Summary by ATFCars.com
Referenced article published on simpleflying.com on May 22, 2023 written by Dr. Omar Memon. Link to original article:
Lift And Cruise: The Ins & Outs Of eVTOL Design Architecture
In the dawn of the electric flying age, the eVTOL – electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft – is a marvel of design, creating a dance of physics between vertical lift and horizontal thrust. Imagine a world where your Uber is airborne, cruising over urban and regional landscapes, shrinking commutes and expanding horizons.
The beauty of eVTOL aircraft lies in their blend of classical and futuristic design. Like a hummingbird, they rise vertically, generating lift from dedicated rotors before transitioning into a horizontal glide. This transition is a technical ballet, a synchronized duet of power and control.
In this realm, the Lift and Cruise design is the prima donna, distinguishing itself with a clear partition between vertical lift and forward flight. This clever division between roles simplifies the process and offers increased redundancy, ensuring the show can go on even if one rotor takes an unplanned bow.
Vertical flight is a study in the delicate balance of speed and control. Fixed pitch rotors ensure a steady ascension, while a variety of rotor sizes spread the load. This versatility and redundancy are seen in models like the Beta Technologies Alia-250 and the Wisk Cora, which use multiple rotors for reliable lift.
Once airborne, the transition to forward flight employs pusher propellers, eradicating drag and maximizing wing lift. These efficient performers increase both the aircraft’s speed range and operational range, a prowess exemplified by the EVE eVTOL’s twin forward-flight ducted pusher propellers.
In the realm of flying cars, the Lift and Cruise design is stealing the show, turning the dream of a flying future into an awe-inspiring reality.
