VTOL Performance with Aerodynamic Efficiency at High Cruise SpeedThe V-Bat is a long endurance VTOL design ideal for shipboard and confined area operation. A ducted fan design maximizes operational safety by eliminating exposed rotors. The aircraft is launched and recovered in a 20 x 20 ft clearing and can fly for up to 8+ hours with a 5+ lb payload.The combination of VTOL operational convenience, with the safety of a shrouded fan and fixed wing duration in a small UAV system, will revolutionize the availability of UAV operations from confined areas, bridging a critical mission gap at the tactical level where it is needed the most.