Leonardo has been granted a patent for a convertiplane featuring a fuselage, rotors, and engines that enable transitions between helicopter and airplane configurations. The design includes electric motors, generators, and a unique wing structure, enhancing lift and operational versatility. GlobalData’s report on Leonardo gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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Data Insights Leonardo SpA - Company Profile

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Leonardo, Light-weight composite fuselage was a key innovation area identified from patents. Leonardo's grant share as of July 2024 was 57%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Convertiplane with rotatable masts for helicopter and airplane configurations

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Leonardo SpA

The patent US12071232B2 describes a novel convertiplane design that integrates both helicopter and airplane functionalities. The convertiplane features a fuselage with a first longitudinal axis, equipped with a nose and tail portion. It includes a pair of wings on either side of the fuselage, each carrying rotors that generate lift. The system is powered by thermal engines connected to the rotors, alongside electric motors and generators that enhance operational efficiency. The rotors are designed to be tiltable, allowing the convertiplane to transition between helicopter and airplane configurations. The engines are strategically positioned at the interface between the fuselage and wings, ensuring optimal performance in both configurations.

Additionally, the patent outlines various structural elements, including a cargo compartment with a movable panel for access, and a support element that can be extended outside the compartment. This support element houses a station for equipment and can be moved along a defined path. The design also incorporates safety features, such as electric generators that can provide power in case of engine failure, ensuring reliability during operation. The convertiplane's innovative design aims to enhance versatility and functionality, making it suitable for diverse applications in aviation.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.