RE: four rotor toy
Dick,
Your right we are going to "left in the dust" as far as technology, for decades now most American businesses have focused on the next quarters profit rather than any long term view.
I think you are right the next versions of STOL/VTOL will be very interesting and it is time for somebody to apply the new "toy" technology of computer enhanced flight.
I know for years now Moller has tried without success to apply multi-engine lift technology with computer control to a VTOL craft.
I have followed the "phone drone" for some time now and think it may be a hint of the future in aviation.