AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, unveiled its “Project Zero” tilt rotor technology demonstrator, giving an insight into what adv...
The tilt rotor technology demonstrator is completely electric powered; designed to hover like a helicopter and convert to a fixed wing aircraft in forward flight thanks to its two integrated rotors which can be tilted through more than 90 degrees. The demonstrator performed its first unmanned tethered flight in June 2011 at AgustaWestland’s Cascina Costa facility in Italy and has since performed untethered hovering flights inside a secured area.
The demonstrator’s rotors are driven by advanced electric motors
powered by rechargeable batteries; future hybrid solutions have also
been investigated using a diesel engine to drive a generator. All of the
aircraft control systems, flight control and landing gear actuators are
electrically powered, removing the need for any hydraulic system.
During cruise, the wings will provide most of the lift, with the
blended fuselage and shroud also making a contribution. ‘Project Zero’
has been designed with detachable outer wings for missions that will be
performed primarily in helicopter mode. Elevons provide pitch and roll
control in forward flight while the V-tail provides longitudinal
stability. The aircraft has very low noise and thermal signature in
flight and does not require oxygen, thereby permitting it to fly at
altitude or in heavily polluted conditions, such as volcanic eruptions.
The demonstrator’s rotors when on the ground can be tilted forward
and the aircraft pointed into wind to allow the rotors to windmill and
recharge the aircraft’s electrical storage device. The electrical drive
system also has the advantage that it does away with the complex and
heavy transmission system required by conventional rotorcraft.
The “Project Zero” technology demonstrator program is being
entirely funded by Agusta Westland as part of its ongoing research and
development activities.
