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FLYING AUTOMOBILE.
Term Paper ID:20694
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History & development of theories & technology. Examples, major designers, aerodynamics, experiments, innovations, obstacles.... More...
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Paper Abstract:
History & development of theories & technology. Examples, major designers, aerodynamics, experiments, innovations, obstacles.
Paper Introduction:
The Flying Automobile: A Technological Forecast
Perhaps the simplest definition of the term "technology" is just "applied science." Technology tends to relate more to practical experience rather than scientific theory. A technological forecast, therefore, involves making predictions about future machines, procedures, etc. A variety of methods exist which can be applied towards this end. These include techniques such as the use of scenarios, science fiction, extrapolation, intuition, Delphi forecasting, substitution, and historical analogy. Paul Moller employs some of these methods when he describes the potential of his innovative vehicle, the "volantor." His sales pitch is very strong. Regardless though, the concept of a "flying car" has been around for a long time. Moreover, Paul Moller and his ideas seem to relate more to the
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H. It wasn't until years later that something approaching a true flyingcar--a vehicle that could function as well on roadways as it did in the air--was created (11:99). The mufflers, which are usedprimarily on racing cars, lower exhaust noise while boosting power output(3:F9). Just hop into the first empty volantor in the queue,key in your destination, and leave the driving to Air Traffic Control(4:132). 44:97-98; 1988 July 4. People Weekly. Although the good doctor's dedication, commitment, and sheerenergy certainly merit admiration, it appears doubtful that Moller will seeany of his prophesies come true in the near-term. It combines an unusually large number of novel--and thereforeuncertain--technologies into one package (4:133). Henderson, B. He is not himself a pilot; in fact, the only pilot inMoller's company, Moller International, is the marketing manager--who has aprivate license (4:133). Instead, as has alwaysbeen the case, the flying car will for now remain a dream rather than areality. A technological forecast, therefore,involves making predictions about future machines, procedures, etc. The commands to the servomotors operating the vanes will come notfrom the pilot but from a computer (actually they will come from fourredundant computers) that mediates both stability and control (4:132). Such imaginary tales also have their counterparts in more recenttimes. Paul Moller may envision himself as the Henry Ford of the aircraftindustry (5:72). 2. 22:94-1 5; 1984.----------------------- 1 Indeed,Moller himself did fly one of his volantors (4:132). That dual capability though, is the root of the flying car's problem(11:96). Indeed, such a vision was not uncommon for forward-looking individuals in those days (3:F9). Furthermore, with a payload of just under 1, pounds,it would get about 14 miles per gallon on standard automobile gas (6:36). Finally, in addition to safety and noise reduction, ease of operationis a major goal for the M4 (3:F9). Phillips, business flying editor for Aviation Week, "Witheight engines, you're looking at trouble right there. Visionaries find selling their concepts more difficult in the 199 s environment. Moreover, its climb rate is projectedto be about 63 ft. per minute, its ceiling 4 , ft, and its range about71 miles (6:36). W. I have no doubt of that (6:37)."If such a flight has ever actually taken place, it certainly wasn't widelypublicized. While at least one of the experts who have inspected the craftbelieves that it is technically viable, many others remain skeptical thatit will ever be of any practical use (3:F9). While $8 , may seem quite unaffordable, Moller claims that theM4 's price will drop to about $3 , once the craft is mass produced(1 :62). 