New propulsion type with thrust augmenter and new VTOL aircraft

The present concept aims to improve the disk loading value with around 15 - 20% and to reduce noise with around 20% over current ducted fan propulsion systems. This increases the hover efficiency and reduces the power requirement. The propulsion system mainly employs a multiple ducted fan arrangement with thrust augmenter creating a very efficient air distribution. The innovative ducted fans are used for both vertical lift and horizontal propulsion. Each multiple ducted fan is rotatable mounted between the fuselage and a side support. The propulsion system offers the following advantages:

-The thrust augmenter increases the volume of air propelled with a corresponding decrease in average air velocity.

-The bypassed air is moving at a much faster rate of speed than the ambient air but with a lower rate of speed than the inner flow; this reduces the speed difference between the inner air flow and the air surrounding it, further improving efficiency and reducing noise.

-The jet contact surface with the ground is very much increased reported to simple ducted fan, reducing the required power.

-The recirculation air flow is diminished in take off.

-Adding a second duct is increased the behaviour of the propulsion system as an airfoil.

The VTOL aircraft is also innovative because the multiple ducted fans create some favorable air streams over and under the wings, achieving so called blown wings. This increases very much the lift efficiency during the forward flight. As a pilotless UAVs or replacement for ageing S/VTOL airframes, this multi-role propulsion system and application provides enhanced operational versatility, stability, scalability, handling, fuel-efficiency, payload capacity, performance, reduced noise and increased safety potential. Other benefits are simplified mechanical construction over helicopter with multiple-redundant array of engines with independent throttling for directional thrust, feathering on failure and controlled vertical cushion decay to produce a soft landing. Blade-shedding will not cause catastrophic power-loss from multi-engined array. As airliner, this concept can be developed from an existent platform with much reduces risks of development than a completely new VTOL aircraft.

Manufacturability
There aren’t new technologies or precious materials necessary to build the concept. This can be manufactured easily with the current technology used in aircraft manufacturing and with existent suppliers.

Market potential
There are several main markets where this concept would be particularly beneficial: corporate transport, goods and passenger transport, medical transport, coast guard search and rescue, surveillance operations, fire, and disaster relief. The customers of these markets are private industry, government agencies and ordinary people.