swestrup: (Default)
swestrup ([personal profile] swestrup) wrote2007-04-10 01:50 am

Coanda Effect Saucer.

In the SF literature, a Coanda-effect flying saucer is generally known as an aerodyne. They have the great theoretical advantage that they can fly like a helicopter, but don't have exposed and vulnerable rotors.

This article about a prototype shows one working with a plain fan blade, but a larger unit would probably require a jet turbine.