Modular Rocket-Turbine VTOL Boom System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fixed-wing aircraft require long runways for takeoff and landing, and existing VTOL solutions like catapults and nets are expensive, space-intensive, unreliable, and result in aircraft damage, while electrical propulsion systems become impractical for larger aircraft due to increased parasitic weight.
Innovation Solution
A modular rocket-turbine engine system is integrated with a non-VTOL aircraft, allowing vertical takeoff and landing with minimal parasitic weight during forward flight, utilizing high power density rocket-turbine technology and a modular boom system that can be jettisoned for efficient forward flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-wing aircraft uses traditional takeoff and landing methods, then it requires a long runway, but this is not suitable for applications where runway access is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft propulsion system is segmented into two distinct systems: a primary gas turbine engine for forward flight and modular rocket-turbine boosters for VTOL operations. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function, enabling vertical takeoff and landing without requiring the primary engine to be oversized for VTOL, thus eliminating the runway length constraint while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external infrastructure like catapults and nets is used for VTOL, then runway requirement is eliminated, but the system becomes expensive, space-intensive, and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the VTOL capability from external infrastructure and integrates it directly into the aircraft as self-contained modular rocket-turbine boosters. This eliminates the need for external catapults, nets, or other ground-based assistance systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining VTOL adaptability. The boosters are carried and controlled entirely by the aircraft itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft performs its own vertical takeoff and landing operations using integrated rocket-turbine boosters, eliminating dependence on external infrastructure. The system is self-sufficient, with the aircraft carrying its own VTOL propulsion means and control systems, thereby reducing complexity and improving reliability through self-service capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical propulsion systems are used for VTOL, then vertical takeoff and landing is achieved, but parasitic weight increases for larger aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the propulsion parameter from electrical to chemical (rocket-turbine), which provides significantly higher power density. This parameter change enables VTOL capability in larger aircraft without the prohibitive parasitic weight penalty associated with electrical systems, as the chemical propulsion system achieves the required thrust with much less mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The VTOL propulsion system is designed as a dynamic, modular booster system that is integrated only during vertical operations and can be jettisoned or stowed during forward flight. This dynamic configuration minimizes parasitic weight during cruise by removing the VTOL propulsion mass from the aircraft's operational weight, while maintaining full VTOL adaptability when needed.
4Weight of moving object
If modular boom system with rocket-turbine engine is used, then parasitic weight is minimized during forward flight, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The VTOL propulsion system is segmented into modular boom units with integrated rocket-turbine engines, allowing the system to be distributed across the aircraft structure. This segmentation enables the boom system to serve dual purposes: providing VTOL thrust and serving as structural mounting points, thereby managing complexity through functional distribution rather than centralization.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular boom system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the mounting structure for the rocket-turbine engines and as part of the aircraft's structural framework. This universal design reduces overall system complexity by combining VTOL propulsion functions with existing structural elements, rather than adding separate dedicated mounting systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables vertical takeoff and landing without external infrastructure, minimizing weight and maximizing payload capacity, with high power density and short-duration operation efficiency, suitable for applications where runway access is limited.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the modular booms includes a rocket-turbine engine
Implementation Method 2
A vertical-takeoff-and-landing ('VTOL') aircraft includes a non-VTOL aircraft equipped for forward takeoff and flight and a modular boom system interoperably coupled to the non-VTOL aircraft. The modular boom system includes a first modular boom and a second modular boom. The first modular boom includes a first rocket-turbine engine.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical-takeoff-and-landing (“VTOL”) aircraft including a non-VTOL aircraft equipped for forward takeoff and flight and a modular boom system interoperably coupled to the non-VTOL aircraft. The modular boom system includes a first modular boom and a second modular boom. The first modular boom includes a first rocket-turbine engine. The first modular boom is mounted to a first wing of the non-VTOL aircraft. The second modular boom includes a second rocket-turbine engine. The second modular boom is mounted to a second wing of the non-VTOL aircraft.