NASA Approves Funding to Develop Zero-Emission Aircraft Prototypes
After partnering with nine academic institutions, Boeing, GE, and the Air Force Research Lab to study the use of liquid hydrogen as an alternative aviation fuel, NASA has given the go-ahead for the second phase, which will involve the construction of various aircraft prototypes. Seen here is a rendering of the final concept called CHEETA, which utilizes a lifting body fuselage to provide sufficient internal volume for the liquid hydrogen and related equipment.
Embraer Files Patent for New Control Surfaces
In a patent filing published in January, Embraer has revealed possible plans to incorporate entirely new control surfaces in their future aircraft designs. Described as “longitudinal control augmentation surfaces,” they resemble elevators and are shown in patent images to be affixed to the engine pylon trailing edges of the company’s proposed Energia alternative-fuel concept aircraft. Embraer’s patent artwork describes movable…
Flaris LAR-01 Very Light Jet Progresses Toward Certification
First flown in April 2019, the USD $2 million Flaris LAR 01 very light jet continues its progress through its flight test phase with certification on the horizon. Aimed at private owners, the LAR 01 promises direct operating costs of USD $450/hour. Powered by a single Williams FJ33-5A turbofan engine, the jet targets both operating and aerodynamic efficiency, with a…
Light Aircraft Manufacturer CubCrafters Tests Electric Lift Augmentation to Enable Slower Flight for Short Field Operations
In an effort to extract additional lift from the wing of their light aircraft, CubCrafters is testing electric ducted fans mounted to a slat on the wing’s leading edge. This system, known as the Electric Lift Augmenting Slat (ELAS) is intended to augment existing lift during takeoff and landing. By enabling flight at slower speeds, the aim is to further…
