TiltRotoPter by Blechnik
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Description
Most probably, the quadrocopter is one approach to solve the problem of the tiltrotor/tiltwing aircraft without cyclic pitch control. Curtiss-Wright's X-19 first flew as early as 1963(!). However, the tandem configuration is not favorable for cruise flight; especially when flying comparatively slow (for instance on patrol missions), one's gotta seek for more wing span and air mass flow through the propulsion units.
If the wing pivots around a bolt pointing in direction of the spacial diagonal by an angle of 120 degrees (!), it will turn into a position with leading edge upward and the wingtips tailward - converting a conventional four-prop into a quadrocopter and back. Transition in flight will look quite adventurous but should be to be managed with a little help of closed loop controllers.
Particular attention has to be paid to the center of gravity, which will move back and forth with the wings, as does the lift. So, weight has to be distributed within the wings in a very smart way. For this reason, the horizontal stabilizer is amply dimensioned as well.
The concept is adaptable to any size of aircraft, from micro UAV to heavy transport. This one is supposed to be a utility aircraft that can be certificated as a powered glider (mtow
Comments (2)
RodS
A fascinating concept. I saw a video on YouTube (I think it was on the Flite Test channel) where some guy built a RC version that actually had two wings - one forward and one aft. Each wing had 2 motors, and would rotate. It could take off and land as a quadcopter, then transition in flight. It seemed pretty stable from what I could see. Great bit of modeling here!
Blechnik
Yeah, this is exactly the concept of Curtiss-Wright X-19 and Bell X-22A. But in my opinion it suffers a bit from a lack of wing span in horizontal flight. That's why I thought of something a little different.
62guy
That long, narrow wing reminds me of a sailplane, and the U-2. High altitude recon.
Blechnik
Yes, it is supposed to be a powered glider that can stay airborne for longer periods of time with only consuming little fuel, even though its aspect ratio is not unduely high. Recent examples are the Stemme airborne sensing platforms. But this one would have STOL-capability. For really high aspect ratios look here: http://www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/index.php?image_id=2282886