Patent ID: 7938358
Filing Date: 2011-05-10
Classification: B60F,B64C

Abstract:
1. A flying and driving vehicle comprising: a fuselage; a main wing mounted to the fuselage and oriented substantially symmetrically about a central elongate axis of the vehicle, wherein the main wing is deployable between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration; a folding mechanism configured to deploy the main wing between the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration, wherein the folding mechanism comprises an actuator for controlling at least one folding beam pivoted about a pivot point disposed proximate the fuselage, wherein the actuator and the at least one folding beam are configured to lock an inner wing section of the main wing; at least one first aerodynamic control surface configured to provide longitudinal stability and control primarily about a yaw axis of the vehicle when in flight; a second aerodynamic control surface configured to provide stability and control primarily about a pitch axis of the vehicle when in flight; a plurality of wheels configured to support the vehicle when on the ground, wherein at least one of the plurality of wheels is located aft of a center of mass of the vehicle, and at least one of the plurality of wheels is located in front of the center of mass of the vehicle; a first propulsion mechanism configured to provide a means of moving the vehicle on the ground, wherein the first propulsion mechanism comprises a torque applied to at least one of the plurality of wheels; and a second propulsion mechanism configured to provide a means for propelling the vehicle when in flight, wherein the second propulsion mechanism comprises a means of accelerating an airflow in a rearward direction.