The Hyperion 2 Green Aircraft Project

Abstract

The Hyperion 2.1 aircraft is a NASA/Boeing X48B inspired blended wing body aircraft. Hyperion 2.1 is an autonomous unmanned aircraft with a 3.2 m wingspan and a blendedwing-body structure that was designed to investigate two green aircraft technologies: aerodynamic efficiency and hybrid propulsion. The carbon fiber aircraft runs on a Tigon Enertec® hybrid propulsion system, reducing noise and fuel emissions from the combination of high L/D ratio, low weight, and hybrid electric/gasoline propulsion system. The autonomous system serves to increase stability, flight time and distance capabilities expected necessary for a broad range of future applications. Hyperion’s unique architecture and advanced subsystems establish novel technologies that can be incorporated into UAV, general aviation, or other commercial markets. Furthermore, the advantages of quiet and fuel efficient takeoff and landing acquired from the hybrid propulsion system and aerodynamic design have become a top priority for FAA-sponsored regional transport aircraft research in their effort to reduce environmental impact at airports. This paper focuses on one major Hyperion accomplishments of 2012: The fabrication and integration of the carbon fiber internal and external wings, and the corresponding structural analysis produced to ensure structural integrity.