Results for: skai

Rolls-Royce Unveils eVTOL Propulsion System

16 July 2018 || 3 min read

Rolls-Royce has designed a propulsion system for an eVTOL that they claim could be in-service in under 10 years. The British company stated that it created a design for an “electric vertical take-off and landing” vehicle. Such a vehicle could carry 4 or 5 passengers. The vehicle could travel at 250 mph (402 km/h) for around 500 miles, Rolls-Royce said....

Rolls-Royce Unveils eVTOL Propulsion System

16 July 2018 || 3 min read

Rolls-Royce has designed a propulsion system for an eVTOL that they claim could be in-service in under 10 years.

The British company stated that it created a design for an “electric vertical take-off and landing” vehicle. Such a vehicle could carry 4 or 5 passengers.

The vehicle could travel at 250 mph (402 km/h) for around 500 miles, Rolls-Royce said.

Rolls is joining an ever-growing group of eVTOL manufacturers in an industry that continues to heat up.

Rob Watson spoke ahead of this week’s Farnborough Airshow. Watson is head Rolls’ electrical team, and said: “We are well placed to play a leading role in the emerging world of personal air mobility and will also look to work in collaboration with a range of partners.”

Rolls said their initial concept propulsion system utilizes M250 gas turbine technology to generate electricity that will power six electric propulsors. These propulsors are also designed to have a low noise level, and the M250 gas turbine has logged more than 250 million flight hours across the entire fleet.

Such an eVTOL has wings that can rotate 90 degrees to facilitate vertical takeoff and landing, while also functioning like a conventional aircraft in forward flight.

“We believe that given the work we are doing today to develop hybrid electric propulsion capabilities, this model could be available by the early to mid 2020s, provided that a viable commercial model for its introduction can be created,” Rolls said.

Rolls-Royce is currently seeking out an airframe partner for their propulsion system in order to complete further refinements and integrate the system into a viable aircraft.

Why it’s important: Rolls-Royce is firmly established as one of the heaviest hitters of the aerospace propulsion industry, so their announcement to enter the eVTOL industry is not a complete surprise – more attention will be drawn to the firm when they partner with an airframe maker. Most likely, this search is already under way.

Source

Rolls Royce

Jetoptera Completes Propulsion Tests; Issues Equity

13 July 2018 || 3 min read

Edmonds, WA based Jetoptera has completed testing for its “fluidic propulsion system” and followed up this technical progress by issuing a second round of equity for $1.5 Million. Jetoptera’s J2000 VTOL will be powered by the fluidic propulsion system. The aircraft is expected to cruise at 200mph, have a range of 200 miles and a maximum take-off weight of 2000lbs....

Jetoptera Completes Propulsion Tests; Issues Equity

13 July 2018 || 3 min read

Edmonds, WA based Jetoptera has completed testing for its “fluidic propulsion system” and followed up this technical progress by issuing a second round of equity for $1.5 Million.

Jetoptera’s J2000 VTOL will be powered by the fluidic propulsion system. The aircraft is expected to cruise at 200mph, have a range of 200 miles and a maximum take-off weight of 2000lbs.

The propulsion system was tested on glider prototypes to validate a proof-of-concept design before moving on to the full scale J2000 prototype.

The CEO of Jetoptera, Denis Dancanet, stated: “Following on from fluidic propulsion’s first flight two months ago, we have developed a glider-based platform to test FPSTM systems of various sizes, shapes and power. This summer, more tests will follow employing the flying test bed for wing flight evaluations. Separately, Jetoptera’s technology maturation plan also includes upcoming VTOL and hovering demonstrations.”

Jetoptera claims that fluidic propulsion has greater efficiency than vector-thrust based propulsion systems. Fluidic propulsion is claimed to be more compact than vectored thrust with the same efficiency as a turbofan.

“It allows a rapid deployment of the best designs down selected from static and wind tunnel tests. It shows clearly the advantages of using the propulsion system for other wing-borne flight applications as well. This test is a key step in the FPSTM maturation program, which has yielded positive results and sets us on the right path for future certification testing.”

Here’s a video of the J2000 concept:

After completion of the test flight, Jetoptera issued their second round of equity for $1.5 million, which matches their initial offering in 2017 for the same amount.

