Alexander Lippisch wingless Aerodyne and other projects

Aerodynes

To generate lift and propulsion the Lippisch Aerodyne would utilize two co-axial propellers, diverting the slipstream downwards to achieve VTOL. Control would be achieved by deflecting part of the slipstream emerging from the tail boom and use of the propeller flaps. Despite provision for a cockpit, only unmanned craft were built and tested at Collins, operated by electric cables. Collins did mange to construct a full scale mock-up of the Aerodyne and Lippisch patented the concept in 1959.
In 1967, Dornier picked up the Lippisch Aerodyne concept with the intent on further development. Dr. Lippisch was brought on as chief consultant on the craft.
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Dornier Aerodyne

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aerodyne
The Aerodyne on display at the Deutsches Museum Flugwerft Schleissheim
Role	Experimental VTOL
National origin	West Germany
Designer	Alexander Lippisch
Built by	Dornier Flugzeugwerke
First flight	18 September 1972
Retired	30 November 1972
Primary user	BMVg
Number built	1

The Dornier Aerodyne was the designation of an unmanned "wingless" VTOL aircraft. Conceived by Alexander Lippisch, it was developed and built by Dornier on behalf of the Federal German Ministry of Defense. Lippisch was part of the team. The first flight took place on 18 September 1972. The development ended on 30 November 1972 after successful hovering-flight testing with the aircraft. Experimentation did not continue due to lack of interest in the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces), and/or the desire to undertake plans for manned helicopters.

Description

The principle behind the Aerodyne is the combination of lift and thrust production in a single construction unit and flow channel, i.e. a ducted fan. Flaps at the end of the fan divert the outflowing air to produce lift, thrust, or a combination of both. As a result, the Aerodyne could be steered and flown in the entire range between hovering and full-forward flight.
For forward flight, the Aerodyne had a conventional tail unit at the rear, which allowed for pitch and yaw control. The equipment was unmanned and operated by remote control.
It was intended to be a land- or ship-supported drone (UAV) for aerial reconnaissance.

Specifications

• Length: 5.5 metres (18 ft)
• Width: 1.9 metres (6 ft 3 in)
• Fan Diameter: 1.1 metres (3 ft 7 in)
• Engine: 1 MTU 6022 A-3, 370 shaft horsepower (280 kW)
• Total Weight: 435 kilograms (959 lb)