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CubCrafters announced the successful completion of full-scale, proof-of-concept flight testing for its new Electric Lift Augmentation Slats technology. Through testing, CubCrafters has seen more than a 50 percent reduction in takeoff distances for the test conditions performed to date.
The ELAS technology was revealed by CubCrafters in May, announcing that it was in the late stages of prototyping and by June 7, announced the early testing stages had begun. CubCrafters said its Development Team has quickly moved from theory to full-scale testing. The results from testing have been positive, with a more than 50 percent reduction in takeoff distances, confirming the anticipated up to 50 percent reduction and exceeding original expectations. The initial tests on the NXCub demonstrated a reduction in stall speed of about 20 percent with ELAS powered on only a portion of the wing.RELATED STORIES:CubCrafters begins testing new slatsCubCrafters new slats could reduce STOL distances by up to 50 percent
During the flight testing the ELAS system had minimal impact on the aircraft's cruise speed. When CubCrafters revealed the technology in June it shared that NASA awarded the company with two research grants to partially fund the project. The team is in ongoing discussions with NASA to continually optimize, scale and commercialize the ELAS technology.
The technology combines electric ducted fans with leading-edge lifting slats to accelerate airflow over the wing. By increasing the velocity of the airshow over the top surface of the wing, the slats will lower the air pressure above the wing, causing an increase in the lift generated. The ELAS system will also achieve better aerodynamic performance at a slower speed and higher angle of attack. This will reduce the stall speed of the aircraft and improve slow-speed handling characteristics.
ELAS will allow fixed-wing aircraft to achieve shorter takeoff distances, steeper approaches, slower landing speeds and minimal ground roll. The leading-edge slats with multiple integrated electrical duct fans added in allow the ELAS to create a higher energy airflow through and around the slats. This airflow will boost the lifts by a factor of 1.5 to 4.0 depending on the airfoil geometry and flight conditions.
These slats can be added to an existing airframe or built into the wings during manufacturing. The new slats will also have the ability to retract when not in use. The ELAS technology is expected to be applicable to a range of fixed-wing aircraft beyond the CubCrafters lineup. CubCrafters also shared it was exploring development and licensing opportunities.