LightningStrike is the first aircraft in history designed to demonstrate the following:
- Distributed hybrid-electric propulsion ducted fans
- Innovative synchronous electric-drive system
- Both tilt wing and canard for vertical take-off and landing
- High efficiency in both hover and high-speed forward flight
Aurora Flight Sciences was recently awarded a six-month $2.9M contract from NASA for continued development of the company’s D8 aircraft, an ultraefficient subsonic commercial airliner. The contract is provided to begin the process of defining X-Plane requirements and associated research needed to enable the D8 aircraft.
The D8 is a commercial aircraft concept that enables substantial efficiency improvements within the next decade; by entry into service the D8 will be over 50% more fuel efficient than current best-in-class aircraft while simultaneously reducing airline operating costs.
The US Marines are interested in a laser armed version of an Aurora drone. The LightningStrike uses a hybrid electric distributed propulsion system. A Rolls-Royce AE 1107C turboshaft engine drives three Honeywell generators, which produce a total of three megawatts of electrical power.
It has excess power for other uses while the aircraft is in cruise mode the lift fans only use one megawatt.
SOURCES- Aurora Systems, Defense One
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.
ideal size and speed for target practicing (even better then jetpacks)