.... and another idea. ~ the Microraptor.
The Abstract
The full version - PDF file
slowrotor,
..
Before you laugh and hangup the phone, consider for a moment, the possibility of implementing nature's microrapter into a man made S/VTOL craft.
The legs (airplane landing gear) have winged feet (small airfoils near the bottom of the landing gear).
- In forward flight; the small airfoils and feet (AF) are located aft and are providing lift.
- To slow down; the AF are swung down and forward to act as a biplane.
- To land; the AF are swung further forward, which flares the craft and sets the feet up for landing.
- For jump takeoff the AF are quickly move down and back from their landing position. This also puts the AF into position for cruise.
Dave