CyclePlane
CyclePlane
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The CyclePlane is a dual-use, roadable aircraft design. Aircraft Design Goals As an aircraft, the CyclePlane is envisioned as a single-seat aircraft that will operate from hard-surface runways. It is planned to receive an experimental airworthiness certificate. The only transformation required to transition from motorcycle to aircraft is a translation of the tail surfaces from a protected position in road vehicle mode to an extended position (shown above) for flight. It is an unpressurized design Road Vehicle As a roadable vehicle, it is designed as a three wheel motorcycle to qualify for a motorcycle vehicle registration. Construction Goals The CyclePlane is a simple vehicle. The complexity comes from attempting to support two different missions: road and air. It has simple flaps, fixed gear and a single seat. The wing does not require any folding mechanism. The width of the CyclePlane is 8 feet which meets the requirements for road vehicles. Air Propulsion As an aircraft, the current simulator model has a turbofan engine. A ducted propeller test is planned. The turbofan engine provides a simple propulsion model for the current state of the design. A ducted propulsion system prevents the danger of an exposed propeller and allows muffling of the propeller blades. Top speed is approximately 250 KIAS. Takeoff speed is approximately 100 KIAS and best rate of climb is between 180-200 KIAS. Ground Propulsion As a motorcycle, the CyclePlane is more appropriately considered as an urban vehicle. The CyclePlane would be suitable for short, around-town trips. An electric motor driven wheel hub provides tractive power operating as a hybrid vehicle from electricity produced by the motor. Top speed in road mode is envisioned to be approximately 25 mph. Flap Development The latest testing involves blown-flaps to reduce the takeoff and approach speeds. This is achieving the desired effect however, this would markedly raise the complexity of the construction. Translating Tail A translating tail will reduce the length of the vehicle in road mode which will require servo driven stabilators and rudder. This will allow some protection for the leading edge of the tail, shorten the overall length of the vehicle and reduce crosswind effects in road mode. |
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Copyright 2004 CyclePlane
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