Electric propulsion systems are changing the fundamentals of aircraft design, enabling engineers to rethink traditional configurations and aesthetics. Unlike gas turbines, which are bulky and require centralized placement, electric motors are small, lightweight, and can be distributed across the aircraft’s structure. This allows for designs where propulsion units are integrated into the wings or fuselage, creating a more unified and aerodynamically efficient structure.
At the heart of eVTOL design lies a fundamental aerodynamic conundrum: how to achieve efficient vertical lift without compromising forward flight performance. Unlike traditional fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters, eVTOLs must excel in both vertical and horizontal flight regimes.