Induction Aircraft For Low Cost Transportation Systems

Abstract Induction wing aircraft have 5 to 10 times the power-loading (i.e. pounds lifted per horsepower utilized) lift-capability of conventional reaction-wing aircraft. This great increase in lift capability over conventional aircraft designs is achieved primarily by utilizing the phenomenal amount of lift induced on an airfoil section by the action of a horizontal rotor operating in a semi-circular cut-out in the trailing edge of the wing, and the inter-action of such wings in tandem. The development of induction aircraft with a cargo capability of 6 million pounds and over with low horsepower requirement, extensive range, and modest airfield facilities make possible the economic development of all manner of resources in remote areas which are now beyond all currently used methods of transportation. To achieve the lowest total transportation system costs, the low speed igh lift capabilities of induction aircraft is of utmost importance. Take-off and landing speeds may range from 50 to 70 mph and normal cruise speeds may range from 125 to 200 mph indicated airspeeds. The most economic air transportation system is achieved by lifting and moving the largest payload at the slowest reasonable speed that is compatible with all customer cargo/schedule requirements. An operating cost of less than 1 cent per ton mile and the huge cargo capability makes possible many, if not all, the transportation benefits of seaports to all points on the face of the earth. The induction aircraft will have very little impact on environment and ecology. There will be very little noise pollution from the rotors operating quietly between 100 and 200 rpm, and little air pollution from the turbo-shaft engines. The induction aircraft has less than one pound per square inch bearing surface imprint and can land at very low speeds on muskeg, snow, ice or water. The only site requirementis a relatively flat surface of modest dimensions. Introduction Transportation is often the most vital factor determining the economic value of natural resources, thus many extremely valuable natural resources in remote areas are not developed because cost of transportation renders them uneconomic. The Arctic Islands offer many examples of this n their rich mineral are bodies of all kinds in addition to the natural gas deposits now being developed, but with no suitable transportation link to markets. Pipelines, railroads, surface tankers and submarines as well as aircraft of various kinds are being examined seriously by governments and industries in order to develop a viable transportation system for the Canadian north and Arctic Islands. Emphasis in this paper is placed on application of "Induction Lift Systems" to very large cargo aircraft (i.e. Super Tanker), but there are many other applications of this system. THE INDUCTION LIFT SYSTEM The Induction Wing System (ILS) is a synergetic combination of a wing and a rotor that has higher aerodynamic efficiency in forward flight than either a wing (conventional aircraft) or a rotor (helicopter) operating as separate entities. The system is sketched in Figure 1.