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[USER=4256]@H_K[/USER] - some nice analysis there. Of course, we need to be careful not to overly prescribe operational capabilities with that of a technology demonstrator. I do think that the significant improvements in efficiency, even if not at the highest speeds, would be the primary selling point for a compound rotorcraft like the RACER. If you can accomplish task(s) with a 1/3 saving on fuel, that is a significant cost burden avoidance. Even the 1/4 reduction is significant. I think the greatest challenge will be how well the aerodynamics size up to a platform that could meet the expectations of larger transit requirements (military and offshore oil).I do however expect that a military version of the platform will naturally see a reduction in the efficiencies of the demonstrator as sensors and antenna get attached to the exterior of the aircraft. Drag is exponential (?). This is not something that most rotorcraft users have concerned themselves with up to this point.
[USER=4256]@H_K[/USER] - some nice analysis there. Of course, we need to be careful not to overly prescribe operational capabilities with that of a technology demonstrator. I do think that the significant improvements in efficiency, even if not at the highest speeds, would be the primary selling point for a compound rotorcraft like the RACER. If you can accomplish task(s) with a 1/3 saving on fuel, that is a significant cost burden avoidance. Even the 1/4 reduction is significant. I think the greatest challenge will be how well the aerodynamics size up to a platform that could meet the expectations of larger transit requirements (military and offshore oil).
I do however expect that a military version of the platform will naturally see a reduction in the efficiencies of the demonstrator as sensors and antenna get attached to the exterior of the aircraft. Drag is exponential (?). This is not something that most rotorcraft users have concerned themselves with up to this point.
