Abstract:
In some embodiments, an aircraft includes a flying frame having an airframe, a distributed propulsion system attached to the airframe, a flight control system operably associated with the distributed propulsion system and a pod assembly selectively attachable to the flying frame. The distributed propulsion system includes a plurality of propulsion assemblies that are independently controlled by the flight control system, thereby enabling the flying frame to have a vertical takeoff and landing mode and a forward flight mode.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a composite core can include: wrapping a mandrel in a mandrel wrapping process by securing a mandrel with a winding jig; orienting the composite material at a wrap angle to the mandrel; and depositing the composite material around a circumference of the mandrel. The method can further include assembling the wrapped mandrels in a tool and applying a pressure to the composite material during a curing cycle.
Abstract:
An aircraft has multiple independent yaw authority mechanisms. The aircraft includes an airframe having first and second wings with at least first and second pylons extending therebetween and with a plurality of tail members extending therefrom each having an active control surface. A two-dimensional distributed thrust array is coupled to the airframe that includes a plurality of propulsion assemblies each having a rotor assembly and each operable for thrust vectoring. A flight control system is operable to independently control each of the propulsion assemblies. A first yaw authority mechanism includes differential speed control of rotor assemblies rotating clockwise compared to rotor assemblies rotating counterclockwise. A second yaw authority mechanism includes differential longitudinal control surface maneuvers of control surfaces of two symmetrically disposed tail members. A third yaw authority mechanism includes differential thrust vectoring of propulsion assemblies.
Abstract:
An apparatus comprising a soft in plane rotor yoke comprising two longitudinal side portions connected together via two outboard portions, wherein the outboard portions comprise a plurality of first layers formed of a first composite fabric material having a plurality of first fibers oriented in a first direction, and a plurality of second layers formed of a second composite fabric material having a plurality of second fibers oriented in a second direction. Included is an apparatus comprising a soft in plane rotor comprising two longitudinal side portions connected together via two outboard portions, wherein the outboard portions comprise a plurality of first layers formed of a first composite fabric material, and a plurality of second layers formed of a second composite fabric material, wherein the soft in plane rotor yoke does not comprise any narrow steered slit tape or filament windings.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, an aircraft includes a flying frame having an airframe, a propulsion system attached to the airframe and a flight control system operably associated with the propulsion system wherein, the flying frame has a vertical takeoff and landing mode and a forward flight mode. A pod assembly is selectively attachable to the flying frame such that the flying frame is rotatable about the pod assembly wherein, the pod assembly remains in a generally horizontal attitude during vertical takeoff and landing, forward flight and transitions therebetween.
Abstract:
An aircraft having a vertical takeoff and landing fight mode and a forward flight mode. The aircraft includes an airframe and a versatile propulsion system attached to the airframe. The versatile propulsion system includes a plurality of propulsion assemblies. A flight control system is operable to independently control the propulsion assemblies. The propulsion assemblies are interchangeably attachable to the airframe such that the aircraft has a liquid fuel flight mode and an electric flight mode. In the liquid fuel flight mode, energy is provided to each of the propulsion assemblies from a liquid fuel. In the electric flight mode, energy is provided to each of the propulsion assemblies from an electric power source.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, an aircraft includes a flying frame having an airframe, a propulsion system attached to the airframe and a flight control system operably associated with the propulsion system wherein, the flying frame has a vertical takeoff and landing mode and a forward flight mode. A pod assembly is selectively attachable to the flying frame such that the flying frame is rotatable about the pod assembly wherein, the pod assembly remains in a generally horizontal attitude during vertical takeoff and landing, forward flight and transitions therebetween.
Abstract:
An apparatus comprising a soft in plane rotor yoke comprising two longitudinal side portions connected together via two outboard portions, wherein the outboard portions comprise a plurality of first layers formed of a first composite fabric material having a plurality of first fibers oriented in a first direction, and a plurality of second layers formed of a second composite fabric material having a plurality of second fibers oriented in a second direction. Included is an apparatus comprising a soft in plane rotor comprising two longitudinal side portions connected together via two outboard portions, wherein the outboard portions comprise a plurality of first layers formed of a first composite fabric material, and a plurality of second layers formed of a second composite fabric material, wherein the soft in plane rotor yoke does not comprise any narrow steered slit tape or filament windings.
Abstract:
A method of assembling a core stiffened structure that includes bonding a composite core to a substructure by utilizing magnetic force to create pressure between a flat surface of the composite core the substructure, and bonding a face sheet onto a surface network of the composite core.
Abstract:
A method of constructing a cured composite assembly includes positioning a composite assembly within a bonding tool, wherein the composite assembly comprises an uncured composite spar and a skin and performing a curing cycle on the composite assembly to simultaneously cure the uncured composite spar and bond the skin to the cured composite spar.