초록 ▼

An unmanned aerial system (UAS) is described that is operable on or in water, in addition to being able to fly in the air. The UAS can float in a body of water, or submerge itself underneath the water, and then later launch from the water without human intervention to perform a flying mission. The U

An unmanned aerial system (UAS) is described that is operable on or in water, in addition to being able to fly in the air. The UAS can float in a body of water, or submerge itself underneath the water, and then later launch from the water without human intervention to perform a flying mission. The UAS can then return back to the water. The UAS incorporates an electric ducted fan acting as the propulsion engine for the UAS in the water as well as in the air.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A method of operating an unmanned aerial system, comprising:providing an unmanned aircraft with a fuselage and wings, the unmanned aircraft including an electric ducted fan engine for propulsion, the electric ducted fan engine is mounted axially in the fuselage and inclu

The invention claimed is: 1. A method of operating an unmanned aerial system, comprising:providing an unmanned aircraft with a fuselage and wings, the unmanned aircraft including an electric ducted fan engine for propulsion, the electric ducted fan engine is mounted axially in the fuselage and includes an axial duct with a front end defining a fluid intake, a rear end defining a fluid discharge, an impeller at the front end for drawing fluid into the axial duct, and guide vanes disposed adjacent to the rear end of the axial duct that de-swirl fluid before it is discharged through the fluid discharge, the electric ducted fan engine is driven by an electric motor;disposing the unmanned aircraft in water and using the electric ducted fan engine to propel the unmanned aircraft in the water; andlaunching the unmanned aircraft from the water and using the electric ducted fan engine to propel the unmanned aircraft to fly through the air.