Importance

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Abstract

A method of aircraft propulsion and control more specific to rotorcraft propulsion and control using forward, neutral and aft thrust in addition to forward/aft thrust coupling from the propulsive tail assembly through cyclic and collective pitch of the non-flapping, ridged propeller/fan blades and/or from a turbojet/turbofan vectored thrust system. The cyclic blade pitch induces a drive shaft bending moment that is used to provide aircraft directional control and also provides anti-torque control for a single rotor head helicopter. The forward/reverse collective thrust actuator, phase lag elevator effect cyclic actuator and phase lag rudder/anti-torque effect cyclic actuator do not require complex control mixing. The vectored thrust system also provides aircraft directional control and anti-torque control individually or combined with the propeller/fan assembly. This assembly eliminates the requirement of rudder or elevator control on a fixed wing aircraft and the requirement of a tail rotor on a conventional helicopter while increasing speed and maneuverability. A slowed or stopped ridged X-wing rotorcraft hub with a modified circular arc airfoil would not require cyclic/collective control.

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First Claim