With the U.S. Army’s $100 billion Future Vertical Lift program now in forward mode, Corporation of Flight is now seeking to incorporate the Split Power Engine and Flying Wing Body Vertical Lift Aircraft designs into this next generation of vertical takeoff aircrafts for the military. FVL is a plan to replace all of the U.S. Department of Defense’s helicopters with next-generation rotorcraft.
The October 2012 Strategic Plan states: “The Department of Defense will design, develop and field a fleet of next generation air vehicles that will ensure the United States’ dominance in the vertical lift domain throughout the 21st century and beyond. The Department will aggressively pursue the most capable aircraft at the best value by minimizing development, acquisition, and life cycle costs through Joint solutions of common core technologies, architectures, and training, emphasizing the ability to conduct safe, reliable and continuous operations world-wide in all environmental conditions.”
Currently only two teams are in the running with proposals based on existing vertical aircraft designs, a smaller tilt rotor airplane and a twin rotor helicopter with a pusher tail rotor. Through a one for one comparison, Corporation of Flight views that flying wing body designs powered by the Split Power Engine is the most capable solution which meets and exceeds all of the requirements of the FVL program and any existing proposal based on current technologies.
The minimum specifications required by the DOD are:
crew: 4
soldiers: 12
seat width: 23”
weight: 30,000 lbs
speed: 260 miles per hour speed
range: 527 miles distance (combat radius 263 miles)
altitude: 6,000 feet
environment: operate within 95 degree Fahrenheit heat
compatibility: tech swapping between aircraft types
size: 40 x 40 foot max footprint
piloting: operate autonomous or manned
mission set: cargo transport, utility, armed scout, attack, humanitarian assistance, medical evacuation, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, land/sea search, special warfare support, vertical replenishment, airborne mine countermeasures, etc.
COF’s Split Power Engine will allow all of these minimum specifications to be exceeded substantially within a more powerful, functional and nimble aircraft than any competitor.
Military
. |
Flying Wing Body w/ Split Power Engine |
Tilt Rotor |
Counter Rotating Helicopter with pusher propeller |
body length |
|
65’ - 7” |
|
body width |
|
85’ - 4” |
|
body height |
|
23’ |
|
body footprint |
|
|
|
gross footprint |
|
|
|
landing footprint (est.) |
|
|
|
pilots |
2 |
4 |
4 |
crew |
2 |
|
|
dedicated gunners |
2 |
0 |
0 |
soldiers |
|
20 to 25 |
|
empty weight |
|
33,069 |
30,000 |
max takeoff weight |
|
57,320 |
|
seat width |
|
|
|
seated height |
|
|
|
headroom |
|
|
|
engines |
|
2 tuboshaft |
|
propellers |
|
35’ |
|
speed |
|
320 |
300 |
combat range |
|
575-921 |
|
range |
|
|
263 |
disc loading |
|
23.3 lb/sq-ft |
|
altitude |
|
|
|
environment |
|
|
|
compatibility |
|
|
|
manned flight |
|
|
|
autonomous flight |
|
|
|
noise |
|
|
|
blade liability to soilders |
|
|
|
fuselage material |
|
|
|
retractable landing gear |
|
|
|
uneven surface landing gear |
|
|
|
troop entry door width |
|
|
two 6’ |
single engine operation |
|
|
|
fixed lift rotor |
yes |
no |
no |
fly by wire control |
|
|
|
cargo hook |
|
10,000 @ 170 mph |
|
heavylift 20,000+ |
|
no |
no |
autorotation |
|
yes |
|
utility-combat mode |
|
|
|
Coming soon are details on a partnership effort for the $100 billion U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift Initiative. This initiative begins in June 2019 with $15 million awards to 4 to 6 companies for design. After 1 to 2 years a final design(s) will be selected for aircraft production.
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