US Patent:
20210300527, Sep 30, 2021
Inventors:
- Manassas VA, US
William Cooper Thalheimer - Cambridge MA, US
International Classification:
B64C 17/08
B64C 27/28
B64C 27/52
B64C 29/00
B64C 27/20
Abstract:
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for shifting a center of gravity of an aircraft is disclosed. The apparatus includes a propulsion component, a moveable ballast component, and an assembly configured to translate the moveable ballast component. The propulsion component is configured to assist in transitioning the aircraft between a first mobility phase and a second mobility phase. The assembly is configured to translate the moveable ballast component between an aft position and a forward position of the aircraft based on the aircraft transitioning between the first mobility phase and the second mobility phase to shift the center of gravity of the aircraft along a longitudinal axis of the aircraft.
