Flying V long-distance plane makes its first flight as a scale model
DELTF, The Netherlands - Last year we caught wind of an interesting aviation concept cooked up by engineers at TU Delft, which consisted of a novel V-shaped design that promises significant efficiency gains over conventional aircraft. The project has now progressed from slick renders of a futuristic aircraft to a scale model capable of flight, which was recently shown in action for the very first time, Nick Lavars reports for New Atlas. Continue reading original article.
The Intelligent Aerospace take:
September-Project leader Dr. Roelof Vos said, "One of our worries was that the aircraft might have some difficulty lifting-off, since previous calculations had shown that ‘rotation’ could be an issue. The team optimized the scaled flight model to prevent the issue but the proof of the pudding is in the eating. You need to fly to know for sure."
TU Delft says computer calculations have predicted that with the aircraft's reduced weight and aerodynamic shape, the Flying V would consume 20% less fuel compared to today's "most advanced aircraft."
