초록 ▼

Load lines connect chordwise spaced portions of a ram air inflated, airfoil canopy to spaced anchors connected to a pilot supporting vehicle frame on which a forward thrust producing unit is removably mounted. The geometry of the assembled aircraft enhances take-off inflation of the canopy, establis

Load lines connect chordwise spaced portions of a ram air inflated, airfoil canopy to spaced anchors connected to a pilot supporting vehicle frame on which a forward thrust producing unit is removably mounted. The geometry of the assembled aircraft enhances take-off inflation of the canopy, establishes a stable flight frame when airborne, and enables simple engine throttle control of the thrust producing unit to regulate climb, descent and level flight. Common control is applied for both ground steering of the vehicle frame and air-borne steering of the canopy.

대표청구항 ▼

In combination with a ram air inflated flexible airfoil canopy having a leading edge portion extending spanwise transverse to a forward direction of travel, a trailing edge portion and a bottom portion extending chordwise between the leading and trailing edge portions, a pilot supporting vehicle hav

In combination with a ram air inflated flexible airfoil canopy having a leading edge portion extending spanwise transverse to a forward direction of travel, a trailing edge portion and a bottom portion extending chordwise between the leading and trailing edge portions, a pilot supporting vehicle having a longitudinal axis, a plurality of flexible load lines connecting the canopy to the vehicle, and powered means mounted on the vehicle for imparting forward thrust thereto in said forward direction of travel, the improvement comprising means for automatic orientation of the inflated canopy to produce aerodynamic forces thereon effecting both flight supporting positions and take-off at respectively different attitudes during propulsion of the vehicle by said forward thrust, including at least two pivotal load line anchors from which the load lines respectively extend to the leading edge portion of the canopy and to the bottom portion intermediate the leading and trailing edge portions, and means mounting said two anchors on the vehicle in fixed relation thereto for effecting said orientation o the canopy between said different attitudes thereof in response to changes in the forward thrust.