Analysis of fixed-wing VTOL aircraft with gas-driven fan propulsion system

Abstract This paper presents a new concept of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) propulsion system based on gas-driven fan. This system has a simple mechanical actuation mechanism and enables high cruising efficiency. However, compared with the traditional ducted fan propulsion system, the concept may have disadvantages, such as large total pressure loss due to the intake and small installation thrust caused by internal and external flow coupling. An overall performance analysis model of a fixed-wing VTOL aircraft that combines the characteristics of propulsion system components is established to clarify the influences of such factors on the propulsion system. The comprehensive performance of the existing VTOL propulsion system and the new concept is compared. A sensitivity analysis of key aerodynamic parameters is performed for the new propulsion system. Results indicate that the new propulsion system can balance the contradiction between VTOL and flight and obtain a large range and an effective load when the speed requirement is low. Nevertheless, this system is sensitive to the aerodynamic parameters. The energy loss coefficient of the propulsion system should be less than 0.2 to ensure that the propulsion system can be at an efficient operating point.

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