| Transformer | |
|---|---|
| Type | Flying car |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Specifications | |
| Length | >30 ft (910 cm)[1] |
| Width | >8.5 ft (260 cm)[1] |
| Height | >9 ft (270 cm)[1] |
| Crew | 4[1] |
|
|
|
| Payload capacity | 1,000 lb (450 kg)[1] |
| Operational range |
250 NM (460 km)[1] |
The Transformer or TX is a 5-year, 3-phase[2] flying car effort coordinated by DARPA for the United States Military.
The objective of the Transformer (TX) program is to demonstrate a four person vehicle that provides enhanced logistics and mobility though hybrid flyable/roadable capabilities. This presents unprecedented capability to avoid traditional and asymmetrical threats while avoiding road obstructions. TX will enable enhanced company operations of future missions with applicable use in strike and raid, intervention, interdiction, insurgency/counterinsurgency, reconnaissance, medical evacuation and logistical supply. The TX vehicle will have Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) capability with a minimum combat range of 250 nautical miles on a single tank of fuel.
The primary focus of the TX program will be the development and demonstration of an integrated suite of critical technologies that enable dual-mode transportation, VTOL capability, efficient flight performance, and a combat range comparable to present day rotorcraft. It is envisioned that this program will, at a minimum, demonstrate the ability to build a ground vehicle that is capable of configuring into a VTOL air vehicle that provides sufficient flight performance and range, while carrying a payload that is representative of four troops with gear. Key performance parameters have been specified to show specific operational utility. The program will be divided into two separate tasks. Task A will develop and integrate a full vehicle and Task B will develop individual critical technologies components for the full vehicle.
DARPA expects the Transformer to cost $203,000.[3]
Contents |
The Marines, Air Force, special forces[4] and National Guard[5] have stated an interest in the vehicle. Marines may use the Transformer as a tool for the Enhanced Company Operations concept.[6]
The Marines would use the vehicle for amphibious assault and potentially eliminate the need for amphibious vehicles which are vulnerable to shore defenses and limited by their low speeds.[4] Special ops would like to send vehicles unmanned to resupply special operators and then allow them to use that vehicle.[4]
Its VTOL capability gives it the ability to avoid threats and obstacles. The TX is required to have a range of 250 nmi (460 km) on a single tank of fuel which may be attained through flight, land, or a combination of both.[1]
The vehicle is to be lightly armored, required only to handle small arms fire. Its VTOL capability gives it the ability to avoid threats.[1]
| External images | |
|---|---|
| AAI/Textron's Transformer proposal | |
DARPA was at first not interested in traditional rotary-wing aircraft, but shrouded rotor concepts might be considered.[7]
The first phase consists of trade studies to evaluate future technologies[8] as well as conceptual design of both a prototype and a production vehicle.[2]
No more than 2 contracts were to be awarded in the $65m Phase I.[9][1] In September however only AAI's proposal was selected,[10] for $3m.[11] This proposal builds on the CarterCopter slowed rotor technology,[12][13][14] and incorporates deployable surfaces technology from Terrafugia.[15][16] The United States Army Research Laboratory (Vehicle Technology Directorate) was contracted to conduct rotor analysis. Other partners are Bell Helicopter and Textron Marine & Land Systems, sister companies of AAI and subsidiaries of Textron. Lockheed Martin, Piasecki Aircraft, Ricardo Inc., Carnegie Mellon University, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Aurora Flight Sciences, ThinGap, Terrafugia and Metis Design are also connected to the project.[9]
In October 2010, Lockheed Martin and its partners were also connected to Phase 1 of the program.[8]
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne has received a $1m contract[11] to develop a diesel engine called Enduro Core to power the Transformer.[17]
In 2011, AAI and LM were chosen to proceed with Phase II of the project. The 7,500lb AAI vehicle is proposed to be equipped with a 1,200 shp Honeywell HTS900 turboshaft engine to power 4 electric wheel motors or the 56 inch ducted fan, and spin up the 50 foot rotor. Ground speed is up to 80mph; flight speed range is 50-155kt; maximum altitude is 10,000ft.
The 7,000lb LM vehicle has two turboshaft engines in a 41ft wing with tilting 8.5ft ducted fans, giving a flight speed of 130kts, while a Pratt & Whitney EnduroCore heavy-fuel rotary engine powers the four electric wheel motors for ground motion.
Preliminary design reviews for Phase 2 may occur at late fiscal 2012, and DARPA may then choose a team to proceed to Phase 3.[18]
The winning team will produce a Prototype Vehicle (PV) with limited features, ready to fly in 2015. DARPA aims for a full-featured Field Vehicle (FV) to cost around $1 million, compared to $400,000 for a Humvee and $4 million for a light helicopter.[18]
This article incorporates work from https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=9b745d803c1d206f16fd6f64542eadd6&tab=core&tabmode=list&print_preview=1, which is in the public domain as it is a work of the United States Army.
