Numerical Investigation of Flow and Flight Performance of Lift & Cruise Type eVTOL Aircraft by a Panel Method

Recently, with the development of battery technology, electric propulsion technology, and control technology, research and development of eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircrafts have been widely conducted in the world. The eVTOL aircrafts are attracting attention as a near-future means of air transportation, and expected in response to the growing need of AAM (Advanced Air Mobility). In this study, flow filed and flight performance of the Lift & Cruise type eVTOL aircraft proposed by NASA were investigated by the panel method and aerodynamic theories at each flight phase, such as hovering and forward level flight. From the results of each flight phase, the flight performance, cruising range and time were estimated at different cruising altitudes. The maximum cruising time and range were achieved at speeds of 180 km/h and 210 km/h, respectively. The increase in battery energy density was expected to increase range and endurance. It was shown that the aircraft satisfied the specified mission with a battery energy density of more than 230 Wh/kg.