Anyone thought of trying to model this?

[Spike_Spiegel]

It would be a pretty challenging build, I think, but from what I've read, they already have working prototypes both at the full-scale and model-size.

Urban Areonautics X-Hawk (http://www.urbanaero.com/Urban_Main.htm)

[dragion2]

that wouldnt have a vtol ability it would be like the flying lawnmower some guy made.

[Troy]

that wouldnt have a vtol ability it would be like the flying lawnmower some guy made.
Yep, It's an Israeli VTOL design. I saw this a while back in Pop-Sci. The two big round features are a mesh covered grill with a ducted fan inside. Doesn't look like anything is flying yet...it's still a Solid Works model.

[avianaut]

dragion2 and Troy, I guess you guys didn't follow Spike's link. :rolleyes: They have flown a prototype called the City Hawk several times, manned and un-tethered. I reckon Bell Helicopter knows whether a VTOL is viable, see here (http://www.bellhelicopter.textron.com/en/companyInfo/pressReleases/PR_060718-1712_Xhawk.cfm)

Spike, it's certainly do-able, but you might need to know their secrets! The full scale will be fly-by-wire, computer controlled, as I understand it.

"Challenging"? Yes! :)

Cheers.

[Troy]

I saw the city hawk (they mentioned that in Pop Sci) but the X-Hawk is not flying. It's an innovative approach to control without bad rolling tendencies. I'll fly in one of those before I fly in a Skycar. ;)

[avianaut]

Yes true, the X-Hawk hasn't flown yet. The control system may be too complex to model by the sound of it, but we can cheat, can't we?! Hehe.

Gotta say, I was surprised Bell has joined up on this thing. You're talking Moller Skycar? I know of it, but not much about it. Looks easier to model though.

Cheers.

[Brandano]

Can't see why not. This sort of thing has flown before, and quite well too. If you look up the "Flying geep" there have been at least two prototypes in the 60's, both flying without the help of modern fly-by-wire. They were left as prototypes because they were overly complex and slightly underpowered, and the only advantage they had when pitched against helicopters was that they were safer to fly close to trees

[avianaut]

Some of those flying jeeps had controllability problems, which the X-Hawk claims to have solved. These relatively small ducted fans are no-where near as efficient as a helicopter rotor too. That problem has not been adressed. Also, I have read that the downwash from a V22 Osprey caused problems not experienced by normal helis. Imagine the downwash from two powerfull fans, in an urban environment! I like the concept, but yet to be seen if they can get market acceptance.

As far as a model is concerned, downwash no worries, power no worries, efficiency doesn't matter, control challenging but do-able. Go for it.

Cheers.