There was something out years ago on investigation into chordwise blowing for otherwise conventional fixed wings, sometimes with arrays of suction holes, or even a wide suction vent at the trailing edge. Seemed promising there for a minute, then faded away. Maybe it didn't justify all the complexity for the gains registered, or it didn't work in the rain or something. Might work better at lower speeds and surface areas like an ultralight.
There have been a number of schemes involving Magnus effect over the years, some involving lighter-than-air craft, and also boat 'sails'. I remember seeing the Halcyone (sp?) here a while back, one of the Cousteau Society boats. 10hp motor drove this big smokestack looking thing - that was their sail. Worked ok on a boat, not sure if it would fly. - R.
