Bell Nexus

[Bell_ringer]

Originally Posted by rrekn

Speaking of mechanically complex, with a fixed pitched prop of that size, there will be no ability to autorotate.

Being essentially single engine, I wonder how they are going to argue there is sufficient redundancy for operations over built up areas? Ballistic Parachute?

It has a battery backup for extra takeoff power and for landing when the French turbine inevitably starts making metal

[SansAnhedral]

Originally Posted by rrekn

Speaking of mechanically complex, with a fixed pitched prop of that size, there will be no ability to autorotate.

The real operating rotors don't appear to be fixed pitch

https://assets.bellflight.com/web/5b...0CF454E1F843CC

With a disc loading of about 19 that's approximately 10% lower than a V22.

[IFMU]

Originally Posted by SansAnhedral

The real operating rotors don't appear to be fixed pitch

https://assets.bellflight.com/web/5b...0CF454E1F843CC

With a disc loading of about 19 that's approximately 10% lower than a V22.

19 psf is pretty high. I bet the inertia is next to zilch. Variable pitch or not autorotation doesn't seem very viable.

[tottigol]

Originally Posted by Ascend Charlie

Looks like 6 times the normal amount of LTE from that one!

Drumroll! Winner!

[Photonic]

Originally Posted by IFMU

19 psf is pretty high. I bet the inertia is next to zilch. Variable pitch or not autorotation doesn't seem very viable.

Right, I don't think autorotation in the conventional helicopter sense is in the design. The idea is 100% computer control that will sense if the engine dies and immediately shift to stored battery power, to maneuver around obstacles for a safe landing. Or if one of the fan motors dies, it will shift electric power to the others and keep everything balanced for a controlled landing. All of this in theory, of course.

And it will just take one of those "safe" landings on someone's house to kill the "taxi" concept in litigation. Even if the noise doesn't kill the concept first, and I think that's really the main obstacle because none of these things are actually in the air over people's houses yet.