Frank Black's Modus Verticraft prototype Information Now On YouTube~!

[barnstorm2]

YouTube - Frank Black Modus

YouTube - Modus Verticraft prototype assembly

YouTube - slideshow of assembly of patented Modus Verticraft multifunction design

 

[Rotor Rooter]

Thanks for the links to the videos.

Here is some information from NASA on the subject;
AN ADVANCED COUNTER ROTATING DISK WING AIRCRAFT CONCEPT

At first glance it sounds like a viable concept. Anyone want to create a discussion?


Dave

 

[GYRO J]

ok for a hovercraft but I dont think this would autorotate in case of a power failure

 

[Rotor Rooter]

ok for a hovercraft but I dont think this would autorotate in case of a power failure

Yes, you might be right. I looked for information related to the 'disk rotor' and 'autorotation' without any luck.

However. others have been interested in the concept.
George Vranek ~ Disk Rotor Helicopter

Also, there is this press statement from 2 years ago. "DARPA says it plans to award Boeing Rotorcraft in Phildelphia a contract to continue its studies of the DiscRotor high-speed (300-400kt) compound helicopter concept"


Dave

 

[joe nelson]

Dave,

I think that this type of aircraft would not autorotate but fly like an airplane to the ground in an emergency. The disc would still act as an airfoil in a power failure...it just couldn't land vertically.

 

[brett s]

I think that this type of aircraft would not autorotate but fly like an airplane to the ground in an emergency. The disc would still act as an airfoil in a power failure...it just couldn't land vertically.

If true that means a good chunk of the potential flight envelope would be hazardous to your health if the engine quits - much worse than a typical helicopter H/V curve...

 

[Rotor Rooter]

It appears to be intended for relatively high-speed flight. Perhaps hovering would be a short-term event primarily used at takeoff and landing.

The disk might act as a lifting-body/wing but with a steep glide slope. Maybe stub wings could be located under the disk, where they will not interfere with the downwash from the rotor blades.

 

[joe nelson]

Brett & Dave,

Maybe, this aircraft should be twin engine for the reasons that you have just made.

 

[joe nelson]

One thing to be said for Frank Black is, he's an exceptional craftsman! His workmanship is amazing.

 

[Rotor Rooter]

Yes, and then like airplanes have two, or more, fuel tanks.

Dave

 

[hillberg]

His answer to autorotation-Ejection seats, This would have very few civil aplacations.

 

[davh12]

Dave,

What about a parachute recovery. The gen H4 is tweaking one for their platform


Dave

 

[joe nelson]

Don,

I've tried that method once...they don't work that well! They save your life but break you in the process!

 

[barnstorm2]

I talked to Frank Black, he told me it would come down just fine and would be controllable with engine loss. He explained the physics but it is beyond my skill to re-explain it.