Lutz Taubert, Garrett Kay, Israel Wygnanski and Michael Ol
This paper aims to address shortcomings of current tiltrotor designs, such as the small aspect ratio of the wings, large download and the close proximity of the rotor tips. It…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to address shortcomings of current tiltrotor designs, such as the small aspect ratio of the wings, large download and the close proximity of the rotor tips. It also aims to avoid the complex transition of tiltrotors to normal airplane mode.
Design/methodology/approach
This design combines tiltrotor and tiltwing aircraft designs into a hybrid that is augmented by active flow control, using a gimbaled channel wing for attitude control in hover.
Findings
The proposed hybrid design is based on experimental results of components that were tested individually for potential use in hover and steep ascend from a stationary position.
Originality/value
This research was inspired by the extremely short take-off of the V-22, when its rotors were tilted forward. It combines several design approaches in a unique way to achieve extremely short take-off capabilities combined with high-speed and reduced maintenance costs.