Textron eAviation announced on July 17, 2023 that it had begun wind tunnel testing to support the development of its ADAVe (Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing Aircraft), Nexus. The tests will validate the performance, stability and control of the vehicle design to confirm preliminary configuration, range and speed estimates, as well as how the rotors interact with the vehicle’s aerodynamics for all phases of flight, including transition and cruise.
Nexus blown in Switzerland
What was once the Bell Nexus is now affiliated with Textron eAviation, the company created out of the assets of Pipistrel, the Slovenian manufacturer of light sport aircraft, by Textron. Textron eAviation announced on July 17, 2023 that it had begun wind tunnel testing to support the development of its ADAVe (Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing Aircraft), Nexus. The tests will validate the performance, stability and control of the vehicle design to confirm preliminary configuration, range and speed estimates, as well as how the rotors interact with the vehicle’s aerodynamics for all phases of flight, including transition and cruise.
A concept on the retex of the V22 and the V280
“The start of wind tunnel testing is a major milestone for the Nexus, allowing us to calibrate our simulations and validate our design,” said Rob Scholl, president and CEO of Textron eAviation. “The Nexus aircraft and Textron eAviation build on the extensive experience of programs such as the Bell V22 and V280. The data and lessons learned from these wind tunnel tests will allow us to further refine our models and designs to design a viable and leading eVTOL aircraft,” adds Rob Scholl.
A model at 23%
Nexus wind tunnel testing is performed on a 23% scale model to evaluate rotors across the full range of conversion angles and power levels, drawing on Textron’s decades of experience in material for the development of its products for tiltrotors, turboprops and jet aircraft. The tests also provide immediate information on tailplane size, engine power requirements, transition strategies, net hover thrust, and aerodynamic drag, paving the way for final requirements that meet industry standards. certification.
