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The future of the rotorcraft industry is in dire straights. This is evident from the limited current projects, the proposed concepts, the lack of supporting funds, and the depressing industry articles. In essence, there are very few VTOL configurations currently contending for future high-speed/vertical aircraft, and all of them are flawed.
In my opinion, there is only one realistic future VTOL configuration. It is the unification of the Intermeshing Configuration and the Advancing Blade Concept. A configuration that appears to have no show-stopping flaw.
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John K. Northrop (1895-1981) was a project designer at Lockheed's Skunk Works. His lifelong passion was to build a flying wing. Out of deep respect for this gentleman, Lockheed showed him the secret B-2 bomber, just before he passed away. It was done in appreciation and acknowledgment that his dream was finally becoming a reality.
The 80-year-old Charles Kaman, started his aerospace career in 1942 as an engineer with United Technologies, working as an aerodynamicist with Igor Sikorsky. When Kaman's ideas were rejected, he left, and with $2,000.00 started his own company, to produce an intermeshing helicopter. His decision to emphasize lift over forward speed may have been based on his inability to compete with the larger United Technologies.
Sikorsky has the most experience in the Advancing Blade Concept and Reverse Velocity Utilization. Therefor they have the advantage in developing this style of advanced rotorcraft.
Out of consideration for their former employee, might they invite Charles Kaman to come and see the potential of his intermeshing dream.
Perhaps it's a secret project, and they already have.