A powered aerodynamic lift device positioned on a leading edge of an aerodynamic lifting element (ALE), e.g. an airfoil, at least one slat/nacelle/EDF lift assembly comprising: a slat, a two or more nacelles positioned beneath the slat, each nacelle housing an electric ducted fan (EDF). The nacelles are spaced apart to create gaps between the slat and the airfoil for accelerated air to pass through. The lift assembly is under the operational control of and/or further comprises: a master control unit linked to a power source, e.g. batteries to power the EDFs. The device provides the ALE and aircraft with: increased lift and additional thrust during aircraft take offs, climbs, descents, and landings; enhanced low-speed control and reduced loss-of-control during an aircraft's takeoff and landing; improved aircraft handling during gusts and crosswinds. The present invention also comprises an ALE or aircraft with at least one lift assembly installed thereon.
Distributed leading-edge lifting surface slat and associated electric ducted fans for fixed lifting surface aircraft
2021-02-23
Patent
Electronic Resource
English