Patent classifications
B64D27/31
PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR A NON-ROTARY-WING AIRCRAFT, AND ASSOCIATED AIRCRAFT
The invention relates to a propulsion system (20) for a non-rotary-wing aircraft (3), the system comprising an alternating-current generator (24), at least one wingtip propulsion unit (22) comprising an alternating-current motor, and at least one lift-increase propulsion unit (23a-23d) comprising an alternating-current motor. The generator is connected to the lift-increase propulsion unit via a AC/DC converter (261), an intermediate DC distribution stage (260) provided with electric batteries (262) and a DC/AC converter (263a-263d). On the other hand, the generator is connected to the wingtip propulsion unit in such a way as to supply this propulsion unit with alternating current, without intermediate conversion of this alternating current into direct current.
The invention also relates to an aircraft provided with such a propulsion system.
Method and system for propulsion in an electric aircraft
A system for stowable propulsion in an electric aircraft that includes at least a propulsor mounted on at least a structural feature that includes at least a rotor and at least a motor mechanically coupled to the at least a rotor, where the motor is configured to cause the rotor to rotate as a function of an activation datum, at least a sensor communicatively coupled to the at least a propulsor configured to detect a position datum as a function of the configuration, generate a clearance datum as a function of the position datum, transmit the clearance datum to a flight controller, and a flight controller communicatively coupled to the at least a propulsor and the at least a sensor configured to receive the clearance datum from the at least a sensor and generate the activation datum as a function of the clearance datum.
Aircraft for fixed pitch lift
An electric aircraft having fixed pitch lift includes a plurality of flight components, wherein the plurality of flight components further comprises at least a lift propulsor component, wherein the lift propulsor component comprises a plurality of blades configured at an angle of attack, and a flight controller, wherein the flight controller is configured to calculate a flight element using an intermediate representation, and transmit the flight element to the plurality of flight components.
AERODYNAMIC LIFTING STRUCTURES HAVING EMBEDDED ENGINES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Aerodynamic lifting structures, such as aircraft wings, having embedded engines and associated methods and systems are disclosed herein. A wing assemblies configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an upper wing portion, a lower wing portion, and a plurality of independent ducts positioned between the upper wing portion and the lower wing portion. Each duct can extend between a corresponding inlet positioned toward a leading portion of the wing assembly and a corresponding outlet positioned toward a trailing portion of the wing assembly. The wing assembly can further include a plurality of fans and a plurality of electric motors operably coupled to the plurality of fans. The fans and electric motors are positioned in the corresponding individual ducts and the fan is rotatable to propel fluid received in the inlet through the duct to create lift.
AERODYNAMIC LIFTING STRUCTURES HAVING EMBEDDED ENGINES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Aerodynamic lifting structures, such as aircraft wings, having embedded engines and associated methods and systems are disclosed herein. A wing assemblies configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an upper wing portion, a lower wing portion, and a plurality of independent ducts positioned between the upper wing portion and the lower wing portion. Each duct can extend between a corresponding inlet positioned toward a leading portion of the wing assembly and a corresponding outlet positioned toward a trailing portion of the wing assembly. The wing assembly can further include a plurality of fans and a plurality of electric motors operably coupled to the plurality of fans. The fans and electric motors are positioned in the corresponding individual ducts and the fan is rotatable to propel fluid received in the inlet through the duct to create lift.
HYBRID POWER SYSTEMS FOR DIFFERENT MODES OF FLIGHT
A first power source includes a high discharge rate battery and a second power source includes a high energy battery. An electronically activated switch switches between the first power source and the second power source in response to a control signal from a power controller. If the electronically activated switch fails, it fails with one of the first power source and the second power source in an open circuit position and with the other one of the first power source and the second power source in a closed circuit position. The power controller generates the control signal, including by: during a vertical landing associated with a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle, generating the control signal to switch from the high energy battery to the high discharge rate battery independent of a measured current.
Battery structural assembly
An aircraft includes a fuselage and an airframe supporting the fuselage. The airframe includes a pair of longitudinally-extending beams. The aircraft further includes a battery assembly including a cold plate secured to the pair of longitudinally-extending beams, and a battery mounted to the cold plate.
AIRCRAFT HAVING INDEPENDENTLY VARIABLE INCIDENCE CHANNEL WINGS WITH INDEPENDENTLY VARIABLE INCIDENCE CHANNEL CANARDS
An aircraft includes a fuselage and a pair of channel wings which may vary incidence with respect to the fuselage and a pair of channel canards which can also vary incidence with respect to the fuselage and that can move independently of each other for the purpose of vertical takeoff and landing as well as forward and reverse flight. The wings may have multiple channels and may be powered by single propeller or contra-rotating propellers. The thrust to the propellers may be provided with an internal combustion engine or electric motors or a turbo prop or hybrid system. The channel wing allows the fuselage to maintain a level pitch with respect to the horizon. The aircraft will also have increased maneuverability in hover because it can independently vary the incidence of the wings and canards and be able to tightly turn about a point.
TILTROTOR PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT
An aircraft includes a fuselage and a wing assembly attached to or formed integrally with the fuselage. The aircraft also includes a hybrid electric propulsion system having a port propulsor and a starboard propulsor, with the port and starboard propulsors attached to the wing assembly on opposing sides of the fuselage and rotatable between a forward thrust position and a vertical thrust position. The hybrid electric propulsion system additionally includes an electric power source including a combustion engine and an electric generator, with the electric generator being driven by the combustion engine. The electric generator is in electrical communication with each of the port and starboard propulsors for powering the port and starboard propulsors.
Vertical takeoff and landing vehicle with increased cruise efficiency
Systems, methods, and devices are provided that combine an advance vehicle configuration, such as an advanced aircraft configuration, with the infusion of electric propulsion, thereby enabling a four times increase in range and endurance while maintaining a full vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and hover capability for the vehicle. Embodiments may provide vehicles with both VTOL and cruise efficient capabilities without the use of ground infrastructure. An embodiment vehicle may comprise a wing configured to tilt through a range of motion, a first series of electric motors coupled to the wing and each configured to drive an associated wing propeller, a tail configured to tilt through the range of motion, a second series of electric motors coupled to the tail and each configured to drive an associated tail propeller, and an electric propulsion system connected to the first series of electric motors and the second series of electric motors.