Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) technology has been used in the aviation industry since the early 1900s, but VTOL craft have seen a surge in innovation in recent years. VTOL craft operate on the principles of lift and thrust, but how they achieve lift and thrust differs from traditional aircraft. Experience the future of transportation: explore VTOL craft on this website today!
In traditional flight, an airplane must reach sufficient speed on a runway to launch into the sky. This is because traditional airplanes have fixed wings that need directional airflow to create friction underneath the wing to propel the craft up. A VTOL aircraft uses directional rotors that face down during liftoff to propel the craft into the air as the rotors push the air down. Once aloft, the rotors are turned to point backward, achieving thrust that propels the craft forward.
Blow-Wing Technology Capitalizes on Traditional Principles
While VTOL technology has been hugely popular in drone and military applications, blown-wing VTOL tech has quickly garnered interest among commercial aviation enthusiasts as well. A blown-wing design combines the principles of traditional flight with the directional-rotor design of VTOL aircraft.
As a blown-wing VTOL aircraft flies, rotors blow air across a fixed wing. This simulates the effect of air moving over the wing during flight. As such, the speed of this wind can be controlled via the propellers, and these kinds of aircraft can be operated at slower speeds.
Blown-Wing eVTOL Aircraft Have Become More Popular
Electric VTOL (eVTOL) aircraft often use the blown-wing design because these craft are easier to maneuver due to their lighter structure. Electric aircraft don’t need as much power to generate lift, but they also need to conserve power due to energy constraints. This makes them perfect candidates to harness the blown-wing VTOL design.
Both commercial aviation and military organizations are currently experimenting with blown-wing VTOL technology. As the concepts are refined, likely, that this type of VTOL will eventually make its way into the commercial passenger aviation space. Many predict that eVTOL technology will eventually be used to transport people in small numbers across cities, potentially taking the place of or augmenting existing public transport systems.
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Jeson Clarke is providing info about sustainable aircraft making for air travel faster, smoother and more affordable than ever. You can find his thoughts at advanced aircraft blog.