Jetoptera is progressing with the development of the turbocompressor/turbofan that will power the J-500 VTOL aircraft.
The effort has successfully passed the Critical Design Review. The next step involves manufacturing the prototype compressor, with a demonstration planned for the first quarter of 2025.
To design and manufacture the jet fuel-powered turbocompressor for the J-500, Jetoptera is working with Parametric Solutions Inc.
The current turbocompressor developed by Jetoptera can reportedly be deployed on various platforms the company has previously explored, ranging from 200 to 1,000 lbm maximum takeoff weight (MTOW).
These platforms include powered parafoils, V/STOL, HSVTOL, CTOL, portable personal air mobility VTOL systems, and wing-in-ground effect vehicles.
The turbocompressor weighs less than 70 lbs, is capable of producing 250 lbf operating as turbofan, and can be augmented when used with the FPS™ to up to 500 lbf when operated as a turbocompressor for vertical flight.
Andrei Evulet, CEO of Jetoptera, commented, “While our system is completely energy agnostic, we are not waiting for a magic battery that may never arrive. All electric large model aircraft can be used to gather important flight data. There’s no point in pursuing large models with VTOL propulsion battery beyond research stage – there’s a minuscule market for the very limited range and at best, an eVTOL would at this point be a sub-mediocre helicopter. What we are trying to do here is to give the rotary wing a run for its money and that means a gas turbine powered by jet fuel, SAF and potentially hydrogen in the future.”
