in the automotive industry.

An aircraft propulsion system comprising a reciprocating liquid cooled engine housed within the fuselage driving twin fuselage mounted ducted-fans is disclosed. The propulsion system may be liquid cooled with a liquid cooled exhaust and at least one turbocharger. The ducted-fans may run fan blade tip speeds of up to 97% Mach driven by a near constant RPM engine through a continuously variable transmission. The propulsion system may be low noise and may meet environmental standards typical in the automotive industry.

An assembly for an aircraft having a propeller, including a wheel well configured for receiving a retracted landing gear, the wheel well including walls and a closable bottom opening for deploying the landing gear therethrough, an engine assembly having an engine shaft configured for driving engagement with the propeller, and a mount assembly for supporting the engine assembly, the mount assembly connected to at least one of the walls of the wheel well. A method of supporting an engine assembly in an aircraft having a retractable landing gear and a propeller driven by the engine assembly is also discussed.

An assembly for an aircraft having a propeller, including a wheel well configured for receiving a retracted landing gear, the wheel well including walls and a closable bottom opening for deploying the landing gear therethrough, an engine assembly having an engine shaft configured for driving engagement with the propeller, and a mount assembly for supporting the engine assembly, the mount assembly connected to at least one of the walls of the wheel well. A method of supporting an engine assembly in an aircraft having a retractable landing gear and a propeller driven by the engine assembly is also discussed.

An assembly for an aircraft having a propeller, including a wheel well for a retracted landing gear, first and second cooling ducts; and an engine assembly having an engine shaft configured for driving engagement with the propeller, the engine assembly including a coolant circulation system for circulation of a liquid coolant, a lubricant circulation system for circulation of a lubricant, a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with at least the coolant circulation system, and a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with at least the lubricant circulation system. Each heat exchanger is positioned and configured for receiving a cooling airflow from the respective cooling duct. The wheel well is located between the heat exchangers. A method of cooling a lubricant and a liquid coolant of an engine assembly is also discussed.

An assembly for an aircraft having a propeller, including a wheel well for a retracted landing gear, first and second cooling ducts; and an engine assembly having an engine shaft configured for driving engagement with the propeller, the engine assembly including a coolant circulation system for circulation of a liquid coolant, a lubricant circulation system for circulation of a lubricant, a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with at least the coolant circulation system, and a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with at least the lubricant circulation system. Each heat exchanger is positioned and configured for receiving a cooling airflow from the respective cooling duct. The wheel well is located between the heat exchangers. A method of cooling a lubricant and a liquid coolant of an engine assembly is also discussed.