Patent ID: 8099944

Claim:
A hybrid propulsive engine, comprising: at least one axial-flow jet engine configured to provide at least some first thrust associated with a working fluid passing through at least a portion of the at least one axial-flow jet engine; at least one energy extraction mechanism configured to extract energy from the working fluid, and at least partially convert that energy to electrical power; at least one torque conversion mechanism configured to convert at least a portion of the electrical power to torque selectively at the same time as the at least one energy extraction mechanism extracts energy from the working fluid; at least one rotatable propeller/fan assembly including an at least one independently rotatable propeller/fan, the at least one rotatable propeller/fan assembly configured to be powered for rotation at least partially responsive to the at least one torque conversion mechanism configured to convert the at least a portion of the electrical power to torque, wherein the rotation of the at least one rotatable propeller/fan assembly is arranged to produce at least some second thrust; and wherein a rotational axis of the at least one rotatable propeller/fan assembly is configured to be tilted relative to a substantial direction of working fluid passing through at least a portion of the at least one axial-flow jet engine.