5. "It has to be easy to fly. To muffle the sound of the fans, each pair in every nacelle will becounter-rotating (3:F9). In addition, the owner-operator of such a vehicle might be required to pay state registration feesfor the car, the airplane, and the trailer; have a state's driver's licenseto operate the car; and have a Federal pilot's license to operate theairplane (11:1 7). How practical is the "sky plane?" The New York Times. Finally, such a unique design will undoubtedly create a number ofregulatory and licensing tangles (2:33). Regardless though, the concept of a "flying car" has beenaround for a long time. Plummer, W. Moller foresees fleets of volantors operating as taxicabs underthe control of ground-based computers; in fact, he proposes them as areplacement for buses and subways (4:132). It is nearly impossible to separate ideas with true potential fromthose that are flawed (5:71). Aviation Week & Space Technology. Said JohnZuk, chief of the civil technology office at the National Aeronautics andSpace Administration's Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California,"It was a true first (6:35)." Of course, funding such advanced research is never easy. With just 24 moving parts in all eight engines--a crankshaft and two rotors in each--the potential for engine failure isdrastically reduced (6:36). In addition, the use of multiplepower plants goes against the recent trend in commercial aviation (3:F9).Says Edward H. In fact, in January of 1991, Moller himself was quoted as saying,"I'll fly it (the prototype) this year. In addition, the one design that did look most likea flying car--being the mating of an actual car with the wings of anairplane--crashed on its first flight (11:99). The New York Times Magazine. All eight engines are mounted in each of four nacelles (3:F9). 118:132-133; 1991 August. If this is starting to sound a bit like science fiction, however,that is because it is. Propulsion will be provided by eight rotary engines, each with tworotating pistons, or rotors (3:F9). The better a flying car performs as a car, theworse it performs as an airplane, and vice versa (11:96). Fulton, Jr., and Moulton B. Thevolantor will also fly by wire (4:132). The result, according to Dr. Moller, will be avehicle which is quieter than a light plane (3:F9). Csatari, J. Taylor (11:99). For example, rather than havingthe pilot directly control power and attitude during climb (as is done incurrent aircraft), the desired climb rate and forward speed will instead bedialed into its computer (4:132). In fact, only a few of themcould even be called design achievements--in that they did fly, haddetachable wings, and could be driven on public roads (11:99). The manufacturer would require Federalapproval of the car for safety (by NHTSA) and emissions (by EPA), and theairplane for airworthiness (by FAA) (11:1 7). Actually, few aviation experts have even seen the vehicle,which is said to look something like a cross between a Corvette and afighter jet (3:F9). Theseinclude techniques such as the use of scenarios, science fiction,extrapolation, intuition, Delphi forecasting, substitution, and historicalanalogy. Fewinvestors are prepared to put money into as speculative a venture as"flying cars (1 :62)." Fortunately for Moller though, he possesses enoughentrepreneurial flair to keep the cash flowing (1 :62). These "Wankel" engines are direct-coupled totheir drive shaft (5:72). Theoretically, the air traffic control system would be set up suchthat flying cars would follow virtual freeways in the sky (11:1 7). Like the hummingbird, the Moller 4 is designed to hover motionlessin midair and to take off and land vertically from a standing start withouta runway(3:F9). Fly me to the mall. 133:71-74; 199 December 24. Thesenacelles flank the fuselage, two fore and two aft; a single wing of modestarea perches above the rear fuselage--well aft of the center of gravity(4:132). Paul Moller employs some of these methods when he describes thepotential of his innovative vehicle, the "volantor." His sales pitch isvery strong. Pioneering efforts to develop and produce these early flying carswere spearheaded by four individuals: Waldo D. The engines, which are said to be capable of changing their thrust by1 % in 5 milliseconds, will operate differentially for rudder control(5:73). 14 :F9; 1991 January 2 . The Flying Automobile: A Technological Forecast Perhaps the simplest definition of the term "technology" is just"applied science." Technology tends to relate more to practical experiencerather than scientific theory. Although the flight lasted only about 3 minutes, piloting the 2-man,saucer-shaped, vertical-takeoff-and-landing craft to an altitude of about4 feet was an accomplishment (6:35). Rather than leading theway into the future, the project has probably been sidelined by governmentbudget cuts. Moller's involvement in aerospace goes back to the 195 s and beyond(3:F9). Instead, he insists that vertical flight is hisobsession (2:32). In fact, the only movable control surfaces on the M4 will be thedeflector vanes (5:73). This computer reserve should allowthe craft to be linked with sophisticated satellite-based positioning andcollision-avoidance systems (2:32-33). It is solved, in part, by an advanced mufflerdesign engineered by Moller himself (3:F9). His concepts evensucceeded in providing the inspiration for George Jetson's flying car onthe Hanna-Barbera cartoon series, The Jetsons (3:F9). This is because its direct-lift system is inherently veryinefficient (4:133). The AC-35's cruising speed was 12 mphand it could chug along the ground at about 25 mph (11:99). 