Continental's independent research and development of vertical take-off and landing jet powered aircraft: exploration and progress
Recently, under the careful research and development of the team of Professor Duan Feng of the School of Artificial Intelligence of Nankai University, Continental ushered in the first vertical take-off and landing jet-powered aircraft and successfully carried out test flights. The aircraft uses 4 to 8 small turbojet engines that provide it with powerful power and can produce up to 100 kg of lift. In addition, the aircraft is equipped with a self-developed thrust vectoring system and flight control system, which gives it excellent flight performance, such as strong power output, fast speed and reliable vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
This breakthrough has triggered higher expectations for mainland vertical takeoff and landing fighters, especially for military enthusiasts, and it seems that in this innovation, the possibility of Continental's independent development of F-35B stealth vertical takeoff and landing fighters is vaguely seen. Although some people have doubts about its small size and regard it as a model rather than a practical aircraft, in fact, this aircraft uses a "Pegasus" engine layout similar to the Harrier fighter, and has been enlarged and improved on this basis, equipped with lift wings, showing great development potential.
However, the Nankai University vehicle solves problems not only vertical takeoff and landing, but also the field of flight control. Its applications are not limited to VTOL aircraft, but can also be extended to deflector-wing aircraft. This is also closely related to the large deflection-wing UAVs currently being developed by Continental and the manned deflection-wing aircraft that may be involved in the future. This is obvious to those who understand the internal development of the industry. However, when observing the test flight footage, it was found that the aircraft had low-frequency oscillation during the test flight, which raised questions about the maturity of its inertial devices and flight control software. Although the prospects are promising, it still needs to be constantly explored and improved.
And when it comes to the topic of VTOL fighters, it is worth exploring whether the mainland has the ability to develop a stealthy VTOL fighter similar to the F-35B at the current level? First of all, from the perspective of stealth appearance, the mainland has long shown relevant strength and verified it through actual display. Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province, has publicly displayed a vertical take-off and landing fighter model with a stealth design comparable in appearance to the F-35B, but equipped with 12 electric motors and a deflection wing design. Its rotors can be folded and cleverly embedded in the engine grooves, which reduces radar wave reflections.
However, many believe that this is not a true VTOL fighter, and the main contradiction is the engine. This is also one of the biggest challenges for mainland to develop the F-35B. For now, Continental does not have an engine similar to the F135-PW-600, nor does it have a suitable lift fan. Even the previous generation of the Pegasus engine may not be able to develop successfully in the short term. The development of turbofan-10, turbofan-15 and other high-thrust engines takes time.
Another problem limiting the development of continental VTOL fighters is flight control technology. Having never ventured into similar territory before, Continental has almost no room for flight control. However, the flight control of VTOL fighters is extremely complex, and the accumulation of British and American countries in this regard mainly comes from the experience of repeated failures. Therefore, we may wish to start with the fields of model aircraft and drones, gradually accumulate experience, and effectively control risks.
As for deflection-wing aircraft, although Continental has made important progress in high-power turboshaft engines, flight control remains the biggest problem. In fact, Continental has proposed a variety of solutions, such as the Blue Whale, the Bobtail Falcon, 16 electric deflection wing transport aircraft, and the Rainbow 10. However, with the exception of Rainbow 10, other options are still in the model stage. It is reported that a larger version of Rainbow 10 is under development, and if it can solve the flight control problem, it may take greater steps in the future.
In general, the mainland has certain shortcomings in the field of vertical take-off and landing fighters and deflection-wing aircraft, but in the international trend, we cannot bear obvious technical gaps and deficiencies. Even if it is difficult to clarify the response at present
With application scenarios, we should also continue to make up for these technical shortcomings. The team of the School of Artificial Intelligence of Nankai University, like other scientific research teams, is firmly moving towards practical problems and continuing to explore and innovate.
In the face of challenges, we should first fully recognize the disadvantages of the continent in the field of vertical take-off and landing fighters and deflection-wing aircraft. However, as history shows, every technological advancement is a valuable lesson learned from exploration and failure. Continental has made a series of achievements in stealth technology, power systems and flight control, which have laid the foundation for filling the technological gap.
It is worth noting that VTOL fighters and deflector-wing aircraft are of great significance in military applications. With the changes in the world situation, the mainland cannot rely on the supply of other countries' technology, and should have the ability to innovate independently in key areas. The capabilities of VTOL fighters have great potential in both urban warfare and ballistic missile threats. The characteristics of the deflector-wing aircraft make it a breakthrough in conventional air power and expanding its flexible application on the battlefield.
To solve the above technical problems, we need to continue to increase investment in scientific research, gather more top talents, and strengthen international cooperation. In terms of engine technology, Continental has made important breakthroughs in the field of turboshaft engines, but we still need to further improve to meet the needs of vertical takeoff and landing fighters. At the same time, we can start from advanced technologies such as the "Pegasus" engine and gradually explore engine solutions suitable for vertical takeoff and landing.
Challenges in the field of flight control also need to be addressed. In this process, we can learn from international experience, and at the same time combine the actual situation of the mainland and gradually accumulate professional knowledge and skills in flight control through phased exploration such as model aircraft and drones. Through continuous testing and optimization, the stability and reliability of the flight control system is gradually improved.
In short, Mainland is standing at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation, exploring the development path of vertical take-off and landing fighters and deflection-wing aircraft. Although we face technical shortcomings and challenges, with the joint efforts of many teams such as the School of Artificial Intelligence of Nankai University, I believe that we have the ability to fill these gaps, contribute to the mainland's national defense cause, and make positive contributions to international peace and stability.