The basic concept is to design and build a new generation of personal aircraft using the latest software design and simulation tool, aerodynamics, composite materials, and jet engine technologies. When aggregated into one cohesive design demonstrating unprecedented efficiencies, the initial results promise a tiny craft whose entire body provides lift rather just relying on the wings. The svelte profile of the composite material lifting body introduces less drag with modest wings, and requires less thrust to power. It requires so much less thrust that a tiny engine powered by a hydrogen fuel cell drove the first 1-meter model craft at full speed for 15 minutes.
There are so many interesting aspects to this design project that I almost don’t know where to start. Thankfully, their web site nicely documents the project’s evolution from initial concept, to computer modeling and optimization, to wind-tunnel tests and model flights. Truly amazing start-to-finish. Here is a short photo summary of the amazing project to-date.
This is a rendering of the simulated air flow around the CAD model which shows the vortex-lift generated by the novel lifting body shape that makes the craft so efficient.
This is an image of the numerically-controlled milling machine carving the mold for the single-piece carbon-composite body.
An image of the completed top-panel mold.
The completed 1 meter scale model.
A Trade-show booth highlighting the completed model and the simple hydrogen fuel cell powered jet engine.
The engineers installing the model in the big wind tunnel for stability and control testing and design optimization.
Making the last pre-test connections.
The post-test flow patterns painted on the model by the test fluids.
And see the model in flight in this short promo video.
This project is a complete tour-de-force of modern design, and demonstrates what it takes to change an industry: several years of monomaniacal focus in a small elite team. I believe these folks are really going to succeed in changing the industry where multi-billion dollar multinational aerospace conglomerates have been stalled for decades. It is really the silicon valley start-up model applied to aerospace, much like Tesla is changing the automotive world.
And oh yes, I definitely want one. I’d even take a MODEL of one.
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You’re high if you think there will be fuel cell powered airplanes flying around in the next decade, let alone the next 50 yrs. Have you ever flown a plane? Have you ever heard of the FAA? Do you know what certificated airplane means? Go ask Eclipse how tough it was to design a very light jet. They are double their development/certificaiton budget and double the time they thought it would take. The Eclipse burns jet fuel and uses jet engines, just like every other plane out there. But at least you’ll be satisfied with a model, because that’s all you’ll ever get in your lifetime.
increase miles per gallon, fuel saver, increase gas mileage
i want to model the smartfish in a cad software can you help me in this
parabens!
É um projeto de entusiasmar.
Nice design and very innovative. The anonymous person is right, but short sighted. The USA is no longer the country to introduce radical new technology. Computer, pharma drugs, PDA phones, that are highly advanced are only available outside of the US. I expect to see the same thing happen to aerospace due to socialistic nature of the USA.
Has anyone started working on designs for a hydrogen fuel celled private g650 or any private jet designs along those lines?
I would definitely be interested in an investment like that!
Terry C. Wintermoyer
CEO/Owner Winter Seasons LLC