Flight Control System - Scenario Part 7

If payload yaw control is desired, a payload orientation device must be included in the configuration. The thrust direction and magnitude of the payload orientation device (variable pitch fan, two-nozzle jet with valve or other device) is directly controlled by the the Controller Computer. The default payload orientation is into the direction of vehicle horizontal velocity.

If a payload orientation device is part of the configuration, the payload orientation device or the equipment module to which it was attached could be locked to the hub axle, so its rudder could be used for vehicle yaw control, and its elevator could be used for vehicle pitch control by the Perturbation and Level Flight Computers during conventional flight. Otherwise its rudder could be used by the Controller Computer to augment or substitute for the fan or jet for payload yaw control during conventional flight. However, locking the payload orientation device or the equipment module to the hub axle increases weight and complexity, and decreases safety.

If the orientation device is not locked to the hub axle and its rudder is used to orient the payload in other than the direction of flight, then only the vane split flaps provide vehicle yaw control in a standard two-blade configuration of the Blade Flyer.

The addition of a second pair of blades, one with a rudder in lieu of the engine and the other with a canard in lieu of the engine can improve conventional flight efficiency, and provide more fuel volume.

Even greater conventional flight efficiency and vehicle range can be provided by using a large hub optimized for conventional flight that includes a rudder and canard.