Why it’s important: A growing momentum of physical testing in the VTOL industry is allowing for more publicity, and investment, to flow to a large number of smaller companies that are innovating on classical aerospace engineering design decisions to produce the next generation of aircraft. Stay tuned to Jetoptera’s fundraising progress, and to the integration of their fluidic propulsion system into the J2000 prototype.

Learn more about the J2000 here.

Source

VTOL Investor
Image // Jetoptera

Opener BlackFly

12 July 2018 || < 1 min read

Quick SummaryThe BlackFly is a recreational air vehicle that carries a single passenger/operator. The BlackFly features eight rotors spread over two wings, and does not require a pilot's license to operate due to the augmentation of its control system.CompanyCEOProduct NameOpener, a Palo Alto, CA, USA based company.Marcus LengBlackFlyStage of DevelopmentPreliminary DesignPrototype BuildFlight TestingCertificationCommercially OperatingTechnical DetailsAircraft Type: VTOL, fixed wing Powerplant:...

BlackFly Powers into the Flying Car Industry

12 July 2018 || 2 min read

The BlackFly, an eVTOL made by tech company Opener, released footage of the first flight of their craft, which is powered by eight fans spread across two wings. Here’s a video: The BlackFly is being worked on by Opener, a Palo Alto – based corporation that has kept the development of the eVTOL under wraps until recently when they disclosed...

Joby and Kitty Hawk Secure Funding from Pentagon

10 July 2018 || 3 min read

Kitty Hawk and Joby Aviation have received nearly $2m from the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx). DIUx is a Pentagon organization “founded to help America’s military make faster use of emerging technologies”. None of those involved disclosed the funding details at that time. DIUx’s plan for small electric aircraft pragmatic, according to a document that detailed the funding program. “These vehicles will …...

Joby and Kitty Hawk Secure Funding from Pentagon

10 July 2018 || 3 min read

DIUx’s plan for small electric aircraft pragmatic, according to a document that detailed the funding program. “These vehicles will … offer a niche capability for specific tactical applications with a low acoustic signature, near instantaneous start/stop, ability to spread an assault force across multiple vehicles, and automated systems.”

Joby Aviation received $970,000 from the DIUx in January last year. Kitty Hawk received $1m a few months later. However, neither company is having issues with funding; Larry Page is bankrolling Kitty Hawk, and Joby closed a $100m investment round in February this year with a number of venture capital companies.

From the Gaurdian website: “Experimental airworthiness certificates granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), previously unreported, detail exactly how and where the aircraft are being tested.”

“Although neither vehicle can automatically sense and avoid birds or other aircraft, both are programmed to return safely back to base if their remote control systems fail. Joby’s S4 also has a full-aircraft parachute in case it suffers “a catastrophic failure”.

The S4 will mostly fly over agricultural areas and the open ocean from the ranch of Joby’s CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, located in the hills above Santa Cruz. It will also operate out of Fort Hunter Liggett, a large US army base 150 miles south of San Francisco. The FAA application says Joby has a “Department of Defense contract to perform test operations” inside the base’s airspace. Joby did not respond to multiple requests for clarification.

In May, Uber announced that it was co-developing an ultra-quiet rotor for a flying taxi with the US army.

Lt Col Michelle Baldanza, a defense department spokesperson, would say only: “DIUx is working with various personal aerial vehicle companies, all of which are selected via a competitive process open to any commercial entity.” The FAA airworthiness certificates for both vehicles specify: “No weapons may be added to the [unmanned aircraft].”

Why it’s important: A large amount of government interest is involved with two of the industry’s largest players. While there are statements that no weapons will be added to the aircraft at this time, future developments must eventually start to shift toward military applications for these planned small personal aerial vehicles.

Source

The Gaurdian

Pal-V to Demo at Farnborough International Airshow

07 July 2018 || 4 min read

The Pal-V Liberty will be on display at the Farnborough International Airshow from July 16 through 22 later this month in England. The Pal-V has been under development since 2001 and is a three seat gyroplane that converted to a two seat gyroplane. Liberty is planning on attaining FAA certification by 2020. If certification is gained by this point, deliveries should began shortly thereafter....

Pal-V to Demo at Farnborough International Airshow

07 July 2018 || 4 min read

Liberty is planning on attaining FAA certification by 2020. If certification is gained by this point, deliveries should began shortly thereafter.

The certification date of 2020 is later than intended on for Pal-V – the aircraft was initially targeting a 2017 certification completion date, which was moved to 2019, and now finally 2020.

