Innovative aircraft design with annular wing

Summary

This document outlines a 1966 proposal by Squadron Leader G.L. Waller for a revolutionary aircraft design aimed at redefining vertical and transitional flight. The core concept involves an annular wing (a circular wing) combined with an air generator system to create aerodynamic lift without relying solely on downward thrust. The goal is to achieve vertical and transitional flight with greater energy efficiency.

The design includes adjustable air flow control through vanes and shutters, allowing the aircraft to modify lift dynamically. It also proposes a mechanism to prevent the air generator from consuming power during the jet engine startup phase. The document also addresses how the aircraft could take off, land, and move on land or water using landing gear or floatation units. While the idea was reviewed, it appears to have remained in early technical evaluation stages without further development.