4 ms·
Would a classic helicopter rotor overhead be a better solution, paired with those classic wide horizontal wings? Lift with the rotor, then thrust with the rear
by SlowBro 9y ago
Would a classic helicopter rotor overhead be a better solution, paired with those classic wide horizontal wings? Lift with the rotor, then thrust with the rear prop, using both wing and auto rotating overhead rotor combined for maximum lift.
Requires a tail rotor or similar. Perhaps the rear thrust motor or prop can be rotated sideways for takeoff? Now we’re getting complex, but not extraordinarily so.
Ape4 noted would add weight and complexity. Any more than eight small electric motors and props do now?
- mannykannot 9y agoThere have been several experimental aircraft like that [1] [2], but they are more like augmented helicopters than fixed-wing aircraft with VTOL. Aerodynamically, the arrangement is a biplane, and biplanes are rather inefficient because interference between the flows over the two wings reduces the overall efficiency. Note that in the case of the Sikorsky S-72, the intent was to stop the rotor in cruise. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurocopter_X3 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurocopter_X3 [2] http://www.aviastar.org/helicopters_eng/sik_x-wing.php http://www.aviastar.org/helicopters_eng/sik_x-wing.php
- SlowBro 9y agoThank you. Looks like what I have in mind is called a Gyrodyne[1] or Heliplane[2]. I would expect it would have almost the same range and speed as an airplane with VTOL capabilities. As you mentioned, the interaction between the two flight surfaces may be too inefficient, but the X3 you linked to broke the unofficial speed record, so there's that. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyrodyne https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyrodyne [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GBA-DARPA_Heliplane https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GBA-DARPA_Heliplane