Engineers at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., are studying the concept of vertical takeoff and landing electric engine drones with models such as the unmanned aerial system GL-10 Greased Lightning. The GL-10, which has a 10-foot wingspan, recently flew successfully while tethered. Free-flight tests are planned in the fall of 2014.
This research has helped lead to NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate efforts to better understand the potential of electric propulsion across all types, sizes and missions for aviation.
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NASA says that a hybrid-electric design is “scale free” — meaning the same principles could be used to revolutionize everything from helicopters, to military UAVs, to massive jetliners.
NASA has a 21 page study - Benefits of Hybrid-Electric Propulsion to Achieve 4x
Increase in Cruise Efficiency for a VTOL Aircraft
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This research has helped lead to NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate efforts to better understand the potential of electric propulsion across all types, sizes and missions for aviation.
NASA says that a hybrid-electric design is “scale free” — meaning the same principles could be used to revolutionize everything from helicopters, to military UAVs, to massive jetliners.
NASA has a 21 page study - Benefits of Hybrid-Electric Propulsion to Achieve 4x
Increase in Cruise Efficiency for a VTOL Aircraft
Read more »
