Patent Publication Number: US-2009224095-A1

Title: Ducted vertical take-off and landing (vtol) personnel carrier

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to vehicle systems and, more particularly, to vertical take-off and landing vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicles are often used in providing reconnaissance, among other functions, and allow access to areas that may not be feasible with conventional aircraft. In particular, ducted fan VTOL vehicles are known for superior stationary aerodynamic hovering performance and low speed flights. 
     However, typical VTOL vehicles are not designed to transport people, as may be desired for example for covert deployment of personnel or extraction of injured personnel from rough terrain or a hostile environment. Additionally, other devices used for covert deployment of personnel or extraction of injured personnel from rough terrain or a hostile environment may be less than optimal. For example, the use of helicopters, parachutes, or ground vehicles for such missions may be less precise and/or more expensive, may place additional personnel at risk, and/or may have a relatively higher visual and acoustic signature as compared with a VTOL vehicle. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved VTOL vehicle for transporting a person, for example for covert deployment of personnel or extraction of injured personnel from rough terrain or a hostile environment. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the invention. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle is provided. The VTOL vehicle comprises a first thruster, a first duct, a second thruster, a second duct, and a transport unit. The first duct is configured to direct airflow generated by the first thruster. The second duct is configured to direct airflow generated by the second thruster. The transport unit is formed between the first duct and the second duct, and is configured to transport a person or another payload. 
     In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle is provided. The VTOL vehicle comprises a body, a first fan, a first duct, a second fan, a second duct, and a transport unit. The first fan is housed within the body, and is configured to rotate in a first direction. The first duct is housed within the body, and is configured to direct airflow generated by the first fan. The second fan is housed within the body, and is configured to rotate in a second direction that is counter to the first direction. The second duct is configured to direct airflow generated by the second fan. The transport unit is housed within the body between the first duct and the second duct, and is configured to transport a person or another payload. 
     In accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle is provided. The VTOL vehicle comprises a body, a first fan, a first duct, a second fan, a second duct, and a transport unit. The first fan is housed within the body, and is configured to rotate in a first direction. The first duct is housed within the body, and is configured to direct airflow generated by the first fan. The second fan is housed within the body, and is configured to rotate in a second direction that is counter to the first direction. The second duct is housed within the body, and is configured to direct airflow generated by the second fan. The transport unit is housed within the body between the first duct and the second duct, and is adaptable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the transport unit comprises a gurney. In the second configuration, the transport unit comprises a chair. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective drawing of a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle in which the transport unit comprises a surveillance pod, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective drawing of another embodiment of the VTOL vehicle of  FIG. 1 , in which the transport unit comprises a backboard and cover, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  provides a section view of a portion of the VTOL vehicle embodiment of  FIG. 2 , namely the backboard and cover; and 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective drawing of another embodiment of the VTOL vehicle of  FIG. 1 , in which the transport unit comprises a chair, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description of the invention. For example, although the following description and the referenced Figures make reference to a double ducted fan hovering air vehicle, it will be appreciated that the present invention may also apply to vehicles having more than two ducts. Other particular configurations and exemplary embodiments discussed herein may similarly be varied, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective drawing of a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle  100  having a transport unit  110 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , in the depicted embodiment the VTOL vehicle  100  comprises an engine  102 , thrusters  106 , ducts  108 , and a payload transport unit  110 . Also as shown in  FIG. 1 , the VTOL vehicle  100  may also include one or more pods  112  (two are depicted in  FIG. 1 ), one or more sensors  114  (one is depicted in  FIG. 1 ), landing gear  116 , and a capture bar  118 . 
     Each duct  108  with the adjoining pods  112  together for the VTOL body of the VTOL vehicle  100 , and are configured along with the thrusters  106  to generate an airflow to at least facilitate movement of the VTOL vehicle  100  as a whole. In the depicted embodiment, each thruster  106  comprises a fan  106  powered and operated by an engine  102 ; however, this may vary in other embodiments. Specifically, in the depicted embodiment, the thrusters  106  comprise a first thruster  120  and a second thruster  122 . The first thruster  120  comprises a first fan  120  housed within the first duct  124  and configured to rotate in a first direction. The second thruster  122  comprises a second fan  122  housed within the second duct  126  and configured to rotate in a second direction that is counter to the first direction. 
     Each duct  108  is coupled to a respective thruster  106 , and is configured with control vanes  135  (preferably, a different control vane  135  for each respective thruster  106 ) to direct the airflow generated by the respective thruster  106 . Specifically, in the depicted embodiment, the ducts  108  comprise a first duct  124  and a second duct  126 . The first duct  124 , is coupled to the first thruster  120 , and is configured with a first control vane  136  to direct the airflow generated by the first thruster  120 . The second duct  126 , is coupled to the second thruster  122 , and is configured with a second control vane  137  (not depicted in  FIG. 1 , but depicted in  FIG. 4  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment) to direct the airflow generated by the second thruster  122 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the first duct  124  and the second duct  126  are aligned side-by-side along a lateral plane in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     While the VTOL vehicle  100  is depicted in  FIG. 1  as a double ducted VTOL vehicle having two fans  106  and two corresponding ducts  108 , it will be appreciated that this may vary in other embodiments. For example, in certain embodiments, the VTOL vehicle  100  may have three or more fans  106  and/or other thrusters  106 , each having a corresponding duct  108  that is configured to direct the airflow generated by its respective fan  106  or other thruster  106 . Various other features may also vary in other embodiments. However, regardless of the number of fans  106  or other thrusters  106  and/or the number of corresponding ducts  108 , each of the ducts  108  are preferably aligned side-by-side along a lateral plane. 
