FanWing

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The FanWing or fan wing is a revolutionary new aircraft design. It is a completely new class of aircraft that uses a fixed wing with a forced airflow produced by cylindrical fans mounted above the wing.

Its makers claim it is the first horizontal-rotored integral lift and propulsion wing in history to sustain flight. It bridges the gap between conventional fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.

FanWing is also the name of the company created to develop the concept.

At July 2005 it is in development in the United Kingdom by its inventor Patrick Peebles. Since its invention in 1997 it has undergone wind tunnel tests and powered model flights. The UK government is contributing to its further development. Patents have been taken out in all aircraft manufacturing countries.

According to FanWing's creators, it is distinguished from traditional aircraft in numerous ways:

FanWing is quiet, stable in turbulence, and slow.
It already nearly achieves vertical takeoff and landing. (VTOL)
FanWing cannot stall and is suited to low speed flight.
Its already established efficiency in lift and thrust makes FanWing highly space and fuel economical.
The FanWing is also simple, has few high-tech materials requirements and therefore has low maintenance and construction costs.
It has limited glide capability and needs power to remain airborne.

Possible applications are air freight, short haul passenger flights and aerial observation.