US3618877A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible tail aircraft
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-12-02
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Granted: 1971-11-09
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Expires: 1989-12-02
Abstract
Abstract Aircraft having a pair of elongated, flexible tails for maneuvering as well as stabilizing the aircraft in flight. The tails extend a distance at least three times the length of the fuselage and are hollow to receive compressed air for maintaining the tails in elongated, inflated, rearwardly projecting condition. The compressed air conveyed through the tails may be provided by a turbine associated with a jet engine which propels the aircraft. Maneuverability and stability of the aircraft is achieved upon selective movement of the tails which may be accomplished by controlling the flow of air through the tails as well as venting the air from various locations on the tails. Mechanical means may also be provided to supplement actuation of the tails to provide the desired stabilization and maneuverability.
Inventors
- 👤 Franklin W Peters
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 02:07
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64C; B64C1/00; B64C19/00; B64C5/00; B64C2001/0045
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
Aircraft comprising in combination, a fuselage, wings projecting laterally from the fuselage, propulsion means, a tail section providing pressure reactant surfaces for steering and stabilizing the aircraft in flight including a pair of flexible elongated tails fixed at one end to the fuselage and extending rearwardly from the fuselage a distance several times greater than the length of the fuselage and terminating in free ends, and means for moving the tails laterally or verticaLly for steering and stabilizing the aircraft in flight.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
82 words
Aircraft comprising in combination, a fuselage, wings projecting laterally from the fuselage, propulsion means, a tail section providing pressure reactant surfaces for steering and stabilizing the aircraft in flight including a pair of flexible elongated tails fixed at one end to the fuselage and extending rearwardly from the fuselage a distance several times greater than the length of the fuselage and terminating in free ends, and means for moving the tails laterally or verticaLly for steering and stabilizing the aircraft in flight.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
Aircraft defined in claim 1 wherein said tails have a hollow tubular construction and there is further provided means for inflating the tails during flight of the aircraft.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
Aircraft defined in claim 2 wherein said means for inflating said tails includes means for supplying compressed air into said tails.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
Aircraft defined in claim 3 wherein said propulsion means includes a turbine which constitutes said means for inflating said tails, said turbine having an air discharge passage and wherein the ends of the tails fixed to said fuselage are registrable with said discharge passage for supplying compressed air into the tails.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
59 words
Aircraft defined in claim 3 wherein said tails are open at their free ends to discharge air therefrom, and wherein said means for moving the tails includes a plurality of elongated compartments extending throughout each of the tails and adapted to be placed into selective registration with said means for supplying compressed air for inflating and deflating said compartments.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
Aircraft defined in claim 5 wherein said means for moving the tails further includes a plurality of vent passages in the tails for venting air transversely from the tails.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
Aircraft defined in claim 6 wherein said vent passages are located adjacent the free ends of the tails.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
Aircraft defined in claim 6 further including movable valve members for opening and closing said vent passages.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
Aircraft defined in claim 4 wherein said tails are made from a plasticlike material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-11-08 | 1975-05-10 | 1975-11-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-11-08 | 1979-05-10 | 1979-11-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-11-08 | 1983-05-10 | 1983-11-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |