Powered lift aircraft combine the vertical lift capability (VTOL) and small logistical footprint of helicopters with the cruise speed, fuel efficiency and range of conventional fixed wing airplanes. One of seven classifications of aircraft as defined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), powered lift configurations include tiltrotor and tiltwing platforms. In general, these hybrid systems are characterized by two or more wing-mounted motor-driven or engine-driven propulsive devices, usually proprotors, which can rotate 90 degrees from vertical to horizontal depending on the desired operating mode. The proprotors provide lift and hover in the upright position and thrust after transitioning forward, at which time the wings provide aerodynamic lift.
The superior operational flexibility, efficiency and reduced infrastructure requirements of these aircraft make them ideal for a variety of civilian and military applications. While technical complexity has limited the success of these aircraft designs in the past, a confluence of advancements has generated renewed enthusiasm for their development. Intended primarily for the emerging urban air mobility (air taxi) market, many of the powered lift aircraft currently in development are based on electric power systems for quieter and cleaner environmental impact, however, the state of battery technology limits their speed and range.
Powered lift aircraft combine the vertical lift capability (VTOL) and small logistical footprint of helicopters with the cruise speed, fuel efficiency and range of conventional fixed wing airplanes. One of seven classifications of aircraft as defined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), powered lift configurations include tiltrotor and tiltwing platforms. In general, these hybrid systems are characterized by two or more wing-mounted motor-driven or engine-driven propulsive devices, usually proprotors, which can rotate 90 degrees from vertical to horizontal depending on the desired operating mode. The proprotors provide lift and hover in the upright position and thrust after transitioning forward, at which time the wings provide aerodynamic lift.
The superior operational flexibility, efficiency and reduced infrastructure requirements of these aircraft make them ideal for a variety of civilian and military applications. While technical complexity has limited the success of these aircraft designs in the past, a confluence of advancements has generated renewed enthusiasm for their development. Intended primarily for the emerging urban air mobility (air taxi) market, many of the powered lift aircraft currently in development are based on electric power systems for quieter and cleaner environmental impact, however, the state of battery technology limits their speed and range.
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