Goal
Create a highly aerodynamic, fuel-efficient personal aircraft with low induced drag and stall-resistance.
Problem
High fuel consumption, induced drag, and stall risk in conventional small-engine personal aircraft.
Concept Summary
The Synergy Aircraft uses a closed-wing "double-box tail" configuration, laminar-flow wing surfaces, boundary-layer control, and six patented drag-reduction innovations (laminar flow, non-planar configuration, wake-immersed propulsion, open thermodynamic cycle, pressure thrust, optimum volumetric displacement waveform) to achieve dramatically lower fuel burn and improved stall characteristics.
Detailed Description
The design features a vertical winglet connecting the tail and wingtip on each side, forming a double-box tail that reduces induced drag. A 200 hp (149 kW) DeltaHawk V-4 diesel engine (capable of running on biofuel) provides propulsion, while a 1/4-scale carbon-fiber model has been radio-controlled and flown to validate aerodynamic predictions. The aircraft is intended to seat five passengers, achieve ~40 mpg (~=10x the efficiency of comparable jets), cruise at 100-450 mph, and have a 500-mile range. Additional safety features include a ballistic parachute and push-button landing system.
Principles
- Double-box tail (closed wing)
- Laminar flow
- Non-planar configuration
- Wake-immersed propulsion
- Open thermodynamic cycle
- Pressure thrust
- Optimum volumetric displacement waveform
- Boundary-layer control
- Induced drag reduction
Scientific Domains
Materials
- Carbon fiber
- Composite materials
- Metal alloy
Mechanisms of Action
- Reduces induced drag via double-box tail geometry
- Maintains laminar flow to lower skin-friction drag
- Controls boundary layer separation
- Uses wake-immersed propulsion to improve thrust efficiency
- Employs open thermodynamic cycle for higher fuel-to-power conversion
- Generates pressure thrust through optimized volumetric displacement
Energy Sources
Applications
- Personal transportation
- Recreational aviation
- Low-cost personal aircraft
Claimed Performance
~=40 mpg (~=10x conventional small-jet fuel economy), stall-resistant, maximum speed 100-450 mph, range 500 mi, cost ~10 % of comparable aircraft.
Experimental Evidence
A 1/4-scale carbon-fiber model has been built, radio-controlled, and flown; test fly-by of the scale model reported the 40 mpg fuel-economy figure.
Replication Status
Scale model tested and flown; full-scale prototype not yet built.
Limitations
- Funding constraints
- Engine availability delays
- Full-scale prototype not yet built
- Regulatory certification pending
Red Flags
- Fuel-economy claims based on scale-model data only; no independent full-scale verification
