Integrated High Lift Propulsor

Wayfarer Aircraft and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University propose to use a 35% scale aircraft to gather aerodynamic flight test data fornbsp;a novel type of distributed electric propulsion called the Integrated High Lift Propulsor (IHLP). nbsp; The IHLP substantially increases cruise efficiency and reduces the thrust and power required for lift augmentation via blowing. As a fundamental aerodynamic device, the IHLP is applicable to many aircraft types, sizes, and missions, including uncrewed and piloted Advanced Air Mobility, public safety, and military applications. nbsp; The overall program will characterize the aerodynamic performance of the IHLP with variation of key parametersnbsp;using a flexible design that enablesnbsp;rapid between-flight configuration changes. Automated control effector inputs for system identification and a research quality instrumentation system will be used to characterizenbsp;aero-propulsive interaction. The incremental effects of the modification will be demonstrated by collecting both 35% scale and full-scale baseline flight test data, using Embry-Riddle#39;snbsp;existing instrumented research aircraft.nbsp;nbsp; nbsp; The flight test program will clearnbsp;technical risk and validate key technical objectives to proceed to full-scale flight test andnbsp;commercial adoption. The research program will also advance flight test techniques for aircraft with strong aero-propulsive coupling and provide high-quality experimentalnbsp;data. This data, combined with Wayfarer#39;s CFD and wind tunnel data,nbsp;will validate and improve design and analysis tools used by NASA and industry. nbsp; This Phase IInbsp;projectnbsp;will leverage Wayfarer#39;s CFD and wind-tunnel based IHLP research combined with Embry-Riddle#39;s extensive hybrid/electric flight research experience and capability to gather high quality, full scale representative experimental datanbsp;with broad industry relevance.