EDFs fans are nothing new in the model aviation world, often powering large-scale models of actual jet fighters or trainers.\u00a0 Such model motors, combining their thrust, can augment lift and propulsion on light aircraft, and a few larger projects are attempting to utilize that promise.<\/p>\n
David Ullman, in Independence, Oregon has flown a Jabiru he rebuilt from a wreck with its Jabiru engine providing the main power, but augmented in thrust and lift by four small electric ducted fans (EDFs).\u00a0 The arrangement is a partial demonstration of IDEAL, which stands for \u201cIntegrated Distributed Electric \u2013 Augmented Lift\u201d flight, using \u201cthrust from distributed electric propulsion to improve the lift and drag performance of the aircraft during takeoff, cruise and landing.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sustainableskies.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/ducted-fan-david-ullman.jpg\")
<\/a>120 mm electric ducted fans on David Ullman’s JabirWatt gave sufficient proof of David’s concepts<\/p><\/div>\n
The small motors are 120 millimeters (4.72 inches) in diameter, off-the-shelf units.\u00a0 Arrayed across the inner leading edge of the JabirWatt\u2019s wing, they were \u201cnot enough to sustain flight, but sufficient to collect data to compare with wind-tunnel and theoretical results,\u201d according to David. \u00a0Results from actual flights have led to some exciting developments which must await the lifting of a moratorium for your editor to share.\u00a0 David assures us that, \u201cElectric airplanes are coming; they just won\u2019t look like what people expect.\u201d<\/p>\n