Summary by ATFCars.com

Referenced article published on flyingmag.com on June 7, 2023 written by Meg Godlewski. Link to original article:

CubCrafters Tests Electric Lift Augmentation Slats

Hold onto your propellers, flying car enthusiasts, because CubCrafters is about to revamp the rules of the skies with a game-changing technology! Enter Electric Lift Augmenting Slats (ELAS), a masterstroke of innovation set to supercharge wing lift by a staggering four times!

Broadly speaking, a vertical and/or short take-off and landing (V/STOL) aircraft can get off the ground or alight either vertically or on mini runways. Vertically taking off and landing (VTOL) aircraft belong to this lot, but they don’t require runways whatsoever. In essence, they need to be proficient hoverers.

So what’s the big deal about ELAS? They’re not your standard flaps! These wonders combine electric ducted fans with leading edge lifting slats, propelling airflow over the wing and consequently maximizing lift. The result? Enhanced aerodynamic prowess at slower speeds and higher angles of attack, reduced stall speed, and improved slow-speed handling characteristics. Yes, indeed – your trusty aircraft morphs into a slow-soaring phoenix!

Excitingly, the ELAS technology could integrate smoothly into VTOL-type flying cars, enhancing their STOL capabilities. Imagine your flying car, already capable of vertical lift-off, now also boasting better control at slower speeds and drastically reducing the space needed for landing. Your urban mobility dreams are on the cusp of becoming an electrifying reality!

ELAS isn’t just theory; it’s flight-bound. In partnership with Oklahoma State University School of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, CubCrafters is refining the prototype’s design through rigorous computer simulations and wind tunnel testing. Our skies will soon witness a CubCrafters XCub test plane brandishing this winged marvel in a comprehensive flight test program.

You might think such pioneering technology is relegated to new production units, but no! ELAS can be retrofitted onto existing airframes or incorporated into the wings as original equipment. And in a nod to efficiency, they can be designed to retract when not in use.

Fueling this vision are two research grants from NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, underscoring the high-impact potential of this revolutionary technology.

In short, CubCrafters’ ELAS technology heralds a new chapter in aviation, presenting a tantalizing glimpse into a future where flying cars rule the skies, masters of both vertical lift-off and short landings. Buckle up, folks – our horizon is about to get a lot more exciting!