Mon, Apr 15, 2019
Foldable Wing Structure Designed For Manned And Unmanned VTOL Aircraft
California-based PteroDynamics has developed a patented aircraft design it calls "Transwing" which folds and unfolds its wings during flight. The result is a transition between a multicopter and a regular fixed wing airplane and the company says it's unlike any aircraft design you have ever seen.
The result is that the PteroDesign aircraft are smaller and able to fly much further, faster, and longer, carrying heavier payloads using less energy than other VTOL aircraft, which is critical for everything from drone delivery to air taxis with extensive government/military applications as well, the company says. The concept is scalable for wingspans ranging from four to 34 feet and weighing between three and 75,000 pounds, according to information provided by the company.
According to the company website, the Transwing aircraft design has the highest performance metrics of any VTOL aircraft. Given any aircraft footprint size and payload requirements, Transwing aircraft will fly several times as far as any VTOL competitor.
Transwing aircraft combine the precision and flexibility of a multi-rotor aircraft with the efficiency and endurance of a fixed-wing platform. Transwing aircraft take off and land vertically, and transition seamlessly to a fixed-wing aircraft, making it an incredibly versatile tool for users that need the endurance and range of an airplane but the footprint of a helicopter.
The patented Transwing design can be scaled to meet mission requirements from tactical ISR to large payload delivery, making this an ideal platform for tactical and operational levels.
PteroDynamics says Transwing aircraft would be suitable for a variety of uses and customers, including:
- The Department of Defense
- The Department of Homeland Security
- Other Government Agencies
- First Responders
- Aerial Inspection
- Agriculture
- Drone Delivery
- Air Taxis
- Medevac
- Cargo Transport
The company received its U.S. Patent on April 9, 2019.
(Source: PteroDynamics. Images provided)
More News
The Airplane Made An Uncommanded Right Yaw And Roll, And He Was Unable To Maintain Control Of The Airplane On November 11, 2025, about 1750 central standard time, a Cirrus SR20, N8>[...]
Aero Linx: Florida Antique Biplane Association "Biplanes.....outrageous fun since 1903." That quote really defines what the Florida Antique Biplane Association (FABA) is all about.>[...]
Wind Shear Escape An unplanned abortive maneuver initiated by the pilot in command (PIC) as a result of onboard cockpit systems. Wind shear escapes are characterized by maximum thr>[...]
“Working closely with the Polish Armed Forces, we’re focused on disciplined execution to help enhance Poland’s defense capabilities and keep up with the strong de>[...]
Also: Bell 505 on SAF, NYPA Gets Flak For BizAv 'Abuse', FAA Venezuela Caution, Horizon Update Textron Aviation has confirmed it will be ending production of the Beechcraft Bonanza>[...]
NTSB Prelim: Cirrus Design Corp SR20
See All