Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Craig Slovensky, Senior Michael Rath Kyan Spaete Long Nguyen Woo Hyun Lee Roman Czerniejewski
Lead Presenter's Name
Craig Slovensky
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Kimberly Heinzer
Abstract
This project presents the preliminary design of the ZFQ-50 "Radiance", a Collaborative Unmanned Vehicle (CUV) built around the VerdeGo VH-5 blended turbofan intended for military defense applications. This design presents a novel aircraft coupled with a powerplant that blends traditional combustion thrust with electrical power output, an new and evolving capability within the aerospace industry. This aircraft was sized considering multiple constraint parameters, configuration trade studies, CFD analysis, and mission requirements including carrier assisted take-off and landing, an effective operational range, and a loiter period with 40 kW of continuous power output from the powerplant. The selected configuration allows for a 2000 lb maximum takeoff weight, a payload capacity around 250 lb, and flight speeds in the mid-high subsonic range, aiding in both independent and collaborative carrier defense operations. Completed performance analysis suggests the concept will meet minimum, and shows promising results to exceed, mission requirements while maintaining compliance with relevant military airworthiness standards. Preliminary cost calculations indicate a competitive price and efficient solution to advancing technological combat and defense while the power output provides a useful edge, allowing for integration of systems such as Artificial Intelligence and Direct Energy Weapons. This design demonstrates the feasibility of an atypical hybrid-electric aircraft concept by integrating propulsion and onboard power capabilities within a carrier-capable unmanned platform, with the resulting configuration proving that hybrid-electric technology can satisfy mission performance requirements while maintaining practical payload and operational effectiveness.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Aeronautical Vehicles Commons, Aviation Safety and Security Commons, Propulsion and Power Commons, Structures and Materials Commons
ZFQ-50 "Radiance"
This project presents the preliminary design of the ZFQ-50 "Radiance", a Collaborative Unmanned Vehicle (CUV) built around the VerdeGo VH-5 blended turbofan intended for military defense applications. This design presents a novel aircraft coupled with a powerplant that blends traditional combustion thrust with electrical power output, an new and evolving capability within the aerospace industry. This aircraft was sized considering multiple constraint parameters, configuration trade studies, CFD analysis, and mission requirements including carrier assisted take-off and landing, an effective operational range, and a loiter period with 40 kW of continuous power output from the powerplant. The selected configuration allows for a 2000 lb maximum takeoff weight, a payload capacity around 250 lb, and flight speeds in the mid-high subsonic range, aiding in both independent and collaborative carrier defense operations. Completed performance analysis suggests the concept will meet minimum, and shows promising results to exceed, mission requirements while maintaining compliance with relevant military airworthiness standards. Preliminary cost calculations indicate a competitive price and efficient solution to advancing technological combat and defense while the power output provides a useful edge, allowing for integration of systems such as Artificial Intelligence and Direct Energy Weapons. This design demonstrates the feasibility of an atypical hybrid-electric aircraft concept by integrating propulsion and onboard power capabilities within a carrier-capable unmanned platform, with the resulting configuration proving that hybrid-electric technology can satisfy mission performance requirements while maintaining practical payload and operational effectiveness.