Unmanned flying ambulances using ducted fans for efficiency
Ducted fans are an efficient way to power flying vehicles, but the devices remain largely unproduced because of problems with the control and reliability of their mechanisms. Most flying machines suffer from teething pains like this when they are still in their infancy. Jet turbines are a relatively new technology compared with many other combustion engines, but they see wide use because of their reliability and very high power output, despite not being terribly fuel efficient. Likewise, despite being difficult to control without complex computer controls, helicopters have proven popular due to their unique maneuverability. But, what if this same maneuverability were capable in a much more efficient package? This is what Rafi Yoeli is working on with his unmanned flying ambulance. Besides the efficiency of the ducted fan arrangement, the machine is a very efficient way to remove injured people from remote locations. Still, I don't expect to see anything like this any sooner that I expect to see the Moller flying car.
[Source: Popular Science]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ron Fischer 12:47PM (8/31/2007)
Turbines are popular because of their power to weight ratio. High-bypass "turbofan" designs allow that increased power to accelerate a mass of air more efficiently. A turbofan is a form of ducted fan. So, in a some sense we already take advantage of this in modern jet engines. One of Moller's problem for years was a near 90 degree bend in his fan duct, which ate large amounts of power. His "Volantor" design uses dual counter-rotating wankel engines in each duct.
Reply
lawtrainee 1:14AM (8/31/2007)
Soo this means a $250,000 drive to the hospital?
I had a close friend pay $1,500 for an ambulance once, it went one city block, it was that or get arrested for being drunk in public.
Reply
Fabio 3:32AM (8/31/2007)
lawtrainee,
I will never understand why you Americans don't rebel to your flawed health system.
Reply
kert 3:35AM (8/31/2007)
Link to the website of this thing
http://www.urbanaero.com/
Reply