TF-R

grabcad

The TF-R is designed as ESTOL vehicle (extremely short take-off and landing). Hull and Aerodynamics I decided me for a slender and as long as possible hull to reduce drag and guarantee optimal flight characteristics. Due to the mass centre is behind the middle, but a bit before the main wings, I added little wings at the front pods, which create some stabilizing uplift. The horizontal flight position can so be controlled only by the rear elevators. The forward part of the hull functioned as crumple zone. The bumper protects the two pods. Chassis Because of the slender hull I created this vehicle as a three wheeler. For landing the rear axle has to be stable and good on springs. To keep it simple and lightweight I used one wide a-arm per side and a composite leaf spring. The advantage of leaf springs is their high self-damping. Due to the mass centre is very low and closer to the rear axle, this vehicle can drive stable with only one front wheel. It's suspended on a lever with only one stanchion tube and is airsprung. Powertrain The main rotor (1,2m diameter) is powered by a V8 Smallblock. The Engine is placed very low in the hull and propels the rotor via a PSRU. The leftover power is used to load the batteries for the front pods. I designed impeller pods. The idea is based on VOITHs Inline Thruster, which are used for ships. The motor is integrated into the pod. Its case contains the stator and the impeller functions as the rotor. This is a technology that will require some engineering, but it's no science fiction. The impeller within the pod is protected by the bumper and the casing while driving the vehicle as a car. In driving mode disc motors in the rear wheels boost the vehicle. Takeoff and Landing For takeoff the front wheel will be lowered by 50mm, so the whole vehicle get's an raised angle to increase uplift. With this angle also the hull will generate uplift. The pods will be extended and pivoted 30° downwards. The gouge flaps also will be extended. Same procedure for landing. Due to the well-placed rear axle and the slender hull the possible landing angle at touchdown amounts up to 25°. While cruising the main rotor is powerfull enough. The pods can be disabled and the main engine can load the batteries with it's excess power. The front wheel can be lifted by 100mm, so that it's more hidden. // Update #1: added the assembly as Step file also in flight mode. // Update #2: added a ambulance version. I think it's predestined for secluded areas in this world. // Update #3: added a plan with the main dimension (renderings) and transformed the TF-R into a floatplane (Floatplane Conversion Kit for TF-R).