Howdy Robert,
I've seen this contraption before (maybe stupidvideos.com). It really is quite intriguing. Your reference to the aerodynamic engineer is probably spot on, considering the flight characteristic's of something soooooooo
weirdly constructed.
Tread.
{if you look closely where the cutting blade would normally be, you'll see a nice collection of upsidedown vertical stabilators(?). It also has some very impressive 'deadstick' abilities )