31:149-15 ; 1989 June 19. Of wings & wheels: An investigation of the Flying Car. Moller's research is largely supported by military contracts (3:F9).Thus far, the Department of Defense has given his company more than half amillion dollars to assess the prospects of using hovering designs--including a tiny single-engine craft and an electric version connected toEarth by a long power cord--for both manned and unmanned surveillance andattack missions (2:33). With that level ofcomplexity, I just don't know that it's a practical air vehicle (3:F9)." The aircraft also requires a huge amount of power for takeoff andlanding (4:133). Thus, it is easy to see why a commercially viableflying car has yet to be built (11:1 7). The era did see the advent of a forerunner of the Ultralight andthe publication of the children's book, Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang (11:1 9). 8 :1 ; 199 . This inventor has the patience of job. In 1967,Moller actually flew a version of the saucer (8:15 ). The M4 vectors its thrust by moving cascades of flexible vaneswithin the fan's slipstream (4:132). Automobile Quarterly. At least, it can be said that Dr.Moller is willing to put his mouth where his money is (4:132). Above 1 knots or so, the vanes are aligned withthe slipstream and the machine is supported mainly by aerodynamic lift(4:132). The dream of the flying car has been with usfor as long as the car and the airplane themselves (11:95). However, perhaps the most telling evidence with regard tothe M4 's future lies in his company's short-term predictions for theirvehicle. The vehicle could be driven to a local "vertiport" (an airport forvertical-takeoff planes) (1:1 ). 7. It was to be a kind of "sky car," that would rise abovecommuting woes (3:F9). Literature Cited 1. and acruise speed of 325 mph. Waterman was firstwith his Arrowbile, followed by Hall with his several designs, including an"aerial jeep (11:99)." Next come Fulton with the first CAA-approved flyingcar, the Airphibian (11:99). Fisher, L. 138:11 ; 1988 October 16.1 . You can leave for work a little later than you did just a few years ago because you own a Moller 4 volantor. It proved that Moller's concepts ofpropulsion and control mechanisms might actually work (3:F9). Skycar: It is 1999. Typically, this is the most difficult task for vertical take-off andlanding aircraft (3:F9). It is constructed of a variety of materials includingfiberglass, Kevlar, and carbon fiber (3:F9). Backyard levitation. "There are three really clear-cut criteria," says the inventor (6:35). It is estimated that he has devoted over $25 million and5 , hours to his flying machines (6:35). 9. Moreover, the M4 's built-in computational power is much more thanis actually needed for flight (2:32). During the 196 's, progress towards the development of flying carsfaltered. As optimistic as such a scenario might be, it is not very realistic.The concept of a "flying car" has been around for a long time (11:95).Some of the problems faced by those who have attempted to develop acommercially viable vehicle include the following: (1) cost ofdevelopment; (2) creation of a demand (they tend to be expensiveplaythings); (3) reasonable retail cost; (4) licensing and registration;(5) safety and regulations (11:1 7). In fact, asfar back as 22 B.C., people were dreaming of "flying vehicles (11:95)."Four millenia ago, mythologists described a three-horse drawn chariot whichbore the Chinese Emperor Shun towards the heavens (11:95). 3. He speaks from an era of economicexpansion and relative prosperity; a time when even people on the fringesof aerospace had a reasonable hope of receiving government funding.Obviously, the world has changed. The aerodynamic characteristics of its rather odd shape, for example,are at the very least uncertain (4:133). Furthermore, durability will be enhanced witha NASA-developed, plasma-sprayed ceramic coating on the engine's interior(6:35). Furthermore, it will be equipped with atail-mounted, ballistically deployed parachute for use in instances ofcatastrophic engine failure (5:73). Just the licensing and registration of such a vehicle alone is aformidable obstacle (11:1 7). Flying. Still though, Dr. Moller's conviction to his machine is unwaivering.As he sees it, two decades from