AgustaWestland’s Project Zero Tilt Rotor Aircraft

Besides advanced fighter planes and massive cargo and passenger aircrafts visitors to the Paris Air Show also got to see an aircraft that looks like something straight out of a Hollywood sci-fi movie. That aircraft is ‘Project Zero', a tiltrotor aircraft prototype by Italian helicopter manufacturer AgustaWestland.

Tiltrotor aircrafts are nothing new. Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey used by the U.S military is one of the more well known model. ‘Project Zero' is different from the rest because it is the first all electric tilt rotor aircraft. The demonstration model showcased at the show was developed in just 6 months by AgustaWestland, in collaboration with several other companies from the UK, USA and Japan.

Project Zero

The futuristic look is part of the energy efficient design, where the whole body acts like a wing. Like any other tiltrotor Project Zero can hover like a helicopter and fly like a fixed wing aircraft. The rotors can tilt more than 90 degrees in flight mode.

Project Zero

Apart from aluminium, the aircraft's exterior surface is made from high strength, lightweight carbon graphite.

Project Zero

Another first is the zero reliance on hydraulics. All the mechanics, from the retractable landing gear to the rotor tilting mechanism to the elevons are controlled by Electromechanical actuators.

Project Zero

The various electric motors derive their power from rechargeable batteries, while a diesel based hybrid system has also been tested. The developers have even come up with a simple and novel way to recharge the batteries. When on the ground, the rotors can be tilted to face the wind, turning them into a windmill that generate power.

Project Zero

An advanced project such as this has to have a good reason and it has more to it than just going green. A conventional helicopter or tilt rotor aircraft requires oxygen to burn fuel. This basic requirement restricts their max operating altitude or in a highly polluted environment low in oxygen, such as during a volcanic eruption. This is when an electric aircraft like ‘Project Zero' shines.

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English
Article Published On: Thursday, June 20, 2013, 12:31 [IST]
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