Two-Seater Quadrotor Air Taxi

Abstract

The proposed two-seater quadrotor air taxi is an advanced urban air mobility solution designed to address the challenges of modern urban transportation. It features a simple and compact design, integrating an electric propulsion system with a lightweight composite airframe that significantly reduces the vehicle's empty weight compared to existing air taxi models. This lightweight construction, combined with the use of high-efficiency electric motors, enables vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) with minimal energy consumption, making it ideal for short to medium-range urban flights. The quadrotor configuration, with four rotors strategically positioned for optimal balance and stability, ensures smooth, safe, and efficient hovering and flight performance. The compact design allows the air taxi to navigate and land in tight urban spaces, including rooftops and other designated urban air mobility hubs. Additionally, the air taxi is equipped with advanced autonomous flight systems, integrating AI-based navigation to enhance safety, reduce pilot error, and improve overall reliability during flight operations

Specification

Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The field of invention for the two-seater quadrotor air taxi project lies in urban air mobility (UAM), focusing on the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. It intersects with aerospace engineering, autonomous systems, and renewable energy technologies, particularly in the design and optimization of lightweight, energy-efficient air vehicles for passenger transport. The invention also relates to aerodynamics, composite materials, and AI-based flight control systems, addressing the need for sustainable, compact, and quiet aerial transportation solutions for urban environments, improving mobility while reducing congestion and environmental impact.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
[002] Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxis represent a significant technological shift in urban air mobility, addressing the increasing need for faster, more efficient, and sustainable transportation. In recent years, a surge of innovations has emerged in the aerospace industry, with hundreds of eVTOL concepts introduced by start-ups and established aerospace companies. These vehicles are poised to revolutionize urban commuting by offering traffic-free, highspeed, and eco-friendly transportation through 3D air corridors, bypassing congested roads.
[003] One of the pioneering projects in this field is the Skai hydrogen-powered eVTOL, which operates on hydrogen fuel cells as its primary power source. Unlike conventional electric vehicles that rely on batteries, Skai utilizes hydrogen fuel cells to achieve extended endurance and range. Capable of flying for up to four hours or 400 miles (640 km), and with a capacity for five passengers, Skai offers a cleaner alternative with zero emissions, addressing both range anxiety and environmental concerns. This hydrogen-powered solution highlights the growing emphasis on sustainable energy in aviation, while demonstrating the potential of alternative energy sources for eVTOLs.
[004] Another notable development in the eVTOL market is Bell's Nexus air taxi, which has undergone a significant design evolution with the introduction of the "4EX" and "6HX" versions. These new models feature fewer ducted fans and a longer wing, improving aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining the vehicle's electric powered capabilities. Fully electric, the Nexus air taxi offers a quieter and cheaper alternative to traditional helicopters, making it more suitable for urban environments. Its electric multirotor deliver excellent hover stability, supported by the instant torque production of electric motors, allowing rapid response to environmental conditions, such as wind disturbances.
[005] Both the Skai and Nexus air taxis represent advancements in the eVTOL space, showcasing the diverse approaches to powering and designing these vehicles. The Skai emphasizes long-range endurance with hydrogen fuel, while the Nexus prioritizes aerodynamic improvements and operational efficiency through electric power.
[006] This research, a conceptual design of two-seater quadrotor air taxi, is designed to be robust and aerodynamically efficient compared to other air taxis. It features a lightweight composite airframe for reduced empty weight and improved performance, while the four-rotor configuration ensures exceptional stability and manoeuvrability. By focusing on compact dimensions, noise reduction, and energy-efficient electric propulsion, my design offers superior hover performance and cost-effective operations, making it a viable and competitive solution in the emerging eVTOL market.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] The invention is a two-seater quadrotor air taxi designed for urban air mobility. It utilizes electric propulsion and a lightweight composite airframe for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities. The quadrotor configuration provides excellent stability and hover efficiency, while advanced autonomous flight systems with AI-based navigation ensure safe, reliable operation. The air taxi's compact design, low noise output, and energy efficiency make it ideal for congested urban environments. Its lightweight structure and electric motors result in lower operating costs and emissions, offering a sustainable and practical solution for modern urban transportation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[008] Figure 1 indicates Isometric View comprising parts Propeller(1), Propeller Arm(2), Cabin Structure(3), Electronic bay(4), Landing Skid(5)
[009] Figure 2 indicates Cabin Inside View
[010] Figure 3 indicates Propeller Blade Configuration
[011] Figure 4 indicates Propeller arm and the Cabin
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[012] The two-seater air taxi is designed with compact dimensions, making it ideal for urban air mobility. It has a length of 2 meters, a height of 1.5 meters, and a width of 1.5 meters, providing a lightweight and aerodynamically efficient profile. The empty weight is 200 kg, while the operating empty weight is 300 kg, allowing for a maximum gross weight of 450 kg. The airframe is constructed from carbon reinforced composite material, optimizing strength and reducing overall weight.
[013] The quadrotor configuration includes four propellers with a diameter of 1.45 meters, providing stable lift and efficient hovering. The arm length between the rotors is 1.5 meters, ensuring optimal rotor spacing for stability. The taxi employs a skid-type landing gear with dimensions of 2 meters in length, 0.6 meters in height, and 2 meters in width, offering a robust yet lightweight solution for safe landings.
[014] The blade diameter of each rotor is 1.6 meters, with a pitch of 1.45 meters, contributing to efficient thrust generation and manoeuvrability. These design features collectively provide a balance of safety, performance, and efficiency, suitable for urban air transportation. , C , Claims:[015] 1. A two-seater quadrotor air taxi for urban air mobility, comprising: A lightweight composite airframe that reduces empty weight and improves energy efficiency; An electric propulsion system that enables vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) with high-efficiency electric motors and power storage systems; A quadrotor configuration with four rotors positioned strategically to ensure optimal balance, stability, and hover performance during operation; An advanced autonomous flight system that integrates AI-based navigation for safe, dependable, and effective flight operations in urban environments; and A compact design that makes it possible to navigate and land in constrained urban areas, such as rooftops and designated air mobility hubs.
[016] 2. The air taxi of claim 1, wherein the carbon fiber composite materials used to create the lightweight composite airframe maximize the strength-to-weight ratio.
[017] 3. The air taxi of claim 1, wherein the rotors are built with characteristics like variable pitch blades to reduce noise pollution while operating.
[018] 4. The air taxi in claim 1, wherein real-time integration of urban traffic data, and emergency landing protocols are built into the autonomous flight system to improve operational safety.
[019] 5. The air taxi in claim 1, where in the landing gears are built with light weight composite or aluminium alloys for increased strength and flexibility.
[020] 6. The air taxi of claim 1, wherein further customized to perform multiple functions, including Urban commuter transport for two passengers; Emergency medical supplies; Cargo delivery with a flexible payload bay for medium-sized goods.

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