now some lucky venture capitalist will beselling M4 s at a rate of 1 , a year (4:132). Furthermore, Moller has always held an aversion for conventionalaircraft (3:F9). The M4 's fans force a small volume of air toundergo a large acceleration (4:133). Since 1965, Moller has builta series of vehicles--most of which employ ducted fans to lift them off theground (4:132). They will control yaw during hover by operatingdifferentially (5:73). Canon Desforges built awinged vehicle that he called a voiture volante, or flying carriage(11:95). McCarty, L. If the machine's stability andcontrol were completely autonomous it could be run by anyone at all, likean elevator (4:132). Throughout the flight, the tether was slackand the M2 was under control (4:132). And finally--and probably the most important thing--is that it has to be fundamentally inexpensive (6:35)." Paul Moller's latest effort towards achieving these ends is hisMoller 4 . All of these problemswill have to be cleared up before the M4 displaces the second family car(2:33). It would then ascend to a special"highway" in the sky and set its course for another vertiport near itsfinal destination (1:1 ). With eight rotary engines, noise might have been a significantproblem for the M4 (3:F9). Regardless though, today Moller's mission is to build a practicaltransportation vehicle of the air (6:35). Garrison, P. Hall,Robert E. Obviously, it wasn't until the birth of modern aviation that thedream of a flying car had any chance of becoming a reality. Weber, B. McCafferty, B. Indeed, the tips ofits high wing tail will fold so that the vehicle will fit into an enclosedspace (3:F9). 6. He dismisses conventional aircraft, especiallyprivate planes, as "impractical, expensive to maintain and dangerous to fly(3:F9)." Thus, despite his doctorate in aeronautical and mechanicalengineering, Paul Moller claims to have never had much of an interest inairplanes (4:132). In fact, the term "flying car" is noticeably absent from mostlistings of different types of aircraft (11:96). Design News. Discover. During vertical, hovering, and transitionalflight, the M4 will gulp fuel (4:133). In 167 , Francisco de Lana designed a "flying ship" that was to beraised off the water by four "vacuum spheres (11:95)." Then, in 1772, theFrench advanced beyond the design stage (11:95). Moller's goal in designing its shape was to give theM4 the lift properties of an airplane wing while keeping it compactenough to taxi along a road or into a garage (2:32). Before theeyes and cameras of reporters Moller ascended to a height from which onecould not safely fall (4:132). It seems more probable that in recent years the M4 has shared thesame fate as the rest of the aerospace industry. He calls them "volantors" (a European term meaning to hopnimbly about) (6:34). Such avehicle, of course, would seem to be the ideal mode of transportation forthe modern world (11:96). This all-composite aircraft--which is officially classified as amotorcycle (9:11 )--is expected to have a top speed of about 4 mph. M. Furthermore, the M4 has potential problems which are uniquely itsown. 168:34-38; 1991. According to Zuk, his greatest challenge nowwill be controlling his vehicle in the transition to forward flight (3:F9). This wastes a lot of power in theform of turbulence (4:133). It provides both ground transportion and a wayof leapfrogging over earthbound traffic congestion at once (11:96). These keep the Volantor'sweight down to about 2,5 pounds (3:F9). Although Moller has calculated that the craft will glide if allpower is lost, it is also supposed to be able to land even after thefailure of two engines (3:F9). Will this thing fly? During level flight they operate together to act aselevators and differentially to provide aileron control (5:73). Of course, Moller has already proven that his machines can hover andmaneuver at low speed (3:F9). Dworetzky, T. Meet George Jetson. It is unable to perform on a par with either acar or an airplane (11:96). Currently, Moller is nearing his production goal of a 1.3-literengine that cranks out more than 15 horsepower (6:35). Byadding a few established rules of the road--such as having northbound andwestbound traffic staying to your left, and using cloverleaf approaches forleft turns--air traffic problems might be no worse than those encounteredwhile driving a car (11:1 7). To actually put such a system into operation wouldbe a job of incredible magnitude and complexity (8:15 ). Finally, one of Dr. Moller'sprincipal financial backers has been the Pentagon (1 :62). Popular Mechanics. Between 193 and the 196 s, about fifteen trueflying cars were developed (11:99). Moreover, Paul Moller and