Jetoptera and GE Aviation (www.geaviation.com) have agreed to jointly demonstrate a 500lbf Fluidic Propulsion System (a trademarked term) that uses a ‘gas generator’ based on GE Aviation’s H-Series turboprop engine (pictured).

This is the first step towards a fully customised gas generator that will lead to a Jetoptera 500 VTOL full-flight demonstrator.

Jetoptera’s Fluidic Propulsion System is “a remarkably simple approach to producing thrust for powerful VTOL-capable aircraft”.

A gas generator produces the ‘pressurised fluid’ that is distributed to specially designed thrusters designed to augment thrust via the “massive entrainment of ambient air”.

Thrusters can be shaped and distributed around an airframe in ways to maximise lift while at the same time distributing propulsion. The result is a high-speed compact system that can naturally hover.

Denis Dancanet, Jetoptera CEO (www.jetoptera.com) , said: “We are excited to join forces with GE Aviation to develop optimised versions of gas generators for our Fluidic Propulsion System.

“They will be used to power mid-size to larger aircraft in our product line-up.”

Andrei Evulet, Jetoptera CTO, added: “After demonstrating the wing-borne fluidic propulsion capabilities on a 100lbf platform this summer, the next demonstration of a 500lbf platform will validate our road-map to introducing unmanned and manned aircraft offering quite unique capabilities.

“Jetoptera is developing powerful UAVs and realistic flying cars to revolutionise transportation. Our distributed propulsion system and novel airframe create a lighter, more-efficient and less-complex aircraft than previous models. Our technology enables vertical take-off and landing, high speeds, sizable payloads and range — and manoeuvrability.”