New Technology Meets Old School

By: Rex Alexander

While accelerating the airflow over the top of the wing of an aircraft to help increase its overall lift is nothing new, it is the advancements in technology such as better electric motors coupled with improvements in ducted fans that is breathing new life into this 1940's tech. This is beginning to make this aviation adaptation look more feasible every day for Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) aircraft.

In the 1940s and 50s, the process of increasing the airflow over the upper surface of a wing showed great promise in creating aircraft that were capable of slower flight speeds without stalling, steeper approach angles and extremely short takeoff and landing distances. One man who is currently conducting research and testing in this space is Dr. David Ullman who is an Emeritus Professor of Design from Oregon State University and an active electric aircraft designer. According to Dr. Ullman by playing with the aerodynamics of a wing through the application of distributive ducted fans along the leading edge, one has the potential to significantly improve lift in some very interesting ways.

This application could allow for higher fidelity in airflow management to the point that it may be possible to completely eliminate the need for ailerons on aircraft in the future. This is accomplished by independently manipulating the thrust of individual ducted fans installed along a wingís leading edge. In theory, this application could reduce an aircraftís stall speed to as low as 25 knots (28 mph).

While a STOL aircraft does require a certain amount of room to take off and land, this technology could allow for takeoffs in as little as 20 to 80 feet while using 1/5th of the total power required to takeoff vertical at the same location. This huge savings in power would then equate to much greater flight ranges being achievable. Based on current stats, an eVTOL aircraft could have nearly half the range of an eSTOL aircraft.

(Image provided by author)

FMI: www.davidullman.com