Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for operating a flying vehicle that includes a plurality of fan blades disposed on a first shaft. The shaft forms a rotor part of an electric motor. The shaft is coupled through a clutch assembly to a second shaft. The second shaft is coupled to a crankcase and to an internal combustion engine. The clutch assembly, motor and engine are all controlled by an on-board processor such that the processor controls the thrust provided by the fan blade by controlling operation of the motor and engine and clutch assembly. In operation the electric motor may be operated as a generator to recharge a power storage system. Moreover, a plurality of such hybrid-electric motors may be used to provide lift and propulsion for the flying vehicle.

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First Claim