Abstract

An aircraft of disc-shaped configuration provides the capability of vertical take-off and landing; straight horizontal flight; and three-dimensional maneuverability in the air by means of a plurality of counter-rotating lifting rotors assembled of fixed pitch or of self-adjusting pitch aerofoil blade elements; and, submersibility of the aircraft in water is achieved by means of a marine propulsion module using two counter-rotating hydrofoil rotors for up or down thrust, and a tunneled conventional marine propeller for horizontal travel. The marine propulsion module is detachable for emergency and for use with the main frame aircraft of a variety of other detachable modules for different tasks and missions. Exceptionally adaptable for any existing power plant, including nuclear, it is best suited for the environment-friendly types, like integrated steam motor on hydrogen and oxygen burning. The simplicity of the design and its mechanical efficiency are combined with several novel safety features, while displaying an attractive technological continuity for any conventional aircraft manufacturer. The downstream of air from the lifting rotors utilized for maneuvering by a system of vanes positioned below the rotors.