Disclosed is an electrically powered, reaction-drive type rotorcraft. Thrust generators on the outer portion of each rotor blade cause the rotors to spin and generate lift, and additionally, may be controlled to produce variable amounts of thrust as the rotor blades rotate through different sectors around a generally non-rotating fuselage such that net lateral forces are produced to control the position and velocity of the vehicle. The rotorcraft may also employ aerodynamic surfaces on each rotor blade whose parts or entire structure can be moved to produce net lateral and vertical forces for control of position and velocity of the vehicle. The rotorcraft, which may be operationally carbon-neutral, stores its electrical energy in batteries and other optional energy storage methods, and may harvest solar energy using arrays of photovoltaic cells disposed on its upper surfaces. Vehicle sizes may range from small Uncrewed Air vehicle Systems to large crewed aircraft.
Reaction drive helicopter and methods for propulsion and control
2025-03-04
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
Reaction Drive Helicopter and Methods for Propulsion and Control
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