NASA Low Cost and Low Noise Personal Air Vehicle Concept

[GrenadeCatcher]

people cant even drive on the ground you think this will ever happen to let people fly? It would have to be 100% computer controlled or else its planes smashing into each other or falling out of the sky into your house.

[EngineeringFun]

I am not sure how practical the details of this configuration are but sure it looks awesome.

[carrionpvp]

proof that everyone puts the LS1 engine into fucking everything @

[Tjita1]

All these aircraft you guys design are really cool, but when will we actually see a prototype of any of them in the air?

[NASAPAV]

Two new concepts with sub-scale flying prototypes are being done this year, so soon...

[Tjita1]

@NASAPAV Thankyou for your reply! The technologies you guys develop is really exciting, and it would be sad if they never got further than computer simulations. I hope your government and the citizens of your country keep funding your research.

[Aeromakerable]

@NASAPAV Where might I see these flying prototypes -- I do not care whether they are flying or not

[b101aa2]

ducted fans are LOUD!!!!! are you all sure that will be quiter, cause in the world of rc planes, ducted fans are about twice the db as a prop. almost as loud as a jet.

[NASAPAV]

That's because the RC ducts only care about performance (in fact, they like to have the ducts be loud). If you are designing for low noise, there is no question that a duct CAN be quieter, but it has to be designed to achieve that goal. Think of a duct as an acoustic muffler. The key to low noise is getting as much shielding as possible, while reducing the tip speed as much as possible - also clean inflow/outflow are critical. Do those 3 things, and it will be quiet.

[b101aa2]

@NASAPAV i get it. i am just curious about what kind of thrust vs blade rpm will be needed. that will determine much on the db levels. a multistage compressor style fan system might be a good way to slow them down. but am pretty sure you're folks already know it. check your messages. send ya a 3 view of something. john tracy at boeing has it.

[5150tt]

Vectored thrust?

[NASAPAV]

These are NASA Advanced Concepts, I work for NASA

[p90lover]

Ive noticed how everyone who wants to get their concept viewed puts NASA in their name or title. How exactly are you related to NASA?

[p90lover]

Hmmm... the designs for a impeller type rear propulsor that i've seen had elevators in the front as the CG and wings were farther back. It appears the CG of this airplane is about 2-4 feet behind the wings. Explain how this would ever fly? Or is it purely conceptual?

[NASAPAV]

No the CG is in the correct location considering the wing and tail. The rear ducted propeller has a minor effect on the center of lift, but a significant effect on the CG location. The wing is located further back than a conventional aircraft - hence the ease of entry without the wing being in the way. This is also permits less variability on the CG with different engine selections. This concept had a great deal of work done on it, and was more than just conceptual.

[purpleGoAhead]

low cost?! low noise?!

but it runs on 8cyl, 12-cyl. or turboprop-engines... yeah i bet those things are VERY cheap - and of course a turboprop engine is VERY silent too ^^

WTF were you thinking on that title?

a cheap airplane was the "volksplane" you could build yourself... but i'm sure an unconventional, overpowered high-tech airplane will never be built for little money.

[Membrane556]

@purpleGoAhead

The LS1 is not a bad choice for an engine it's a lot cheaper then an equivalent Lycomings.

Though it would need to be fitted with a dry sump system.

A cheaper engine then the LS1 might be the GM vortec 5300 which should still have enough power for such an aircraft.

[cen0322]

Isn't it allot harder to steer when the engine is so far back?

[NASAPAV]

It depends what you mean by 'harder'. A rear propulsor makes the aircraft more directionally stable, while a prop in the front is destabilizing. So yes, more control surface control power is required to turn, while the aircraft will tend to fly more in a straight line (even if disturbed by winds). For a 'transportation' type of vehicle, we wanted increased stability - sort like choosing a sedan over a sportscar.

[Itsmeeman1]

because no one will build it. will you?

[psybmw]

why dont i see this in the air?