     The transport unit  110  is formed between the first duct  124  and the second duct  126 , and is configured to transport a person or another payload, for example for covert deployment of personnel or extraction of injured personnel from rough terrain or a hostile environment. In one preferred embodiment, the transport unit  110  is housed within the VTOL vehicle  100  between the first duct  124  and the second duct  126  and between the pods  112 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . This may vary in certain embodiments, as may the number of pods  112 . Also in a preferred embodiment, the transport unit  110  includes a first end  130  attached to the first duct  124  and a second end  132  attached to the second duct  126 , as is also shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The transport unit  110  may take any one or more of a number of different configurations for carrying a payload or a backboard and cover containing a person, depending on the particular embodiment.  FIGS. 2 and 3  depict one preferred embodiment for the transport unit  110 , comprising a backboard and cover that will be described further below in connection with  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  FIG. 4  depicts another preferred embodiment for the transport unit  110 , comprising a chair that will be described further below in connection with  FIG. 4 . 
     In one preferred embodiment, the transport unit  110  can be converted between multiple configurations, such as between the backboard and cover of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the chair of  FIG. 4 , and/or other configurations as in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, the transport unit  110  may be fixed in its configuration. For example, in certain other embodiments, the transport unit  110  may be fixed as a backboard and cover, a chair, or some other configuration. As alluded to above, the transport unit  110  can take various other different configurations in other embodiments, and/or can be converted between these configurations and/or various other configurations in certain embodiments. 
     As referenced above, in the depicted embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the VTOL vehicle  100  also includes one or more sensors  114 , landing gear  116 , and a capture bar  118 . The one or more sensors  114  preferably are also attached to the pod  112 , and are configured to sense objects and/or other conditions surrounding the VTOL vehicle  100  and to facilitate operation thereof. The landing gear  116  is attached to the duct  108  and pod  112  attachment points, and facilitates landing of the VTOL vehicle  100 . The capture bar  118  is attached to, coupled to, or formed integral with the pod  112 , and is configured to assist with capture of the VTOL vehicle  100 , for example by being engaged by a non-depicted capture device. In the depicted embodiment, the capture bar  118  extends from the pod  112 . In other embodiments, the capture bar  118  may be implemented as a bar recessed in the pod  112 , shown in  FIG. 1 , or may be otherwise attached to, coupled to, or formed integral with the ducts  108 . It will be appreciated that these and/or other components of the VTOL vehicle  100  may vary in other embodiments. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective drawing of another embodiment of the VTOL vehicle  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the transport unit  110  comprises a backboard  210  and a cover  212 . In the depicted embodiment, the backboard  210  is formed between the first duct  124  and the second duct  126 . Also in the depicted embodiment, the backboard  210  is housed within the VTOL vehicle  100  between the first duct  124  and the second duct  126  and between the pods  112 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The backboard  210  also includes a first end  230  attached to the first duct  124  and a second end  232  attached to the second duct  126 , as is also shown in  FIG. 2 . The cover  212  is coupled to the backboard  210  and covers the backboard  210  and any person on the backboard  210  and any belongings included therewith. 
       FIG. 3  provides a section view of a portion of the VTOL vehicle  100  embodiment of  FIG. 2 , namely the backboard  210  and the cover  212  referenced above. As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the backboard  210  includes an approximately flat surface. The approximately flat surface is configured to allow a person to be placed thereon, for example an injured person to be extracted from rough terrain or a hostile environment. The cover  212  is configured to at least substantially cover the person when placed on the backboard  210 . The backboard  210  may also include non-depicted straps and/or other safety restraints, a pillow and/or other head supports, and/or medical, control, and/or other devices in certain embodiments. In addition, in certain embodiments, the backboard  210  may include other, non-depicted features such as additional supports, viewing openings, access openings, openings for weapons and/or other devices, and/or other features. However, this may vary in other embodiments. 
