Design of UAM Concept Vehicles with Distributed Electric Propulsion Systems

Abstract

Noise is the main challenge regarding the public acceptance of Urban Air Mobility (UAM). In an ongoing research project at the German Aerospace Center, two different UAM vehicle concepts were developed, including the design of the vehicles and that of the electric powertrain. For both vehicles, an identical mission as well as identical Top Level Aircraft Requirements were defined. The main difference between the vehicles is the propulsion strategy: One vehicle is powered by open rotors and the other by ducted fans. The current paper presents results from the design of the vehicles and their distributed propulsion systems, including propeller and fan design as well as detailed information on the architecture of the electric powertrain.