From the Robb Report Website: “The company continues to accept orders for the Liberty, which is available in two models: the fully loaded Liberty Pioneer Edition and the base model Liberty Sport. The estimated price of the Pioneer Edition is about $600,000, and it’s roughly $400,000 for the Sport. Pal-V plans to build only 90 examples of the Pioneer Edition and sell only 25 in the North American market. Reserving a Liberty requires a non-refundable deposit of $25,000 for the Pioneer and $10,000 for the Sport. (Pal-V says it will refund the deposits if the Liberty fails to receive certification.)

Both Liberty models will have a maximum speed of just under 100 mph in driving mode and a zero-to-60-mph time of less than 9 seconds. In flying mode, both will have a high cruising speed of nearly 100 mph and a range of about 250 miles with two people aboard and 310 miles with just a pilot. Pal-V recommends a runway—paved or level grass—of at least 900 feet for takeoff and a 100-foot strip for landing.

Pal-V Liberty Flying Car

Rear view Photo: Courtesy Pal-V

It’s perhaps fitting that the world’s first production flying car is a gyroplane—an unusual aircraft design that harkens back to the earliest days of powered flight and, while never completely disappearing, has always lived on the edge of mainstream aviation. Unlike a helicopter, a gyroplane’s blades are not powered by a motor; instead, they spin freely and generate lift as a result of their forward motion through the air. The vehicle’s forward thrust is provided by a separate motor and propeller, more akin to a fixed-wing airplane. That’s why the Liberty needs 900 feet to take off; it cannot rise vertically like a conventional helicopter. But one of the primary advantages of the design is a much lower stall speed and easier handling.

The Liberty converts from an automobile into a gyroplane in about 10 minutes—the amount of time it takes to unfold the blades, which are bundled on the roof when the vehicle is in driving mode.

To operate the Liberty in the United States, you’ll need a standard driver’s license and a gyroplane license. The latter requires 30 to 40 hours of training. The company plans to offer flying lessons at its Pal-V FlyDrive Academy locations, one of which will be located in Florida.”

Source

Robb Report

Event Preview: Revolution.Aero

06 July 2018 || 2 min read

The Revolution.aero summit is planned to be held October 1 and 2, 2018 in San Francisco, California at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. The event’s mission is “The future of aviation. In two days.” The website continues to describe the event in more detail: “Revolution.Aero is the global meeting place for people who are reshaping, rethinking and revolutionizing business and personal aviation. A...

Workhorse SureFly will Fly at Oshkosh

03 July 2018 || 2 min read

Workhorse released a video on July 2nd announcing that Workhorse will be at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and will also be demoing their new SureFly at the event. The official announcement read: “Workhorse, an American technology company focused on providing sustainable and cost-effective solutions to the commercial transportation sector, announced that its SureFly Multi-Copter is scheduled to fly on Tuesday, July 24 during...

Japan’s Flying Car Plan

02 July 2018 || 2 min read

Japan is involved in the flying car industry, and is increasing government and local support of future flying car manufacturers and companies by laying legislative groundwork for the implementation of these aircraft in the future. After the Japanese government announced that they were launching a flying car study in March of 2018, little was heard on the subject of flying...

Airbus’ eVTOL Air Traffic Management Plan

29 June 2018 || 3 min read

CleanTechnica recently broke down Airbus’ approach to how future air traffic airspace management systems (UTM) will function, and what mechanics will drive their safety. Airbus’ initiative is called Altiscope. According to Airbus, here’s what a vertical sliver of airspace will look like in 2030: From 200 to 400 ft in the US, the airspace will mostly be for imaging and...

Airbus’ eVTOL Air Traffic Management Plan

29 June 2018 || 3 min read

From 200 to 400 ft in the US, the airspace will mostly be for imaging and analytics — think personal drones.
Higher up, 0 to 1000 ft, is the airspace mostly used by delivery platforms, such as the Airbus Aerial and other air taxi services.
From 200 to 1200 ft is that of light electric aircraft making speedy deliveries.
1000 to 3000 ft is for the Uber Elevate, Airbus Voom, and other faster, further electric air mobility services.
Within the 500 to 5000 ft arena are Bell helicopters, Sikorski, and Airbus General Aviation (GA) aircraft. This airspace is really for private, non-commercial flight, whether high-performance business jets, medical transports, gliders, or flight trainers.

