Hybrid vtol aerial vehicle

Abstract

Variations of an aerial vehicle, all with capability of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), with one variation comprising at least three engines, at least three rotors, a flight control system, battery, and propulsion system. The second VTOL aerial vehicle variation being a hybrid with engine-powered rotors and electric-powered rotors configured to work with a flight control system and battery. The first and second variations having the option of a genset system which recharges the battery. The third VTOL aerial vehicle variation being all-electric-powered rotors configured to work with a flight control system and a genset system which powers the rotors and/or recharges the battery.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An aerial vehicle comprising:
 at least three engines each configured to drive a respective rotor to rotate, rotation of the rotors generating thrust and causing the aerial vehicle to fly;   a flight control system configured to provide controlled flight for the aerial vehicle comprising: 
 electronic speed control unit to control a device configured to control the throttle of the engine, which controls the amount of power provided by the engines; and 
 a gyroscope or stabilization device; 
   a battery pack providing power to the flight control system; and   a propulsion system configured to provide power to the rotors comprising: 
 the engines; and 
 a drive mechanism configured to provide power to the rotors. 
   
     
     
         2 . The aerial vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the battery pack is rechargeable, the battery pack to provide power for the flight control system, the aerial vehicle further comprising:
 a genset system comprising an engine and an electric generator system configured to provide power to the battery pack.   
     
     
         3 . The aerial vehicle of  claim 1 , further comprising ducted fans or shrouded propellers configured to add thrust or lift from the rotor(s). 
     
     
         4 . The aerial vehicle of  claim 1 , further comprising articulating rotor mount to act as a tilt rotor or tilt wing for increased movement or forward flight or to be folded in a downward position for parking or storage. 
     
     
         5 . A manned aerial vehicle comprising:
 an electric rotor motor configured to drive a respective rotor to rotate, rotation of the rotor generating thrust and causing the manned aerial vehicle to fly;   a flight control system comprising: 
 an electronic speed control configured to control an amount of power provided to the rotor motor; and 
 a stabilization device working in concert with the electronic speed control unit enabling stabilization of the aerial vehicle for controlled flight; 
   a rechargeable battery configured to provide power to the rotor motor;   a genset system comprising an engine and electric generator system configured to provide power to the rechargeable battery pack or the rotor motor comprising: 
 the engine configured to generate mechanical power; 
 a generator motor coupled to the engine and configured to generate AC power using the mechanical power generated by the engine; 
 a bridge rectifier configured to convert the AC power generated by the genset system or generator motor to DC power and provide the DC power to either or both the rechargeable battery and the rotor motor; 
 an electronic control unit configured to control a throttle of the engine based, at least in part, on a power demand of at least one load; and 
 a seat for a driver. 
   
     
     
         6 . The manned aerial vehicle of  claim 5  further comprising a plurality of additional electric rotor motors connected to a battery pack and flight control system. 
     
     
         7 . The aerial vehicle of  claim 5 , wherein there is a fuel cell used to provide electric power. 
     
     
         8 . The aerial vehicle of  claim 5 , further comprising a power distribution board configured to distribute DC power from either or both the rechargeable battery or the bridge rectifier to the load(s). 
     
     
         9 . The aerial vehicle of  claim 5 , wherein the rechargeable battery is configured to provide the power to the rotor motor(s) when the engine(s) and the generator motor are turned off. 
     
     
         10 . The aerial vehicle of  claim 5 , further comprising ducted fans or shrouded propellers configured to add thrust or lift from the rotor(s). 
     
     
         11 . The aerial vehicle of  claim 5 , further comprising articulating rotor mount to act as a tilt rotor or tilt wing for increased movement or forward flight or to be folded in a downward position for parking or storage. 
     
     
         12 . The aerial vehicle of  claim 5 , wherein the aerial vehicle has wheels on the bottom of the vehicle allowing it to propel itself while on the ground, the propulsion of one or more of the wheels coming from an electric motor powered by the battery pack. 
     
     
         13 . The aerial vehicle of  claim 5 , wherein the aerial vehicle is with or without fixed wings.