Bringing innovation to the VTOL universe, Jetoptera J-2000 features a potentially game-changing “Fluid Propulsion System.”
Almost every air taxi concept we’ve seen so far came equipped with ducted fans or rapidly spinning propellers. However, Seattle-based startup Jetoptera developed a unique and revolutionary propulsion system in its new J-2000 VTOL concept.
The J-2000 isn’t propelled using spinning blades, but Dyson-like bladeless fans using the air around the aircraft and converting it into powerful thrust. Jetoptera dubbed this VTOL propulsion method “Fluid Propulsion System” (FPS).
Jetoptera’s innovative propulsion system impressed the public, including the United States Air Force. So much that it decided to award two small contracts to the company to further polish the noise created by the FPS in an anechoic chamber. Furthermore, the investment would also be used to prove that it can produce a similar lift force as a rotor-wing aircraft when used with an Upper Surface Blown Wing (USB).
The Fluid Propulsion System comes with four hoops acting as thrusters, two out of which are located at the front and two in the rear. Similar to Dyson’s bladeless fans, these thrusters basically multiply the air and generate more thrust. As briefly explained by New Atlas, the system use fluid dynamics to take a relatively small flow of compressed air and then use it to suck a greater amount of ambient air through at speed.
All four hoops help the aircraft take flight, but once in the air, the front hoops fold into the aircraft’s body, whereas the ones at the back propel it forward at speeds as high as 200 MPH.
The J-2000 can comfortably seat two people, but Jetoptera also works on a bigger 4-seater version called the J-4000. Both take-off and land vertically like others of their kind, but unlike common VTOLs, they travel forward like a miniature jet.
According to Jetoptera, propulsion systems such as the FPS would help reduce fuel consumption by more than 50% and enhance propulsion efficiency by over 10% compared to small turbojets. The company also claims that its system is quieter and lighter than traditional propeller-based propulsion systems.
At the moment, it is still unclear whether this flying taxi concept will ever enter production. Moreover, Jetoptera also made clear that it is mainly using the J-2000 concept as a tool to showcase the capabilities of its FPS. It doesn’t intend to waste time and resources going through certifications required to bring it to the market, at least for now.
More details to come.
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