• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
• /
• v.1 no.3
• /
• pp.353-378
• /
• 2014

This paper deals with the early development of the Anuloid, an innovative disk-shaped VTOL aircraft. The Anuloid concept is based on the following three main features: the use of a ducted fan powered by a turboshaft for the lift production to take-off and fly; the Coanda effect that is developed through the circular internal duct and the bottom portion of the aircraft to provide further lift and control capabilities; the adoption of a system of ducted fixed and swiveling radial and circumferential vanes for the anti-torque mechanism and the flight control. The early studies have been focused on the CFD analysis of the Coanda effect and of the control vanes; the flyability analysis of the aircraft in terms of static performances and static and dynamic stability; the preliminary structural design of the aircraft. The results show that the Coanda effect is stable in most of the flight phases, vertical flight has satisfactory flyability qualities, whereas horizontal flight shows dynamic instability, requiring the development of an automatic control system.

• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
• /
• v.13 no.6
• /
• pp.36-42
• /
• 2019

This research illustrates how the simulation environment for operating the simultaneous man/unmanned aerial vehicle teaming is constructed. X-Plane program, HILS for the ducted fan aircraft (unmanned) and CTLS (manned aircraft) with communication devices are interfaced to simulate the basic co-operational flight. The X-plane and HILS can allow operators to experience the maned and unmanned aircraft operation in the airspace on the ground in turn they can perform various simulated missions in advance before the actual flight. For the test purpose, the data link between man/unmanned aircraft and ground control station is examined using C Band and UHF radio channels by the manned aircraft.

• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
• /
• v.4 no.4
• /
• pp.421-436
• /
• 2017

This paper presents the main outcomes of the preliminary development of the Anuloid, an innovative disk-shaped VTOL aircraft. The Anuloid has three main features: lift is provided by a ducted fan powered by a turboshaft; control capabilities and anti-torque are due to a system of fixed and movable surfaces that are placed in the circular internal duct and the bottom portion of the aircraft; the Coanda effect is exploited to enable the control capabilities of such surfaces. In this paper, results from flight mechanics are presented. The vertical flight dynamics were found to be desirable. In contrast, the horizontal flight dynamics of the aircraft shows both dynamic instability, and more importantly, insufficient pitch and roll control authority. Some recommendations and guidelines are then given aimed at the alleviation of such problems.

• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
• /
• v.4 no.4
• /
• pp.401-419
• /
• 2017

This paper presents the main outcomes of the preliminary development of the Anuloid, an innovative disk-shaped VTOL aircraft. The Anuloid has three main features: lift is provided by a ducted fan powered by a turboshaft; control capabilities and anti-torque are due to a system of fixed and movable surfaces that are placed in the circular internal duct and the bottom portion of the aircraft; the Coanda effect is exploited to enable the control capabilities of such surfaces. In this paper, results from CFD analyses and wind tunnel tests are presented. Horizontal and vertical flights were considered, including accelerated flight. Particular attention was paid to the experimental analysis of the Coanda effect via a reduced scale 3D printed model. The results suggest that the Coanda effect is continuously present at the lower surface of the Anuloid and may be exploited for the control of the aircraft. Also, very complex 3D flows may develop around the aircraft.

• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.23-34
• /
• 2022

Cities around the world are increasing their demand for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) aircraft due to traffic congestion with population concentration. Aircraft with various shapes depending on fixed-wing and propulsion systems, are being prepared for commercialization. Airworthiness certification is required as it is a manned transportation vehicle that flies in the city center and transports people on board. UAM aircraft are vulnerable to lightning and HIRF environments due to the increasing use of composite materials, the use of electric motors, and use of electronic equipment. Currently, the development of certification technology, guidelines, and requirements in lightning and HIRF environments for UAM aircraft is incomplete. In this study, the certification procedures for lightning and HIRF indirect impacts of rotorcraft shown in AC 20-136B and AC 20-158A issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), were verified and applied to the computerized simulation of UAM aircraft. The impact of lightning and HIRF on ducted fan UAM aircraft was analyzed through computerized simulation, and the basis for establishing practical guidelines for certification of UAM aircraft to be operated in the future is presented.