This design is for a Fluid Sustained and Fluid Propelled Aircraft. "This invention pertains to wingless aircraft or aerodynes in which propellers are enclosed within the air ducts and particularly to aircraft having a plurality of air ducts." The patent was issued in December, 1959 to Alexander M. Lippisch for the Collins Radio Company.
View Patent: USPTO | Google
Comments
Fluid
The 'Fluid' part of the patent refers to just the air. 15, is a downward facing venturi which provides lift, 17 is an aft facing thrust nozzle. It propells and lifts itself ie, with air, without requiring wings.
This man knew what he was doing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Lippisch