Washington State University Researchers Develop a Personal Flying Aircraft

One day, we might use a carbon-free, personal aircraft to fly to the office without worrying about car traffic jams. WSU researchers are currently testing components that could eventually be implemented into a personal, electric flying machine. These vehicles could become a reality sooner rather than later, especially with more efficient and lightweight battery advancements.

Both Professor Konstantin Matveev and Swensen received a fund from Washington’s Joint Center for Aerospace Technology Innovation (JCATI) to work with ZEVA Aero on the electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. To optimize the vehicle’s thrust and controls, the team is studying aerodynamic configurations. Humans have dreamed of personal aircraft that could transport them from point A to point B. However, the biggest obstacle associated with this involves achieving sufficient thrust for takeoff. Advancements in motors, control systems, and light materials have helped researchers inch toward such an achievement.

ZEVA Aero developed a functional prototype of an eVTOL vehicle that can be used by first responders and emergency services. It reaches flight speeds of 160 mph for up to 50 miles. The eVTOL hovers like a helicopter while lifting off and tilts horizontally to fly like a plane, leveraging reduced drag.

The WSU team is helping to model and test the machine’s propulsion system. Swensen created a test stand to measure the torque and efficiency of the propeller under laboratory conditions. Meanwhile, Matveev performs modeling and computation during the simulations of airflow around the propellers for propulsion system optimization.