GLENAIR
Transitioning Multicopter Powered with six tilting propellers for both lift and cruise functions, the five-seater plus pilot Joby S4—our featured example for a Transitioning Multicopter eVTOL—is designed for urban air transport with a range of up 150 miles. The aircraft is a mature design with over 1000 logged test flights, a production manufacturing arrangement in place with Toyota, and significant investment backing from Reinvent Technology Partners. On the operations side, Joby has acquired Uber Elevate to create a seamless urban transport system from rideshare car, to air taxi, and back again. In addition, a partnership with parking garage operator REEF will form
As shown in the photograph below, the four outboard propellers on the Joby S4 tilt with their nacelles, while the two inboard propellors actuate with a linkage mechanism Image courtesy Joby Aviation
the foundation for a network of sky ports. In terms of design, the outboard propellers on the S4 tilt with the nacelle while the inboard propellers actuate with a unique linkage mechanism. This design allows the flight control wings to remain fixed during all modes of flight. The V-Tail is also equipped with a pair of tilting nacelle rotors. For propulsion, each Joby S4 propeller is equipped with two 70 KV motors for complete redundancy. A low-noise signature is a hallmark of the Joby S4. The six amply-sized rotors on the aircraft are 2.9 meters in diameter, giving the aircraft just 46 Kg/m2 of disc loading and contributing to its low-
noise performance and long battery life expectations (less power intensive during hover). In addition, all rotors are equipped with an Anhedral Tip which contributes to both hovering and cruise- mode performance as well as noise reduction.
Anhedral Tip rotor design (above). The Joby S4 (left) utilizes an Anhedral Tip for performance and noise reduction. Aircraft photograph courtesy Joby Aviation
QwikConnect • July 2021
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