Adaptive vertical take-off and landing propulsion system

Abstract

A propulsion system for an aircraft includes a plenum having an intake port and an output port. A fan is coupled to a motor configured to power the fan, and the powered fan is configured to compress ambient air entering the intake port. One or more ejectors are fluidically coupled to the plenum via one or more valves. A nozzle is disposed within the output port and includes a set of vanes. The system operates in a first configuration in which the nozzle vanes are closed and the compressed ambient air exits the plenum only through the one or more valves into the one or more ejectors. The system operates in a second configuration in which the one or more valves are closed, the nozzle vanes are open and the compressed ambient air exits the plenum only through the output port.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A propulsion system for an aircraft, comprising:
 a plenum having an intake port and an output port;   a fan coupled to a motor configured to power the fan, the powered fan configured to compress ambient air entering the intake port;   one or more ejectors fluidically coupled to the plenum via one or more valves; and   a nozzle disposed within the output port, the nozzle comprising a set of vanes, wherein:   the system operates in a first configuration in which the nozzle vanes are closed and the compressed ambient air exits the plenum only through the one or more valves into the one or more ejectors, and   the system operates in a second configuration in which the one or more valves are closed, the nozzle vanes are open and the compressed ambient air exits the plenum only through the output port.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the ejectors are rotatable through at least a 90° angle with respect to the plenum. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more ejectors comprise:
 a convex surface;   a diffusing structure coupled to the convex surface;   at least one conduit coupled to the convex surface and configured to introduce to the convex surface a primary fluid produced by the vehicle; and   an intake structure coupled to the convex surface and configured to introduce to the diffusing structure a secondary fluid accessible to the vehicle, wherein the diffusing structure comprises a terminal end configured to provide egress from the system for the introduced primary fluid and secondary fluid.