Ducted Fan Ultralight Aircraft

[av8tor]

Does anyone know of a ducted fan powered ultralight aircraft / helicopter?

I am interested in entering into this area of design and production but could use a little jump start. I am not completely sure that ducted fan would be the best option given the weight restriction (254 lbs) and the overall economic considerations.

 

[DORD2002]

AV8TOR,

I have some information on ducted fan powered ultralights and homebuilt aircraft. It might take a few days for me to locate the information in my archives.
You may want to remind me at dord2002@hotmail.com
Dord2002

 

[av8tor]

That would be great. I appreciate it.

 

[Neilmo]

Hi Av8tor,

Take a look at this site for a futuristic, twin ducted fan helicopter -

http://www.solotrek.com

Regards,
Neilmo

 

[sstrazis]

av8tor

I have been thinking about a multi-stage, shrouded axial fan with the thought that an ultralight application might be the place for it. The major design features are a converging shroud, three fan stages, and a coaxial drive shaft permitting each fan stage to operate at an independent rotational speed (maintaining a set ratio). This will allow pressure balancing and optimization of each stage by both adjustable fan blade angle and relative rotational speed. The intake bell would be the only shroud component subject to negative pressure. The shroud would be stiffened by internal pressure, and if made of the proper materials would not result in excessive fan tip clearance.

I have been looking at some HVAC cylindrical shroud tube fan designs with bell intakes and have encountered some encouraging data on two stage axial fans, including a design with two stages and a counter-rotating fan. I have never come across a three-stage.

Any thoughts?

 

[tbuelna]

Here's a multi-stage, axial fan, vertical take-off, ultra light aircraft:

http://www.meditech.ch/exoticthermoengineering/ete17.html

heh, heh, heh.......

 

[sstrazis]

That meets the letter of the idea, but I'll bet he could carry more than 6-8 minutes of fuel with an upgrade to the landing gear (Air Jordan's). How much would a peroxide-powered Teledyne J-402-CA 400 go for if you could find one today?