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Thread: EVTOL... ultralight... I would like to discuss this with interested members

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  1. #1

    EVTOL... ultralight... I would like to discuss this with interested members

    Hello members... I need some help,

    I am building an EVTOL that I designed to fit into the FAA ultralight category. I would like to get in touch with other members that have interest in this sort of thing and share/ pass along information on power systems, flight control systems/auto pilot, batteries, etc.
    After building and testing three quarter scale prototype variations, I have started construction on a full-size prototype. All the CAD work for this design is now complete, and I have started the CNC work and the construction of the plugs for the full-scale body shell and panels, etc.
    My background in aerodynamics, composite construction and plug / mold building makes creating the final Carbon Fiber shell and panels relatively straight forward. I however fall short in the knowledge of the electronics and flight control set up, etc. needed for its operation. The simplistic design takes off vertically and transitions into forward fight and then transitions back again for landing. It can also be flown as just a conventional aircraft with great short field capability.
    Looking forward... I need to decide on the power system and batteries, flight control system/auto pilot and several other more general aspects of the build.
    I am hoping there are members with an interest in EVTOL ultralights and we could all get together.
    I look forward to hearing from you.

    Steven

  2. #2
    FlyingRon's Avatar
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    Was that 3/4 scale or three different quarter scale prototypes?

  3. #3
    Quote Originally Posted by FlyingRon View Post
    Was that 3/4 scale or three different quarter scale prototypes?
    Hi,
    I built 3 different, quarter scale (25% size)... prototypes...
    Used a simple Futaba radio control system. It works fine for these small versions which proved the designs but the full size will need a commercial flight control system/batteries/ heavy lift power systems/auto pilot/redundancy, etc.. what I really need is to find a person or company that I can consult with on the areas I am not knowledgably in.
    Last edited by justsomeguy; 04-04-2022 at 07:47 PM.

  4. #4
    FlyingRon's Avatar
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    You do understand about Reynolds numbers and the like? Power and lift do not scale linearly with size.

  5. #5
    Quote Originally Posted by FlyingRon View Post
    You do understand about Reynolds numbers and the like? Power and lift do not scale linearly with size.
    Yes, I am a mechanical engineer with a extensive background in aerodynamics. I have chosen a tried and true high lift (ultralight) airfoil with the stall characteristics where I need them and I am OK with the higher drag it has as I am not going for speed. My calculations and double checking with NASA calculations, for the final projected weight the stall speed in airplane mode falls within 18.2 and 20.4 MPH.
    The aerodynamics, construction and flight characteristic are not where I need the help, it is the electronics, flight controls, batteries, etc. I have researched all of this and have found various sources.
    I am in need of an experienced person to help me wade thru all the info, etc. and choose wisely...

    Thank you for the response. I hope you can help me.

  6. #6

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    Hi justsomeguy. The project seems to be very interesting, so can you share some photos?
    Last edited by spaceman; 04-27-2022 at 02:31 AM.
    Do it yourself and you will get the best result!
    Gearmotors from HVH industrial distributor!

  7. #7

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    Quote Originally Posted by justsomeguy View Post
    The aerodynamics, construction and flight characteristic are not where I need the help, it is the electronics, flight controls, batteries, etc.
    The battery is the thing that everyone designing an electric aircraft needs help with. Currently available batteries just don’t have the energy density that most designs need. VTOL applications, even more so. Just consider the time, money and engineering expertise that has gone onto the Opener Black Fly, then look at its payload and range. https://opener.aero/pages/about-us

    Good luck with your project.


    BJC

  8. #8
    Hello justsomeguy,

    I am also interested in EVTOL (ultralight helicopters) and have expertise in power electronics but am lacking in the aerodynamics area. I am also lacking in knowing how to exchange information via forums. That is, how do I provide my email address or phone number without broadcasting it to China? I will be happy to help wherever I can.

  9. #9

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    "how do I provide my email address or phone number without broadcasting it to China?"

    Hi Jim, if you click on anyone's underlined name just below the blue bar and date of a post, you will see the option to send a private message. Only the recipient will see it.
    "Don't believe everything you see or read on the internet" - Abraham Lincoln

  10. #10

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    I am a mere high school student with an overfunded science fair project, but I made a passenger-capable eVTOL hexacopter if you're interested in the documentation.

    I wrote out a procedure for building it in my scientific paper here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

    Ethan


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