Patent ID: 9205913
Filing Date: 2015-12-08
Classification: B64C,B64D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A rotorcraft comprising: an airframe defining a center plane extending in longitudinal and vertical directions; a rotor mounted to the airframe and defining a rotor thrust vector; a propulsion source mounted to the airframe and defining a propulsion thrust vector; a plurality of fuel tanks distributed in one or more of laterally opposed positions, longitudinally opposed positions, and vertically opposed positions; the airframe further comprises a pair of tailbooms and an empennage mounted to the airframe by means of the tailbooms; the plurality of fuel tanks comprises fuel tanks positioned within the tailbooms; a fuel distribution system coupled to the plurality of fuel tanks; one or more pumps in fluid communication with the fuel distribution system; and a control system configured to actuate the one or more pumps effective to redistribute fuel among the plurality of fuel tanks to provide a distribution effective to urge a center of gravity of the aircraft closer to a dynamically stable position.