Counter rotating ducted fan flying vehicle

Abstract

A flying vehicle having a pair of counter rotating propeller blades which provide lift for the vehicle when the vehicle is in a flight mode of operation. The counter rotating blades have in flight adjustable pitch and are connected to a control and steering system in the cockpit of the vehicle. A gas turbine engine located in the aft section of the vehicle is connected through a drive shaft and transmission to the counter rotating propeller blades When the vehicle transitions to the flight mode, the user has aircraft controls available in the cockpit to make the transitions from a driver to a pilot in a short time period. Yaw pedals located on the floor board of the cockpit as well as a pitch control handle and the steering wheel allow the user to steer and control the altitude of the vehicle when the vehicle is in the flight mode.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 264,699, filed Jan. 30, 2001.[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] This invention relates to a vehicle that can be driven on the road and without the transition to mechanical wings take off vertically, fly at aircraft altitudes to a destination and then land at the destination.[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art[0004] There is currently no practical means of driving and flying from congested cities to the suburbs or to business meeting. Helicopters cannot be used for street and highway based transportation, that is transport of individuals using city streets and highways. While great for flying to a particular destination, helicopters require the user to also have a car.[0005] Other roadable aircraft that have been developed through the years require the use of a runway and an airport. This is a huge disadvantage with respect to the practicality of this type of vehicle. With "gate hold" procedures being u...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

There is currently no practical means of driving and flying from congested cities to the suburbs or to business meeting.

Helicopters cannot be used for street and highway based transportation, that is transport of individuals using city streets and highways.

This is a huge disadvantage with respect to the practicality of this type of vehicle.

With "gate hold" procedures being used at most major airports, a take off and landing must be booked well in advance, which further limits the use of these Roadable Aircraft as a means for traveling between destinations.

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