Multi-rotor simplicity, tilt-rotor performance...

Our tilt-rotor nacelle for eVTOL aircraft consists of a simple design having two separate flight modes. Nacelles are rotated for vertical flight with low pitch blades or horizontal flight with high pitch blades. Switching between flight modes is as simple as reversing the motor direction. No additional actuators or complex mechanisms are required.

Eliminate two thirds of tilt-rotor nacelle actuators, reducing weight and cost while increasing reliability.

Nacelle tilt and propeller pitch actuators are commonplace in vertical takeoff aircraft design. The competitive advantage of this design is that the nacelle tilt and propeller pitch mechanisms are actuated simply by reversing the drive motor. This eliminates two thirds of required actuators which are only used for a small portion of the VTOL flight envelope. This greatly reduces weight, complexity and cost. By eliminating mechanisms and actuators and using the drive motor itself to do all the work, a VTOL aircraft can be designed which is simple and reliable while being very inexpensive.

The motor is the only actuator...

The motor shaft rotational direction controls the propeller blade pitch while propeller torque induces nacelle rotation...

First prototype - Test stand

Our first prototype was a test stand which has performed well.

Second prototype - Electronics and software

Nacelle actuation testing. Motor direction code is working properly and nacelles are pivoting.

Adjustable pitch propeller hub testing. Motor reversal causes propeller pitch changes.

The second prototype was focused on electronics and software. This brief transition reveals how underpowered it was during vertical flight. This was flown with fixed pitch propeller blades.

Third prototype - Smooth transitioning with only four motors

The third prototype used a unique motor layout and software to demonstrate smooth transitions between vertical and horizontal flight using fixed pitch propeller blades.

Fourth prototype - Full technology demonstrator

A fourth prototype is under construction which will be capable of demonstrating robust vertical takeoff and landing, smooth transitional flight using only four motors and adjustable pitch propeller blades.

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Electron Flight LLC
3728 Autumn Lane
Baytown, Texas 77521
USA

Email | info@electronflight.com

Text | 909.240.8424

Twitter | @ElectronFlight

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