Professional Pilot, February 2018

The future of VTOL and eVTOL A lthough helicopters have been steadily updated over the years with new engines avionics and other improvements most are unable to take advantage of breakthrough aviation technology The recent sharp disruption in the rotary wing aircraft industry didnt help Declining global oil prices significantly slowed growth and demand Now as oil prices strengthen optimism rises in this cautious market But even though current market indicators are encouraging helicopter OEMs are exploring other opportunities for vertical takeoff and landing VTOL machines The American Helicopter Society AHS International website on manned electric vertical takeoff and landing eVTOL aircraft catalogs more than 40 separate aircraft designs currently under development around the world Nearly all of them leverage the promise of distributed electric propulsion DEP using multiple electric motors each one spinning a simple propeller to generate thrust The goal is to create a new generation of efficient quiet and safe aircraft These initiatives face a rotorcraft market driven by the need for reliable mobility and safe access Increased global demand for emergency medical services EMS and replacement military helicopters along with capability expansion programs 36 PROFESSIONAL PILOT February 2018 worldwide will propel the helicopter market At least 19 companies including Airbus and Boeing are developing transformative applications refining designs as they try to pair electric energy sources with new VTOL airframe concepts And there is keen interest from wide ranging markets beyond those listed above including postal services major retailers taxis surveyors and numerous others Technology trends and goals Rotorcraft OEMs and their suppliers recognize the growing demand for technologically advanced helicopters for military and commercial applications So they are focusing on innovation in their models and designs to help their customers compete on a range of diverse service offerings Trends VTOL technology is on the verge of shifts driven by better batteries motors and software Since electric motors are lighter than conventional aircraft engines greater design flexibility is permitted The use of multiple electric motors can lead to significantly quieter aircraft possibly allowing them to operate in closer proximity to populated areas The ever greater influence of software is seen in flight control systems FCS parts manufacture using 3D printing to lower prices and increase margins for aircraft maintenance repair and overhaul MRO services and the spread of connectivity with and within the internet of things IoT Another trend is the increasing rate at which OEMs morph through acquisitions mergers and outreach bringing new ideas to the fore Goals From the OEM perspective prominent product goals include increased speed improved autonomy and enhanced artificial intelligence all coupled with better services and support Pioneering VTOL eVTOL mobility Airbus A3 This outpost innovation center of advanced projects and partnerships was established in Silicon Valley in 2015 to disrupt both Airbus and the rest of the aerospace industry before someone else does The 2 related projects of special interest are Project Vahana and Project Voom Project Vahana eVTOL is a flying vehicle intended for both passenger and cargo transport Realworld prototype testing is slated to begin in 2018 Many of the technologies needed such as batteries motors and avionics are relatively mature But the project will also require reliable sense and avoid technology While such systems are now being deployed in the automotive sector no solutions are yet available to meet the requirements of aviation And according to the company recent advances in automated composite manufacturing and assembly mean lightweight vehicles can be produced at high volumes with low enough costs compared with traditional aerospace manufacturing This is what Airbus is really banking on VERTICAL CAPABILITY AIRCRAFT The global rotorcraft market is projected to grow from 2693 billion in 2017 to 3069 billion by 2022 at a CAGR of 265 By Don Van Dyke ATP Helo CFII F28 Bell 222 Pro Pilot Canadian Technical Editor Airbus Project Vahana Airbus Project Voom