| Popis: |
Wildfires pose an increasing threat to humans and wildlife in Europe as climate change further intensifies fire conducive weather, growing the burnt area and economic damage each year. That’s why, the DLR Design Challenge 2022 appointed students with the task to design an efficient, economically reasonable, safe, reliable, and quiet fleet of firefighting aircraft on the foundation of a UAM- or RAM- vehicle. The Propellor Driven Electric Firefighting Autonomous VTOL (PEL-E-FAN-T) presents an excellent solution to the task. As a fixed-wing VTOL the aircraft, designed by the team of TU Dresden, combines the cruise flight advantages of a traditional aircraft with the vertical take-off capabilities of a VTOL whilst minimizing danger for human life by operating without a pilot on board. The hybrid-electric powertrain provides a satisfying range while making VTOL capabilities possible in the first place. Utilizing a canard configuration, the concept features high maneuverability. One of the key features is a modular design, providing a significant advantage to a traditional retrofit both economically and in terms of work hours. Additionally, firefighting, cargo, and passenger configurations are possible with one airframe which is also useful in firefighting situations, e.g., evacuating encircled people. |
