Heli-fast

Project abstract:

    The Heli-fast team is competing in the AHS International X-VTOL Student Design competition. This design competition pushes the envelope of VTOL design in several key areas including speed, aerodynamics, and lift efficiency. Using a myriad of advanced technologies, the Heli-Fast aircraft meets and exceeds these goals.

The Aircraft:

The Mission Profile: 

    As a technological demonstrator aircraft that means to push the envelope for VTOL aircraft, the Heli-fast mission takes on a generalized look, but the specifics could apply across any number of mission types. The primary objectives of the mission are to prove the mixed capabilities of the Heli-fast aircraft, specifically fast cruise performance combined with extended hovering capabilities. The generalized profile shown above could be indicative of a attack and ground support, medical evacuation, or even supply drop mission.

Ducted Fans:

The most innovative technology on the Heli-f ast aircraft is actually a technology resurrected from the 1960's. Ducted fans increase the performance of propellers and in the case of the Heli-fast provide it with the ability to perform not only traditional flight but also highly efficient vertical operations. By restricting the tip vortices that would normally form it affords a large efficiency bonus to the propellers. This bonus also applies during forward flight and give the aircraft the ability to dash at incredibly speeds. Capable of dash speeds in excess of 300 kts, it quickly outstrips other VTOL aircraft.

The image above links to the full sized gantt chart that was used to track progress of the design process. 

Flying Wing:

With a high lift to drag ratio a must for any long range aircraft the flying wing design of the aircraft afford it great cruise capabilities. The design choice was driven by its benefits to cruise internal volume. The large internal volume is instrumental in providing the large payload.