Five days of tests in the University of Washington Kirsten Wind Tunnel for the Stratos Very Light Personal Jet (VLPJ) recently wrapped up. The one-fifth scale aluminum, polycarbonate, and composite model was subjected to more than 90 runs with a focus on airflow over the fuselage, wings, and vertical tail, according to company officials.
Engineers are still analyzing the data, company officials said. Initial results show the tests verified the novel areas of the design, the scalloped forward fuselage in particular, officials added.
The model proved to be effective in handling airflow in all flight attitudes, including takeoff, landing and strong crosswind components, officials note. Even at high yaw angles (representing high X-wind cases) the flow into the downwind inlet remained remarkably clean, they said. Numerous other tests performed included runs to refine the winglets and verify the roll control system design.
The wing-body fairing geometry was also enhanced during the testing, according to company officials. Subsequently, the team stated that this area will need further CFD analysis and additional wind tunnel work before the fairing geometry is frozen. Stratos has developed a video on the wind tunnel testing that is available at YouTube
Development of the Stratos continues with parallel structures and aerodynamics development programs. The structures program is focused currently on stress analysis of the fuselage. Ultimately, all primary structural components will be built and load tested prior to the construction of the first prototype, officials said.
The Stratos 714 is a single engine VLPJ capable of carrying four/five people to FL 410, at cruise speeds over 400 knots, with a range of 1,500 nautical miles (with NBAA reserves), said officials with the company, which is now accepting $10,000 deposits for delivery positions. Deposits are escrowed in interest-bearing accounts and can be retrieved at any time. The company expects to have two flying prototype aircraft within the next two years.
For more information: StratosAircraft.com or 541-330-0714.
