Rotorcraft Heresy and XVTOL 1

[Intermesher]

The recommended take off and landing height/velocity characteristics of the helicopter do not differ very much from the gyrocopter.

The take off and landing height/velocity characteristics of the gyrocopter do not differ at all from that of a STOL airplane.

For requirements where there is no need for absolute zero airspeed, an advanced eXtreme Vertical Take_Off & Landing craft, with very lightweight construction and thrust augmented stability, may be an answer to future recreational flight and inter-city short-haul.

Comments?

 

[GraviMan]

Actually this is another area where hybrid electric technology can help the aircraft. Don't forget we are talking about ground runs here. If the high lift device could be quickly actuated, then you can put the full weight of the aircraft on the gear while below flying speed (or even downforce). The best solution would be variable AOA wings with serious leading edge devices, or even a trailing seperator to stop stall backwash.

The wheels would have very high power reluctance motors, designed to operate for a maximum of 10 seconds. On landing the wings would give up any lift, and motors go into full generator mode. On takeoff, motors accelerate aircraft up to unstalling speed. If wings could also produce downforce, and motors were traction controlled very high accelerations are achievable. Batteries (especially traction LiMH) offer exceptional power to weight (but are no good for energy to weight) so no problem here either regards mass - you only need a quick blast.

In combination with very effective high lift design, I suspect this would allow rediculously short runways to be used. With NASA considering MAGLEV, this looks promising...

Mart