Abstract:
The present disclosure endeavors to provide systems, methods and apparatus for ensuring aircraft compliance with governmental guidelines, such as, for example, MRCR Category II compliance. A hardware-based system may be employed to reduce range and/or payload below predetermined ranges and a payload capacities. Also provided herein are hardware-based systems, methods, and apparatus for restricting a system's range to predetermined range and/or the payload to a predetermined limit using, for example, a Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) installed in the flight control system.
Abstract:
A hybrid propulsion aircraft (100) is described having a distributed electric propulsion system. The distributed electric propulsion system includes a turbo shaft engine (112) that drives one or more generators (116) through a gearbox (132). The generator (116) provides AC power to a plurality of ducted fans (108, 110), each being driven by an electric motor (506). The ducted fans (108, 110) may be integrated with the hybrid propulsion aircraft's wings (104, 106). The wings (104, 106) can be pivotally attached to the fuselage (102), thereby allowing for vertical take-off and landing. The design of the hybrid propulsion aircraft (100) mitigates undesirable transient behavior traditionally encountered during a transition from vertical flight to horizontal flight. Moreover, the hybrid propulsion aircraft (100) offers a fast, constant-altitude transition, without requiring a climb or dive to transition. It also offers increased efficiency in both hover and forward flight versus other VTOL aircraft and a higher forward max speed than traditional rotorcraft.
Abstract:
A hybrid propulsion aircraft is described having a distributed electric propulsion system. The distributed electric propulsion system includes a turbo shaft engine that drives one or more generators through a gearbox. The generator provides AC power to a plurality of ducted fans (each being driven by an electric motor). The ducted fans may be integrated with the hybrid propulsion aircraft's wings. The wings can be pivotally attached to the fuselage, thereby allowing for vertical take-off and landing. The design of the hybrid propulsion aircraft mitigates undesirable transient behavior traditionally encountered during a transition from vertical flight to horizontal flight. Moreover, the hybrid propulsion aircraft offers a fast, constant-altitude transition, without requiring a climb or dive to transition. It also offers increased efficiency in both hover and forward flight versus other VTOL aircraft and a higher forward max speed than traditional rotorcraft.