VERTICAL LIFT FLYING CRAFT WITH SUSPENDED PAYLOAD

摘要

A disclosed vertical lift flying craft (10) includes a lift unit (20) that, during operation, develops a force including an upward component. A payload unit (50) suspends from the lift unit (20). The payload unit (50) suspends from the lift unit (20) in such a way as to impart lateral stability while remaining capable of horizontal flight, without incurring the adverse effects of a downward pitching moment. In addition to a lift unit (20) and a payload unit (50), the vertical lift flying craft includes a pair of bearings (26, 65) and a suspension structure (60), which cooperate to suspend the payload unit (50) from the lift unit (20). Other systems and methods are also disclosed.