Rotorcraft systems for urban air mobility: A reality check

Abstract

“Urban air vehicles” have been hailed as the next revolution in aviation. Prototypes of various sizes have been flown to demonstrate basic flight (hover and climb), but in most cases there is no demonstration of full flight capability, for example conversion from vertical to level flight (conversion corridor). There are proposals for vehicles in a wide range of scales: from drones specifically designed to deliver goods, to full size vehicles for manned transportation. Most of the concepts proposed include full electric propulsion, multiple (often convertible) rotors (ducted or un-ducted, counter-rotating), and widespread use of composite materials. Start-up companies are seeking funding with high-profile demonstrations in front of the media, but many unresolved technical problems are not been solved. Large aerospace companies have joined the fray. These initiatives are fuelling expectations that achieving the next milestone is within easy reach. This paper aims to fill some gaps in understanding and curb optimism. It takes a holistic view in order to establish a scientific basis for design, manufacturing, operations.

High-fidelity numerical analysis and optimisation of ducted propeller aerodynamics and acoustics

“…In recent years, a surge in Urban Aerial Mobility (UAM) research and development can be seen around the world [1], featuring novel aircraft configurations and Electrical Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL). The UAM concept has been hailed as the next revolution in aviation, yet significant efforts are needed to form a solid, scientific foundation for design, manufacturing, operations etc.…”

Multi-fidelity aerodynamic design and analysis of propellers for a heavy-lift eVTOL

“…Electrical Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles have received strong attention from industry and academia, and have been widely conceived as the ideal choice for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) [1]. To assess the feasibility of rarely explored heavy-lift eVTOL designs, GKN aerospace recently proposed the Skybus concept with a maximum capacity of 30 passengers, for short-distance transport in densely populated cities.…”

Experimental Analysis of Rotor Blade Noise in Edgewise Turbulence

“…This technological advancement has driven significant efforts to understand some of the challenging aspects of these novel vehicle designs. Propellers or rotor blades are one of the vital components used to power UAM technologies, and offer many potential benefits [1]. Various mathematical models have been developed to aid in the future prediction of unknowns associated with rotor blades in UAM applications; hence, it is essential to achieve experimental data to assist in the validation of these predictive models [2].…”