@Thorneblood -
Welcome, that was an idea I thought of years ago, but my
mind saw them able to tilt for directional control, and not
being able to create a working pivot that didn't loose thrust
had me stifled.
Looking into 'ducted fan' engines, that's the model my
engine idea came from - that and I believe the secret
to nature holds the answer to most questions, I tried
to design an engine working on the premis of a tornado
@727Sky -
Welcome, and I must agree - military or other wise VTOL's
have yet to prove anything worthy or streamlined
(that we know of) ..worthy of acceptance.
Seems what we've seen so far causes too much drag loosing
the ability for a high speed cruising altitude.
Even Moller's flying car isn't that exciting to look at with those
bulky engines.
He has the 4 engines tilted at the same angle which makes it unstable
during lift and hover.
He could over come this by having the rear engines facing the front engines
with all 4 directed to a central position below the vehicle until it reached sufficient
height to direct the engines into flight mode.
Remember the early days (NASA) Northrops 'lifting bodies'..?
They seemed to float so my design was created from their beginnings and as you
mentioned, I too had the idea of using helium to lighten the vehicle's weight.
My thought is to fill all empty voids with helium; i.e: carbon fibre tubular frame,
empty wing cavities, tail fuselage, front nose cone.
I have also created models designed on the Horton brothers "229" doing away
with tail and rudder section for a more drag-less flight increasing speed.
Thank you for the ideas
@Ken -
Welcome -
The circular shape is what seems to be an effective way for flight, although I
see an effective high speed vehicle more of an elyptical shape for cruising
altitudes.
The circular shape is excellent for hovering, which is where I used the concave wing idea,
borrowing from that experience.
My idea was to use conventional mechanics instead of computer control so
this could be a simple homebuilt project so my idea was to lessen the
amount of engines to a simple design as turbines have many internal
mechanism's making it hard to work on for the average homebuilt person.
I also think the less moving parts, the less breakdown, but I agree with you
that everything should be contained within the body housing to create
a truly fuel efficient vehicle
I visualize the 2 wing lifting engines changing directional thrust by simple
hand operated lever controlled vents, opening and closing duct cavities!?!
I may be dreaming, my idea is to create a "Volkswagen"
A cheap reliable vehicle all could afford and not worry about having to discard
for a new one every 10 years.
One can dream right
Be well all - thanks for the brainstorming and the mature intelligence!
I post this quote to those who have replied to this thread, as they truly
understand it's meaning!
"Between us we may hold the answers, if not for confrontation."