Vahana eVTOL demonstrator by Airbus: from conceptual design to flight test

Seminario nell’ambito del corso di “Sperimentazione in volo”, 18 June 2019 at 13:15, Room L.13, Building B12, Campus Bovisa 

Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Aerospaziali
Via La Masa 34
20156 Milano 

DAER Seminar

Dr. Giovanni Droandi
Flight Physics and Pre-Design Lead, Airbus Urban Mobility

Abstract

Constantly increasing traffic is a consequence of urbanization and rapidly growing population density. Existing urban transportation systems are stretched and there is a need for new, safe, fast, reliable, and efficient ways to move around cities. At Airbus we believe that Urban Air Mobility can help create more liveable cities, offering a sustainable complement to existing transportation systems and better linking cities and regions.

Starting from the idea of adding a new 3rd dimension to urban mobility by developing a self-piloted, fully-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) single-passenger aircraft, Project Vahana launched in early 2016 as one of the first projects at A³ by Airbus, Airbus’ innovation center in Silicon Valley. The vehicle was designed to provide a clean and cost-comparable alternative for short-range urban transportation like cars or trains, but at much higher speeds. The vehicle is capable of taking-off and landing vertically like a helicopter, achieving efficient cruise flight like a propeller-driven airplane at speeds of about 100 knots and a range of about 50 km. Key features of the design include a tandem tilt-wing configuration, distributed electric propulsion, full automation, and sense-and-avoid technologies.

Biographical Information

Dr. Giovanni Droandi is the Flight Physics and Pre-Design Lead at Airbus Urban Mobility. Dr. Giovanni Droandi joined the Vahana team and A^3 in October 2016 as an Aerodynamics Engineer. Before joining A3 he was a PostDoctoral researcher at Politecnico of Milano, Department of Aerospace Science and Technology, focusing on rotorcraft aerodynamics. He received his B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering (2007), M.S. degree in Aeronautical Engineering (2010), and Ph.D. degree in Rotary Wing Aircrafts (2014) from Politecnico of Milano.