GB898358A - Vertical take-off aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

898,358. Aircraft. AVRO AIRCRAFT Ltd. April 19, 1955 [April 20, 1954], No. 11581/54. Class 4. An aircraft comprises a structure similar to that described in Specification 892,491 and of lenticular form sheathed by aerofoil surfaces 10, 11, a radial-flow gas turbine engine within the structure, and means to alter selectively the direction of flow from the engine to provide a propulsive thrust. The engine comprises an intake 19, a compressor 21, an annularly disposed combustion system 22, fuel tanks 23 and a turbine 24. The outlet 25 from the turbine passes to an annular orifice between the periphery of the upper skin 10 and a hollow bead 28, the major thrust being downwards over the bead by employing the Coanda effect. Part of the gases can be emitted at 57 under the control of rudder pedals 61 when the craft is airborne, to produce forward motions but the craft is controlled mainly by upsetting the Coanda effect on selected sectors of the bead 28 with compressed air tapped from the compressor and fed to four selected groups of holes 33 in this bead by movement of a control handle 47, actuating valves 39, 40, 41, 42. A small by-pass 54, around valve 39, can be opened to produce initial forward motion. The aircraft takes off vertically by creating a " ground cushion " which supports the aircraft up to a distance of half its diameter from the ground although its total weight is much in excess of the static thrust developed. Specification 456,063 also is referred to.