Flying wing aircraft having a two-dimensional thrust array

Abstract

An unmanned aircraft system operable for wing-borne lift in a flying wing orientation. The unmanned aircraft system includes an airframe having a leading edge, a trailing edge, first and second wingtips and a root chord. The airframe has an airfoil cross-section along chord stations thereof. A thrust array is coupled to the airframe including first and second motor mounts coupled to the leading edge respectively between the root chord and the first and second wingtips. The motor mounts each have first and second propulsion assemblies coupled to respective first and second distal ends thereof. The motor mounts each have a flight configuration substantially perpendicular with the leading edge forming a two-dimensional distributed thrust array such that the airframe extends outboard of the first and second motor mounts. The unmanned aircraft system includes an electric power system and a flight control system that are operably associated with the thrust array.