{"project":{"acronym":"LEAPTech","projectId":23907,"title":"Leading-Edge Asynchronous Propeller Technology","primaryTaxonomyNodes":[{"taxonomyNodeId":10952,"taxonomyRootId":8816,"parentNodeId":10946,"level":3,"code":"TX15.1.6","title":"Advanced Atmospheric Flight Vehicles","definition":"This area covers unconventional vehicle concept designs enabled by advancements in understanding of flow and fluid phenomena.","exampleTechnologies":"Concept flow-related technologies supporting development of subsonic transports, supersonic transports, hybrid electric concepts, advanced spacecraft, launch vehicle and abort vehicles, planetary EDL and ascent vehicles, and urban air vehicles","hasChildren":false,"hasInteriorContent":true}],"startTrl":1,"currentTrl":3,"endTrl":4,"benefits":"
The LEAPTech distributed-propeller approach to electric aviation will increase efficiency 500 percent, reduce costs 30 percent, dramatically reduce aircraft noise, and produce zero emissions. It also is expected to improve the performance and ride quality of electric-propulsion aircraft. In addition, the commercial potential for this technology is significant, since approximately half of passenger air travel is short range—known as the thin-haul market—for which electric propulsion is ideal. Within a few years, such aircraft could be retrofitted to incorporate the LEAPTech propulsion system, achieving significant environment and economic benefits.
","description":"In Spring 2015, NASA and its commercial partners ran full-scale ground tests of a LEAPTech experimental wing. Called the Hybrid-Electric Integrated Systems Testbed (HEIST), this 31-foot carbon-composite wing section held 18 propeller motors powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries. Rather than incur the significant costs of testing the HEIST in a wind tunnel, the research team mounted it onto a specially modified truck that was driven across a dry lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base at 70 miles per hour, simulating takeoff speeds. The HEIST was attached to load cells on a supporting truss to dampen the effects of the road.
The ground tests provided valuable data and furthered risk reduction, positively contributing to future flight research. Specifically, the ground tests were an important step toward development of a small X-plane demonstrator. The X-plane will involve replacing a Tecnam P2006T’s wings and engines with LEAPTech, allowing engineers to easily compare its performance against that of the original aircraft.
","startYear":2015,"startMonth":1,"endYear":2015,"endMonth":9,"statusDescription":"Completed","principalInvestigators":[{"contactId":428472,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Sean","lastName":"Clarke","fullName":"Sean C Clarke","fullNameInverted":"Clarke, Sean C","middleInitial":"C","primaryEmail":"sean.clarke@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programDirectors":[{"contactId":335305,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Michael","lastName":"Lapointe","fullName":"Michael R Lapointe","fullNameInverted":"Lapointe, Michael R","middleInitial":"R","primaryEmail":"michael.r.lapointe@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programExecutives":[{"contactId":392233,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Richard","lastName":"Howard","fullName":"Richard W Howard","fullNameInverted":"Howard, Richard 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We also believe that aerospace technology can be enhanced through flight early in the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) lifecycle. In fact, some research can be done only in flight. The CIF projects are examples of aerospace technologies that are theoretically advantageous but have had little TRL advancement or are at too early of a technology level for support through a NASA mission.
The focus for the program is on validating, developing, and testing new and innovative technologies.
The current technology areas for the projects included:
AFRC is currently looking into following Technical Capability areas (not in any priority order and not all inclusive):
1. Small launch Space Systems
Develop small launch space systems such as horizontal rockets that could launch to orbit small free-flying space platforms (e.g., cuestas, nanosats, picosats).
2. Altitude Compensating Rocket Systems
Design, build, and test altitude compensating rocket systems or sub-systems designed to operate the rocket efficiently across a wide range of altitudes. Subsystems such as Altitude Compensating Nozzles are being considered.
3. Aero Gravity Assist Systems
Design, build, and test an Aerogravity assist system which uses a close approach to the planet, dipping into the atmosphere, so the spacecraft can also use aerodynamic lift to further curve the trajectory.
4. Launch Vehicle and Spacecraft Adaptive Controls
Develop and test adaptive controls architectures specifically tailored for application to launch vehicles. Adaptive Controls for launch vehicles would include unique features of the aerospace vehicle, such as control-structure interaction, propellant slosh, sensor performance, and actuator dynamics. In addition, the analysis, verification, and flight certification framework for the control system must be addressed.
5. Autonomous Systems
AFRC is exploring concepts for advanced autonomous systems and collaborative autonomous operations that could be applied across aerospace vehicles to enhance effectiveness, survivability, and affordability.
6. Autonomy in a Safety Critical Framework
Armstrong Flight Research Center is interested in the flight demonstration of high level autonomy in a safety critical framework with applicability to man-rated air and space vehicles. This high level of autonomy is enabled through the use of multiple sensor platforms and algorithms with high computational demands. Increased computational capability through embedded high performance computing and implementation of resource efficient algorithms is needed to support this integration. Research into embedded high performance computing using multi-core processors, FPGA, GPU, DSP and associated development of toolchains and algorithms targeted to these platforms is needed in order to reduce the Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) of the flight vehicles..
7. Space Weather Systems
Design, develop, and test measurement systems to provide the capability for on-demand, validated, and archived radiation measurements related to human tissue and avionics silicon upset concerns.
8. Electromagnetically Boosted Rockets
One possible solution is to use an electromagnetic linear motor boost system to supplement the use of first stage booster rockets and rocket clusters. China Lake is currently advocating to NAVAIR to initiate a study of long term capital costs and recurring system operational costs of the use of an electromagnetic linear motor booster system for their rocket sled tracks as compared to the long term operational system costs of moving to a newer line of booster rocket production.
","parentProgram":{"acronym":"CIF","active":true,"description":"
Through the Center Innovation Fund, the Space Technology Mission Directorate allocates a small portion of the NASA workforce and procurement budget to internal research and development to feed early stage innovation in technology and exploration. Activities with in the Center Innovation Fund are proposed and led by NASA scientists and engineers. These activities and creative initiatives pursue emerging technologies that leverage talent and capabilities at the NASA Centers.
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