An energy-efficient aircraft called the Flying-V has made a successful test flight in Germany last week.
Researchers and engineers from the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) conducted the successful test flight together with a drone pilot operator in a German airbase on September 1
The first real test flight of the scaled flight model was designed by university researchers and funded by Dutch airline KLM with support from aircraft manufacturer Airbus.
After KLM’s announcement of the project last year, the scaled aircraft model underwent a period of extensive wind tunnel testing and a series of ground tests in the Netherlands before the scaled model was approved to perform a test flight this summer.
Project leader Dr. Roelof Vos led his team of researchers and engineers as they took the 22.5-kilogram and 3-meter wide scale model of the Flying-V for flight tests in a well-guarded airbase in Germany last week, where they could work together with a team from Airbus.
The drone pilot’s task was to take-off, fly a number of test maneuvers and approaches until the batteries were nearly empty and land.
In a statement last week, Dr. Vos’ team said they were successful in the maiden flight of the model.
“One of our worries was that the aircraft might have some difficulty lifting-off since previous calculations had shown that ‘rotation’ could be an issue. The team optimized the scaled flight model to prevent the issue but the proof of the pudding is in the eating. You need to fly to know for sure,” Dr. Vos shared
Flying-V successful test flight
During the test flight, rotation on take-off was performed easily and occurred at a speed of 80 km/h. The plane’s thrust was good and flight speeds and angles were as predicted.
According to researchers, testing new technology is never straightforward. The team had a challenging week in which they had to change the centre of gravity of the aircraft and fix the antenna to improve telemetry.
The flight has now also confirmed that the current design still shows too much ‘Dutch roll’, causing a slightly rough landing.
A next step for the team is to use the data collected during the flight for an aerodynamic (software) model of the aircraft. This will make it possible to programme it in a flight simulator to be used in future research, while further improving the flight characteristics. The team will also prepare the scale model for future flight tests.
Flying-V aircraft features
The Flying-V is a design for a highly energy-efficient long-distance aeroplane.
The aircraft’s design integrates the passenger cabin, the cargo hold, and the fuel tanks in the wings, creating a spectacular V-shape.
Computer calculations from researchers have predicted that the aircraft’s improved aerodynamic shape and reduced weight will reduce fuel consumption by 20% compared to today’s most advanced aircraft.
With this prospect of improving aviation and further lower fuel consumption, Dutch airline KLM has been a partner in the project since last year.
Also due KLM’s support, Dr. Vos said the project team has been able to build the scale model which was first presented at the 100th anniversary of KLM in October 2019.
Aside from KLM, various business partners are now involved in the project, including one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer Airbus.
With Airbus also supporting and partnering on the project, Vos said partners are working together on a research plan to fine-tune the concept. Their next step is to provide the Flying-V aircraft with sustainable propulsion, taking into account that the design seems highly suitable to carry liquid hydrogen instead of kerosene. (JM Agreda)
Leave a Reply