MISSION POTENTIAL OF DERIVATIVES OF THE XV-15 TILT ROTOR RESEARCH AIRCRAFT

Outstanding low- and high-speed performance and flight characteristics have been demonstrated and measured on the XV-15 tilt rotor aircraft during recent envelope expansion flight tests. Although the XV-15 was designed specifically as a research vehicle, it has the potential, with suitable modifications, to evolve into a productive aircraft for other missions. An increase in blade chord and installation of current state-of-the-art engines can increase payload by twofold and significantly reduce fuel consumption. A new fuselage would be appropriate for certain requirements. Derivative aircraft and the required changes are described for commercial and military applications. The resulting performance and payload-range characteristics are compared with the basic XV-15 aircraft and similar size existing helicopters and airplanes performing the same missions. It is shown that the XV-15 derivatives are competitive with the existing aircraft. Some of the derivative aircraft can perform missions not possible with airplanes or helicopters because of the unique high-speed/long-range VTOL capability and the highly flexible flight envelope of the tilt rotor aircraft. Development of one or more of these derivative aircraft appears to be a next logical step in exploring the operational capability of the tilt rotor concept and proving that the technology for producing a useful and viable VTOL has been achieved.