faux fighter
Member
When I saw the Merlin Electrolite with in-wing distributed propulsion motors it struck me as the best way to implement our currently limited electric capability, using motor(s) as a takeoff booster/ engine out glide extender.
The reverse function and "over control surface" airflow of the Merlin design is brilliant but one thing at a time....
How about a "power pod" that would consist of a long tube shaped affair containing a battery pack, controller, motor and (folding?) propeller all appropriately sized to give perhaps 10 min of thrust each, with as much takeoff boost as our current tech can safely manage. Self contained for the most part only control wires need run to the cockpit.
Attach one pod to each side on a high wing's lift struts, Challenger or similar ... a chinook used to have a 5 gal fuel pod attached there ...
I wanted to consult the experts.... what are the aerodynamic and structural stress implications? You have to accept the limited thrust and duration constrained by how much weight/thrust you can apply to the attach points of course but how much thrust could you realistically apply this way?
Tractor or pusher?
Folding prop or not worth it?
On the current thrust line?
This pic is a pod designed for wingtip yaw control on the Icaré 2 glider but it gets the idea across. Integration of propelled yaw control on wing tips: a practical approach to the Icaré solar-powered glider - CEAS Aeronautical Journal
The reverse function and "over control surface" airflow of the Merlin design is brilliant but one thing at a time....
How about a "power pod" that would consist of a long tube shaped affair containing a battery pack, controller, motor and (folding?) propeller all appropriately sized to give perhaps 10 min of thrust each, with as much takeoff boost as our current tech can safely manage. Self contained for the most part only control wires need run to the cockpit.
Attach one pod to each side on a high wing's lift struts, Challenger or similar ... a chinook used to have a 5 gal fuel pod attached there ...
I wanted to consult the experts.... what are the aerodynamic and structural stress implications? You have to accept the limited thrust and duration constrained by how much weight/thrust you can apply to the attach points of course but how much thrust could you realistically apply this way?
Tractor or pusher?
Folding prop or not worth it?
On the current thrust line?
This pic is a pod designed for wingtip yaw control on the Icaré 2 glider but it gets the idea across. Integration of propelled yaw control on wing tips: a practical approach to the Icaré solar-powered glider - CEAS Aeronautical Journal
