One of the few truly new aircraft since the Wright Brothers
I'd say that is an accurate statement considering the propulsion system being used. The Wright Brother's first plane had an internal combustion engine driving a prop. This propulsion system really hasn't changed all that much in a hundred years. Engine spins the prop, prop makes the plane go. Turbo props are just a variation on Wilbur and Orville's design. Helicopters brought about a new propulsion system with the rotor blade. It provides lift and propulsion. At first helos were powered by internal combustion engines, then by turbo-shaft engines...but still the same basic propulsion system. True jet propulsion is only the 3rd unique type of propulsion system ever developed for heavier than air aircraft in the 100 years since Wilbur and Orville started the whole thing. Rocket or ram jet powered aircraft are there in the mix...but as propulsion systems go, not really all that good for sustained flight over longer distances. This Fan Wing....it really is a new propulstion system and a new type of aircraft...and one of a very few truly new aircraft based on its means of propulsion.
OBIO