7 June 2023
How do you give a renowned Short Take-off and Landing aircraft such as a CubCrafters NXCub even more landing and take-off performance? One answer is Electric Lift Augmenting Slats [ELAS] just revealed by CubCrafters.
ELAS, already patented by CubCrafters, combines electric ducted fans with leading edge lifting slats to accelerate airflow over the wing of an aircraft.
By increasing the velocity of the airflow over the top surface of a wing, ELAS lowers the air pressure above the wing, thereby increasing the lift it can generate. The system also allows the wing to achieve better aerodynamic performance at slower speeds and higher angles of attack, reducing the stall speed of the aircraft and improving its slow speed handling characteristics.
CubCrafters said, “ELAS is a practical way to enable fixed-wing aircraft to achieve shorter takeoff distances, steeper approaches, slower landing speeds, and minimal ground roll.
“By adding leading edge slats with multiple integrated electric ducted fans, ELAS creates high energy airflow through and around the slats – airflow that ultimately boosts lift by a factor of 1.5 to 4.0 depending on the airfoil geometry and flight conditions.”
The technology can be added to an existing airframe or built into the wings as original equipment, and can be designed as retractable when not in use.
NASA thought it such a good idea that it awarded CubCrafters two research grants to part fund the project.
Patrick Horgan, CEO of CubCrafters added, “With comparatively low acquisition and operational costs, ELAS is a disruptive concept that carries unprecedented benefits, including enabling fixed-wing aircraft to operate outside of designated airports and manage much higher payloads versus comparable eVTOL aircraft – all while enhancing safety.”