his ideas seem to relatemore to the past than the future. The company has alreadytaken 72 orders for the craft, with a $5, deposit each at a projectedprice of $8 , (3:F9). The noise that one fan makes will be cancelled out by thatof the other (3:F9). Merely tilting theelectronic joystick to the side should make the craft move sideways;twisting the stick should make it bank and turn (2:32). The eight-enginemachine, the M2 , was tethered to an overhead crane (4:132). Though the first two were notentirely successful, the Pitcairn showed that it was possible to land in arestricted area and then taxi to a nearby destination over roads normallyreserved for automobiles (11:96). "I always envied the hummingbird," he has said (3:F9)."I saw that as a much more attractive way to get around (3:F9)." One thing is certain, Moller does exhibit a rare singleness ofpurpose (7:98). Fulton was succeeded by Taylor, one of themost consistent and persistent of the flying car advocates and the inventorof the Aerocar (11:99-1 4). For takeoff, the vanes bend 9 degrees and thrust is vectored upward; for transition to cruise, the vanesmove forward in curved slots and straighten out, gradually shifting thrustto horizontal (4:132). Waterman, Theodore P. 9:32-33;1988. Moreover, only two of the vehicles received certification ofairworthiness (11:99). 4. He then upgraded the single rotorengine to an air-cooled, 2-rotor, mostly aluminum powerplant that weighsjust 72 pounds (6:35). Among the first vehicles to combine flying with driving were the 1917Curtiss Autoplane/Autolandplane, the 1921 Tampier Biplane, and the 1935Pitcairn AC-35 Roadable Autogiro (11:96). 312:62; 1989 August 5.11. Moller bought technological information on single rotor engines fromthe Outboard Marine Corporation (6:35). 8. The vehicle itself is a compromise in a technological realmfraught with compromises. It was also during that particular decade that Canadian-bornengineer, Paul Moller, built his first flying saucer (8:15 ). The aircraft will then follow thecommands within the limits of its flight envelope (4:132). That's more than 2horsepower per pound (6:35). Boys' Life. Flier Paul Moller is a former alien with a real flying saucer. Initially, he didthis by selling his share of an industrial park which he and some businesspartners had developed (1 :62). Of these fifteen, however, not oneever became a commercial success (11:99). Unfortunatelythough, his flying saucer never got more than three feet off the ground(8:15 ). For example, all of the flight andnavigational instrumentation will be reduced to two video screens (3:F9).Such sophisticated electronics are designed to let the pilot control hiscraft as easily as the simplest plane (2:32). Ithas to be extremely safe--for example, its got to have enough engines thatit can tolerate a failure on one during some critical mode of operation andstill get back down. Buoyed by government contracts to develop unmanned attackvehicles, Jack Allison, Moller's marketing director, predicted that theprototype Moller 4 would fly sometime during the first half of 1991(5:72). Woron, W. Then, in later years, he acquired capitalfrom the sale of a muffler business (1 :62). They are similar to the engine used inthe Mazda RX-7 sportscar, but are air-cooled (3:F9). The pilot will maneuver using two sidestick controllers: one forhover control and the other for directional inputs during level flight(5:73). "Whooooooosh." The Economist. Since then,another half dozen or so have also gotten seriously involved in that goal(11:96). The synchronized, counterrotation of two fansfacing toward each other should confine prop-tip noise to the center of thenacelle (6:36). During the first half ofthe century there were about twenty people who designed and actually builtprototypes of roadable airplanes, or flying cars (11:96). More recently, Moller International, has claimed to be on the vergeof transforming Paul Moller's original vision into reality (3:F9). (5:72-73). He dreamed of a lightweight, four-passenger aircraft that couldtake off from a driveway or city street, and then cruise at high speeds andaltitudes (3:F9). The front fan shrouds (which contain fuel) have a slight positiveincidence and are supposed to serve as a canard surface in aerodynamicallysupported flight (4:132). In the current economic environment ofgovernment cost-cutting and corporate downsizing, it is doubtful thatspeculative ventures such as the "flying car" will have much hope ofsurvival. For example, should it beregulated as a helicopter or an airplane (2:33)? Avariety of methods exist which can be applied towards this end.
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