I/C
There are still a few projects being worked on both sides of the Atlantic that represent significant developments.
Good.
. However, if these projects include; Sikorsky's Reverse Velocity Rotorcraft, Piasecki's compound helicopter, Boeing's Canard Rotor/Wing or Carter's Gyro Transport, I would love to technically discuss any of them, particularly with the guy who developed the concept.
My concepts are open to public scrutiny, let them do the same.
Thanks for the reference to the NIA Aviation plan.
Unfortunately, it is only a request for funding. The rotorcraft portion of this proposal was developed by the four major US rotorcraft manufacturers and the three primary US rotorcraft universities. They are seeking funding from NASA. These seven entities just lost funding when NASA quit supporting rotorcraft.
Much of the American rotorcraft industry appears to be unwilling to pursue new viable configurations. Perhaps this is symptomatic of current US capitalism. Even the US Army is looking outside this 'cartel' seeking any wild and wonderful ideas that will give them second-generation VTOL craft.
The European rotorcraft industry appears to be more R&D oriented. No doubt, the Orient will be even more oriented.
Graviman;
There are 'ideas' looking for 'needs' to be satisfied, and there are 'needs' looking for 'ideas' to provide satisfaction.
If the only 'need' is stable hover then perhaps nothing can improve on the hot air balloon.
If the 'need' is a montage of; fast forward speed, high L/D ratio, stability, controllability, reliability, and cheapability, then the ultimate solution might be teleportation.
Dave J.