     The embodiment of the VTOL vehicle  100  and personnel transport backboard and cover  210  depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3  is configured for autonomous injured personnel extraction, although it may also be used for other purposes. For example, an injured soldier or other person can be placed onto the backboard  210  and covered by the cover  212  for protection, and can then be extracted by the VTOL vehicle  100  away from a hostile environment and/or rough or confined terrain. The VTOL vehicle  100  can then autonomously navigate the injured person to a rescue ship or base, or to some other safe location. The VTOL vehicle  100  can do so with the relatively high precision and low acoustic and visual signatures of the VTOL vehicle  100 , while potentially avoiding the need for endangering additional personnel and equipment. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective drawing of another embodiment of the VTOL vehicle  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , the transport unit  110  comprises a chair  410 . In the depicted embodiment, the chair  410  is formed between the first duct  124  and the second duct  126 , and is housed on the VTOL vehicle  100  between the first duct  124  and the second duct  126 . Also, similar to the backboard  210  and cover  212 , the chair  410  includes a first end  430  attached to the first duct  124  and a second end  432  attached to the second duct  126 , as is also shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the chair  410  includes a seating surface  412  and a back support  414 . The seating surface  412  is preferably approximately flat, and is configured to allow a person to sit thereon, for example when the person is being rapidly deployed into a hostile environment or rough or confined terrain. The back support  414  provides support for the person while seated in the chair  410 . The chair  410  may also include one or more accessories  434 . For example, in certain embodiments, the accessories  434  may include one or more of the following: straps, seat belts or other restraints, other safety devices, supports, a control stick, and/or a pitch compensation rotation device, among various other possible accessories  434 . In certain embodiments, the chair may also rotate to compensate vehicle pitch attitudes in flight while maintaining the passenger in a forward looking position. 
     Also, as depicted in  FIG. 4 , the chair  410  may at least partially take the place of the sensor  114 , one of the pods  112 , and/or the capture bar  118  in a preferred embodiment. In certain embodiments, the sensor  114 , pod  112 , and/or capture bar  118  may be replaced elsewhere on the VTOL vehicle  100  while the chair  410  is implemented as the transport unit  110 . 
     The embodiment of the VTOL vehicle  100  depicted in  FIG. 4  is configured for rapid deployment and extraction of personnel in covert operations, although it may also be used for other purposes. For example, a special forces soldier or other personnel can be placed onto the chair  410  and quickly deployed into or extracted from a hostile environment or rough or confined terrain using the VTOL vehicle  100 . The VTOL vehicle  100  further provides an autonomous approach and landing suited for such covert operations. 
     In addition, while situated on the VTOL vehicle  100 , the personnel can monitor the surroundings, direct the VTOL vehicle as may be appropriate, and maintain weapons, other self defense devices, and/or other equipment and/or supplies at the ready during transport as may be necessary. The personnel can also quickly mount and dismount from the VTOL vehicle  100  while maintaining an upright posture, an awareness of the surroundings, and control of weapons, other self defenses, and/or other equipment and/or supplies that may be necessary. Moreover, the VTOL vehicle  100  can autonomously navigate the personnel into the hostile environment or rough or confined terrain with the relatively high precision and low acoustic and visual signatures of the VTOL vehicle  100 , while potentially avoiding the need for endangering additional personnel and equipment. 
     As noted above, in one preferred embodiment, the transport unit  110  can be converted between multiple configurations, such as the backboard  210  of  FIGS. 2 and 3  and/or the chair  410  of  FIG. 4 . For example, when conversion of the transport unit  110  from a backboard  210  to a chair is required, the backboard  210  and cover  212 , along with a front pod  112 , a sensor  114 , and/or a capture bar  118 , may be removed from the VTOL vehicle  100  and replaced by a chair  410 . Conversely, when conversion of the transport unit  110  from a chair  410  to a backboard  210  and cover  212  is required, the chair  410  may be removed from the VTOL vehicle  100  and replaced with a backboard  210  and cover  212 , along with a front pod  112 , a sensor  114 , and/or a capture bar  118 . 
     These steps may be performed, for example, through the use of non-depicted dovetail assemblies that couple the various configurations of the transport unit  110  to the body  102  and between the first and second ducts  124 ,  126 , in one preferred embodiment. For example, the VTOL vehicle may utilize dovetail assemblies and/or other components and/or other features from the various vehicle embodiments depicted and described in the co-pending, commonly owned and assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/338,558 (Goossen, Double Ducted Hovering Air-Vehicle, Pub. No. U.S. 2006/0192047A1), and incorporated herein by reference. 
     It will be appreciated that the conversion techniques may vary. In addition, as noted above, in other embodiments the transport unit  110  may be fixed in its configuration. For example, in certain embodiments, the transport unit  110  may be fixed as a backboard and cover such as the backboard  210  and cover  212  of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , or as a chair such as the chair  410  of  FIG. 4 , or as another configuration. The transport unit  110  can take various other different configurations, and/or can be converted between these configurations and/or various other configurations, in certain embodiments. 
     Accordingly, improved VTOL vehicles are provided for transporting personnel. These VTOL vehicles provide for improved covert deployment or extraction of special forces personnel or extraction of injured personnel from rough terrain or a hostile environment, among other functions, with the autonomous navigation, relatively high precision, and relatively low acoustic and visual signature of a VTOL vehicle. For example, the embodiment of the backboard  210  allows for rapid and protected extraction of injured personnel out of hostile conditions or rough terrain, and without placing additional personnel or equipment in harm&#39;s way. The embodiment of the chair  410  allows for rapid deployment or extraction of personnel in covert operations in which the personnel can be readily aware of his or her surroundings and prepared for defensive actions, also without placing additional personnel or equipment in harm&#39;s way. In addition, the convertibility feature of the transport unit in a preferred embodiment between different configurations provides flexibility and additional potential benefits for the VTOL vehicles. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt to a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.