Fluidic Propulsion™ + Integrated Airframe = Unique Capabilities

Traditional aircraft design

In traditional aircraft design, airframes and engines are designed separately and bolted together. This leads to inefficiencies due to additional drag. The approach also leads to propulsive inefficiencies via non-distributed propulsion. Hovering and VTOL requirements introduce even more complexity, size and weight to the system.

Jetoptera design

Jetoptera’s design is a true distributed propulsion that is integrated into a novel airframe. It improves propulsive efficiency by more than 10% while lowering fuel consumption by more than 50% compared to small turbojets. The propulsion system saves approximately 30% in weight compared to turbofans or turboprops and also significantly reduces complexity. The integrated aircraft is capable of hovering and VTOL.

Revolutionary propulsion

Jetoptera Gas Generator

Pairing the simple architecture of a gas generator with our advanced augmentation system results in significantly superior efficiency versus typical small turbojets. It also guarantees great operability and low fuel burn at all stages of flight.

Thrust augmentation

Output of the gas generator is channeled through specially designed augmentation components. The exhaust gasses entrain and accelerate ambient air. Augmentation and low exhaust temperatures enable VTOL and high maneuverability.

Distributed propulsion

The complete propulsion system is a unique combination of a gas turbine and fluidic thrust augmentation that can distribute thrust across our airframe. It can be implemented in various geometric shapes, can be embedded with the airframe, and has no propellers or rotating parts. The system is used in all phases of flight.

Energy source

Gas generator or batteries

Jetoptera technology is agnostic to energy source. A gas generator is our proved solution for a light-weight, efficient source of pressurized fluid. We can also deploy an electric compressor with significantly improved battery specific density.

Energy density

The energy required to propel our smallest aircraft at 200 mph for 30 minutes is 100 kWh. This energy can be provided by 26 kg of jet fuel or 600 kg of modern Li-ion batteries. Should battery technology evolve to better than 1,500 Wh/kg, we can use it in our designs.

Novel airframe

Novel airframe

Our novel airframe is designed to take advantage of the abilities of the propulsion system. We have demonstrated its maneuverability in flight. It has lift generating surfaces for long range propulsive efficiency, yet it is very compact, allowing VTOL operations with a small footprint.

Lift augmentation

Our distributed propulsion system allows us to create additional lift by intelligent deployment at critical locations with respect to lift generating surfaces.

Unique capabilities

Fast VTOL

The combination of VTOL and high speed has proven elusive, especially in a compact, quiet, efficient, and safe aircraft. The Fluidic Propulsive System enables all that and 200 mph speeds!

Even faster VTOL

Direct turbofan through Fluidic Propulsive System for hover/low speed and transition to turbofan for high speed, folding thrusters into the wing, resulting in 400+ mph cruise / 400 mi range. The fastest commercial VTOL aircraft in the world!

Extreme STOL

The ability to give thrusters non-round shapes allows conformal integration with upper wing resulting in doubling of lift coefficient. Enables takeoff and landing over a 50 ft obstacle within 150 ft!

Advanced materials and manufacturing

Ceramic matrix composite parts

We have designed, built and tested ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components for several key applications. This next generation technology offers very light weight and high heat resistance. We have also licensed NASA CMC technology (link) that we will deploy in our products starting in 2018.

Advanced CFRP and GFRP

Our airframe structures of carbon and glass composites offer light weight with suitable strength for high speed flight.

3D printing of metal parts

We utilize additive manufacturing to produce metal parts of complex geometry, precision engineered to minimize material and weight.

Extensive testing

Wind tunnel

We have successfully tested a full scale model in a wind tunnel. We proved the concept at speeds in excess of 150 mph, also simulating the augmentation propulsive system with promising results.

Propulsion system

The thruster design went through several stages of testing and down selection. We have also conducted extensive tests of the gas generator and full propulsion system.

Free flight

Many prototypes have been tested in free flight, ranging from gliders to turbojets to fluidic propulsion. The airframe shows remarkable stability and maneuverability.