Most air taxi concepts involve rapidly spinning propellers or ducted fans placed somewhere outside the aircraft’s fuselage, moving air fast enough to achieve thrust in the direction of propulsion. But Jetoptera’s J-2000 concept differs in that and uses the company’s own unique propulsion system.
The vehicle comes with Dyson’s bladeless-fan-inspired hoops on the front and the back that act as thrusters, relying on Jetoptera’s “fluidic propulsion systems (FPS).” There are no blades in their design that make the air move and yet have a strong air stream.
The VTOL aircraft‘s FPS look as well as function quite similarly to how the bladeless fans do. Both devices rely on fluid dynamics to take a relatively small flow of compressed air, which is then used to suck a much greater volume of ambient air through at ludicrous speed. They use a small, quiet impeller to generate pressure around an aerodynamically shaped loop, which eventually exists at incredible speeds through a little slit running around the ring of the FPS.
The fast-moving air is forced back over a wing-shaped surface all around the ring, where it creates negative pressure that aircraft use to lift up into the sky.
The energy required to propel its smallest aircraft at 200 mph for 30 minutes is 100 kWh. Jetopra imagines battery technology will have to reach energy density levels of roughly 1,500 Wh/kg. The company is currently using gas generators, specifically, a 75-kW turboshaft system.
The J-2000 improves propulsive efficiency by more than 10% while lowering fuel consumption by more than 50% compared to small turbojets. The propulsion system saves approximately 30% in weight compared to turbofans or turboprops and also significantly reduces complexity. The integrated aircraft is capable of hovering and VTOL.
The aircraft will have a maximum take-off weight of 907 kg. Jetoptera is planning an entire family of aircraft, which will include aircraft designed for speeds of 644 km/h (400 mph) with a range of 644 km (400 miles), as well as smaller versions with lower speeds but longer range. Jetoptera’s VTOLs come in two variants: a smaller, consumer-friendly J-2000 that comfortably seats two people and capable of 200-mph top speeds and 200-mile ranges, while a larger J-4000 works like a town car, seating 4 with the same range.
The eVTOLs we see here are proofs-of-concept, while the company is currently in talks with the US Air Force that’s really interested in the technology.