“Where things get complicated are in the airspace that requires a few hundred feet to 60,000 and above. Those categories encroach on each other and will require constant reviewing.”

Airbus currently uses NASA’s Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) for airspace coordination.

The European counterpart of NASA’s UTM system is the SESAR Joint Undertaking; endorsed by the European Commissioner for Transport, Violeta Bulc. SESAR opens the continental market for drone services and aircraft.

Why it’s important: This airspace management system is not completely revolutionary, nor will it have any effects on a user of eVTOL transportation systems – the beauty of the solution is its apparent non-existence. Once implemented fully, UTM systems will allow for users to have an uneventful, traffic incursion free flight every time – and they’ll hardly know that there’s a system working extremely hard to ensure that every flight is as uneventful as the next. The framework for these systems is being laid by many different companies around the world, and while it might not be as spark-generating as new aircraft concepts, it is as much, if not more, of a necessity for successful eVTOL operations.

Airbus’ blog on UTM is available here.

Source

CleanTechnica

Moller M200 Skycar

27 June 2018 || < 1 min read

Quick SummaryThe Moller M200 Skycar is the smaller version of the M400 Skycar currently under development by Moller International. The M200 uses two horizontal ducted fans for level flight, and two inline vertical fans that supply lift for nearly vertical takeoffs and landings. It featured an ethanol-powered propulsion system and was equipped with folding wings and a parachute. Ultimately, the...

Moller M200 Skycar

27 June 2018 || < 1 min read

Quick Summary

The Moller M200 Skycar is the smaller version of the M400 Skycar currently under development by Moller International. The M200 uses two horizontal ducted fans for level flight, and two inline vertical fans that supply lift for nearly vertical takeoffs and landings. It featured an ethanol-powered propulsion system and was equipped with folding wings and a parachute. Ultimately, the DoD - the target customer of the M200 Skycar - showed little interest and Moller has moved on to the development of its other VTOL models such as the M400 Skycar.

Moller International, based in Dixon, CA

Stage of Development

Preliminary Design

Prototype Build

Flight Testing

Certification

Commercially Operating

Technical Details

Aircraft Type: Winged VTOL

Powerplant: Ethanol

Range: 434 miles

Top Speed: 242 mph

Propeller Configuration: Two Nacelles and Two Lifting Ducts

Passenger/Payload Capacity: One Pilot, One Passenger in Tandem

Autonomy Level: Piloted

Dimensions: 8.5 ft wingspan, 14 ft length, 6 ft height

Other Information:

Weight: 1320 lbs

Net Payload: 400 lbs

Motors: 8 electric motors at 45kW each

Cruise Speed: 205 mph

Continuous Engine Power (total): 170 hp

From the Moller Website:

Originally conceived with military applications in mind, the Skycar® 200 is a lightweight, 2-passenger VTOL aircraft now targeted for local commuter markets. Capable of speeds up to 240 mph, the Skycar® 200 design incorporates multiple redundant systems, multiple safety features, and its Flight Control System (FCS) virtually eliminates the complexities of flying. Even a novice operator can master the skills needed to maintain precise control over the aircraft.

In the future, passengers will not be required to fly the aircraft, as the Skycar® will be an autonomous aircraft utilizing advanced onboard environment scanning and precise positioning systems, the highway-in-the-sky (HITS) and automated air traffic control in order to fly between destinations and avoid other air-traffic.

Our Take on Moller

The Moller M200 Skycar has already undergone a flight test program, though it is a seemingly defunct model in Moller's VTOL lineup. Additionally, its use of ethanol fuel in lieu of electrical power to rotate the ducted fans puts the vehicle at a disadvantage to other eVTOLs vying for market share in the commercial aerial mobility industry. Moller has since commenced development of the M400 Skycar, a 4-seat version of the M200, based on customer feedback.

References

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Terrafugia TF-X

27 June 2018 || < 1 min read

Quick SummaryThe Terrafugia TF-X concept was developed by Terrafugia, formerly based in Woburn, MA. The TF-X is a road-able aircraft that utilizes folding wings to allow for landing in compact areas, and two propellers for upward and horizontal propulsion. The TF-X is the next model in the line that is anchored by the Terrafugia Transition.CompanyCEOProduct NameTerrafugia - GeelyChao JingTF-XStage of...

