CUTTING-EDGE DEVELOPMENTS
AEROINNOVATIONS
Spiroid
Winglets
Aviation Partners Inc. (API) is developing “spiroid
winglets” that curve up from the wingtip, then wrap
inboard and around to reattach to the wing inboard
of the tip. It is designed to reduce or eliminate the
wingtip vortex and increase the efficiency of the wing.
API hopes for significant improvement in performance
and fuel economy over current winglet technology.
The company showed the winglets on a Falcon 50 Jet
at AirVenture 2010.
For more information and direct links to all the AeroInnovations stories, visit
www.SportAviation.org.
AEROINNOVATIONS highlights developments that have potential to impact the future of aviation. EAA does not necessarily endorse the ideas, products, services, or views stated.
TERRAFUGIA’S NEXT
GENERATION DESIGN
TERRAFUGIA UNVEILED a scale
model of its next-generation
flying car. Revisions include
automobile-style crash safety
features, a higher efficiency
pusher propeller, and rear-wheel drive with a continuously
variable transmission and tuned
independent suspension. The
next-generation Transition is
expected to cruise at 105 mph and
burn fuel at 5 gph. On the road,
it is expected to get 35 miles per
gallon when driven at 65 mph.
A.I. ATC FOR
SIMULATORS
REDBIRD FLIGHT SIMULATIONS
unveiled an artificial intelligence-driven radio communications
training system designed to
operate with all of Redbird’s FAA
certified flight training devices.
With the system, the pilot talks to
the computer, then the computer
replies as ATC would in real
flight situations. This technology
will enable students to learn how
to properly communicate on the
radio without adding to the flight
instructor’s workload.
ELEC TROAIR’S
ELECTRONIC IGNITION
ELECTROAIR HAS DEVELOPED
an electronic ignition system
currently in use and expects a
supplemental type certificate for
use on four-cylinder Lycoming
engines by mid-August. When
replacing a magneto on a four-
cylinder engine, the Electroair
system is triggered by a “mag
timing housing” installed on
the original magneto drive
pad. Developers claim the
ignition system improves engine
performance and saves fuel.
PROJECT FIREFLY
SIKORSKY INNOVATIONS,
introduced Project Firefly, a
Schweizer 300 airframe with a
142-kilowatt (190-hp) electric
motor, at EAA AirVenture
Oshkosh 2010. Everything
“downstream” of the engine
output pulley is the same as
in the original helicopter,
including the multi-V-belt
primary drive, sprag clutch,
transmission, and rotor
system. First flight is expected
later this year.
