A simulation model for the electrical rotary-wing aircraft (eVTOL) performance estimation for the urban air mobility purposes

Abstract

The present paper presents a simulation model description developed for the aircraft performance estimation of the most popular electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) aerodynamic configurations with the electric (hybrid) power plant for the urban air mobility purposes. It focuses on the quadcopter-type eVTOL aircraft aerodynamic configurations using the unshrouded-propellers or ducted fans driven by electric motors. The aircraft performance analysis for aerodynamic configurations of the quadcopter and tilt rotor-quadcopters with the tilt rotors and wing with the all-electric (EP) or hybrid power plant (HP) is given. To compare aircraft performance, the estimation results for a conventional single-rotor helicopter with EP or HP are given. Based on the numerical solution equation of the aircraft existence, feasible structural components mass distributions for various types of eVTOL configurations were obtained. eVTOL aircraft performance, including the estimation of apparent and drag power for the airspeed range, from hovering to the maximum airspeed, as well as for the transition modes (tilt rotor aircraft and quadcopters) were estimated. The eVTOL aircraft flight range and duration with EP and HP at the straight and level flight mode were calculated. Specific mass characteristics of EP and HP components (batteries, generators, electric motors, etc.) to ensure acceptable eVTOL aircraft performance were identified. A comparative evaluation of considered eVTOL configurations for the purpose of their efficiency was performed. Aerodynamic calculations were carried out based on the known analytical techniques of the lifting propeller momentum theory with the data correction capability according to test results. The simulation model, obtained in this paper, can be considered in the phase of the preliminary choice as the first approach of structural parameters and aerodynamic configurations of prospective electric (hybrid) eVTOLs designed for the use as an urban air taxi.