US 12,420,936 B2
Aerodynamic lifting structures having embedded engines, and associated systems and methods
Marshall Royd Gusman, Centennial, CO (US); Christopher Chahine, Bierbeek (BE); and Joseph Ray Wilding, Castle Rock, CO (US)
Assigned to COSMIC AEROSPACE, INC., Centennial, CO (US)
Filed by Cosmic Aerospace, Inc., Centennial, CO (US)
Filed on May 10, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/661,438.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/501,622, filed on May 11, 2023.
Prior Publication US 2024/0375780 A1, Nov. 14, 2024
Int. Cl. B64D 27/31 (2024.01); B64C 3/18 (2006.01); B64C 9/14 (2006.01)
CPC B64D 27/31 (2024.01) [B64C 3/185 (2013.01); B64C 3/187 (2013.01); B64C 9/14 (2013.01)] 56 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An aircraft comprising a fuselage and a wing extending transversely from the fuselage, the wing having a leading portion and a trailing portion positioned opposite the leading portion along a chord of the wing, the wing further comprising:
an upper wing portion having an upper leading edge, an upper trailing edge, and an upper exterior surface extending between the upper leading edge and the upper trailing edge, the upper exterior surface positioned to face exterior airflow above the wing;
a lower wing portion having a lower leading edge spaced apart from the upper leading edge, a lower trailing edge, and a lower exterior surface extending between the lower leading edge and the lower trailing edge, the lower exterior surface positioned to face exterior airflow below the wing;
a plurality of spars extending laterally along at least part of a span of the wing wherein each spar of the plurality of spars comprises a spar web;
a plurality of independent ducts positioned between the upper wing portion and the lower wing portion, wherein each duct extends between a corresponding inlet positioned toward the leading portion and a corresponding outlet positioned toward the trailing portion, and wherein each duct extends through an opening in each spar web;
a fan positioned in each duct of the plurality of ducts, wherein the fan is rotatable to propel air received in the inlet through the duct and to the outlet; and
an electric motor operably connected to each fan to rotate the fan.