Dutch Aerospace Prepares for Electric Flight

27 June 2018 || 5 min read

From a NLR Press Release: The Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) has opened research installations and offices covering 18,000 m² in the town of Marknesse as its new research facility for electric flight. Together with PwC, NLR unveiled at the opening ceremony the electric Pipistrel Alpha Electro, which will be deployed as a research aircraft in NLR’s new Living Lab for...

Dutch Aerospace Prepares for Electric Flight

27 June 2018 || 5 min read

From a NLR Press Release:

The Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) has opened research installations and offices covering 18,000 m² in the town of Marknesse as its new research facility for electric flight. Together with PwC, NLR unveiled at the opening ceremony the electric Pipistrel Alpha Electro, which will be deployed as a research aircraft in NLR’s new Living Lab for Electric Flight. NLR is thus ready to embark on the next step towards assuring the sustainability of aviation, namely aircraft powered by electric engines. The new-build facility with its state-of-the-art research facilities was officially opened by Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management.

Van Nieuwenhuizen said in her speech: “The Netherlands is highly successful in aerospace technology. This is precisely how it should be, because demand for air transport is continuing to grow. But we can’t simply go on building more and more planes. The aircraft also need to be lighter, must be equipped with new technology and have more economical engines. They present new challenges and we must look for the answers. Wherever new ideas must lead to new possibilities, there is a need for incubators. This new NLR complex is such an incubator.”

Living Lab for Electric Flight: a new research facility for electric flight
Auditing and consultancy firm PwC made a donation to NLR to enable the purchase of an electric plane – the Pipistrel Alpha Electro – so as to press ahead with the development of sustainable aviation. The donation fits in with PwC’s ambition to be a circular and CO2-neutral business in 2030. PwC has been monetising its CO2 emissions since 2017 and uses this budget firstly to reduce and then to offset emissions. Among other things PwC is stimulating on-line conferencing, international travel by train and electric driving. The company is additionally investing in sustainable mobility innovations by bringing in knowledge and money. “There’s a lot more to gain in aviation”, said Michael de Ridder, CFO and COO of PwC. “With this donation, PwC wants to make a contribution to accelerating the transition to electric flight. As a user, an international organisation with clients worldwide, we want to take our responsibility by pursuing CO2 reduction, offsetting and innovation.”

The Pipistrel Alpha Electro allows NLR to take a significant step forward in the development of electric flight. In its Living Lab for Electric Flight, NLR will conduct research into such matters as how to increase the range of the Pipistrel Alpha Electro by using new battery technology or a fuel cell and aerodynamic enhancements.

‘Electric flight’ symposium
The event in Marknesse included a mini-symposium called “Electric flight in 2050: dream or opportunities for the Netherlands?” The symposium, attended by a sizeable representation of the Dutch aerospace sector, provided an impression of current technological advances in electric flight and outlined the perspective for opportunities and challenges for the Dutch aerospace sector in this field.

Wright Electric
A key attendee was Jeff Engler, CEO of start-up Wright Electric of Los Angeles, who gave a presentation. Wright Electric has entered into cooperation with easyJet and has expressed its ambition to develop a completely electric aircraft capable of operating flights with 150 passengers over distances of around 540 kilometres , such as between Amsterdam and London or Paris, within 10 to 20 years.

The opening and the subject of sustainable aviation also presented an opportunity for partners to display their models, such as the Delft Hyperloop, Solar Car Twente and Ehang of KPN.

Why it’s important: The NLR’s opening of a new research center and incubator represents a large-scale government effort to involve electric aircraft, drones, eVTOLS, and commercial transports into the every-day life of travelers, commuters, and logistics companies. The government backing from the Netherlands combined with support from PwC increases the resource pool available to NLR vastly – expect major updates coming from the center as work spools up.

Source

NLR Press Release

Ray Research Dart Flyer

26 June 2018 || < 1 min read

Quick SummaryCompanyCEOProduct NameRay Research, based in Muttenz, SwitzerlandDavid PosvaRay Research Dart FlyerStage of DevelopmentPreliminary DesignPrototype BuildFlight TestingCertificationCommercially OperatingTechnical DetailsFrom the Ray Research Website: Wingspan: 7.9 ft Length: 6.6ft Vision Ray Research AG invents and develops new aircraft designs, as well as aircraft propulsion systems. Our first patented aircraft, Ray, is a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (VTOL) which carries 5...