TOP

Ductling D-II development

In September 2004 I had a vision made up of several parts, starting with a carving done in 1985 Angel, the BetterFly Logo and some sea shell fossils given to me, all together inspiring the Ducting D-II.   See my concept sketches.   First I decided the Duct-tail was ineffective alone, by adding a second Duct-tail now dubbed "Duct Vane" and aligning them into a V shape I would achieve a similar affect as vector thrusting technology.  Here a series of pictures showing the progression in the development of the Ductling D-II .

A new model  (prototype II) & ( prototype III)

A new sketch was made to work out the inlets. I built a larger model so I could concentrate on the power plant for the fan cradle. As you can see a model was built (in black) showing the inlets, but this did not satisfy my understanding of the relationship with the Duct-tail. This inspired me to build again.

The first picture shows a sketch I finished after the last model (in black) was built. What has occurred here is the original sketch (also shown in picture 2, back to the design phase) had sharp lines and did not depict the true shape of what was to become. With emphasis on the inlets and defining the wings more picture 1 refined the details, influenced by the shell features form my vision.

Working the details   (prototype IV)

So I began to build again a larger scale. A scale equal to the Vesa fan unit intended qs the power plant. This would determine the requirements for the tail configuration. I was able to identify the power plant, Duct-tail shapes and the choice of material here where too complex for this to be successful. The intake system was not working out also, so a new approach needed to take place. Rework the intake and exhaust system.

Some refining in the concept (prototype V)

A discovery occurred in this process. The material used is all Styrofoam. Over time I collected Styrofoam trays from our groceries and planed to build a plane as an experiment with a new source of material.  The opportunity presented itself with these prototypes. The Duct-tail was recreated in foam and this material proves to be more appropriate for this construction. A simpler structure proved to be more resilient to damage, also lighter, however not familiar with the material. The shaping process was awkward, due to the fact I was not familiar with types of foam. My understanding now, the foam used here is best known in the shape of a serving trays used by catering services and food container for burgers used by fast food restaurants.  DEPRON I have an article working with this type of material.

Pretty but not right (prototype V)

Design in progress. The cockpit has problems with the inlets. For the intended full scale, I realized the fan units will be smaller in size, therefore less obstructive with cockpit development.  This feature will be omitted from this scale.

This model has some design problem, the power plant and Duct-tail needed correcting. I noticed the flow from the power plant would be restricted by the deflection (alignment) of the fan shroud and tail. I decide to start again. All in all it was close….

New improved (prototype VI)

A simplified construction of the twin V-tail unit is displayed. I have now worked out the details of the individual parts that make up the power plant. Notice the inline alignment of the shroud and Duct-tail.

The V-Tail body taking shape Fine geometry!!! 

Imagine, control surfaces, acting as rudder and elevator.  A V-tail configuration with trusting air flowing right there, some control huh...!  A look inside the shroud through to the Duct-Tail, One could visualize the outcome it will create.  The area dimension of the outlet exhaust is equal to the intake.  The cockpit needs more height, adding to the foil shape. The basic lifting body shape is not seen here, but by removing the V-tail (fan shroud) you would see an airfoil silhouette, part of the secret of the high lifting capabilities of this design.

The inlets, still did not grasp the shape. It was not until I built the nose out that the allowance for the inlets took shape, and what a look…. equal to the intake opening.    

Body needs wings

Placement for the wings is drawn in. With the side view, adding the wings now completes the Blended Wing Body design. This one is special, because it is a hydroplane, so the wings need to be set higher than the belly of the craft. This takes it away from a true BWB concept.  With this concept the wings create a cup effect when sitting in the water, thereby forcing the plane to lift out of the water sooner. Another design criterion was to ensure the inlet and fan unit where clear above water. Possibly a screen at the intakes will help restrict water from entering the fan units. The "V' hull is prominent suggesting a boat shape. It kind of looks like a bug, maybe a Fly?  

< HOME  |  Concepts  |  Design  | Design tools  |  My Hangar  | Gliders  |  Back   >
<  Projects  |  CAD Drawings  |  FREE drawing viewer   >

Copyright © 2003 [BetterFly Crafts]. All rights reserved.

This WEB page was last updated: 2008 01 19.