Special issue on advances in rotorcraft research and technology

49th European Rotorcraft Forum

Journal Article (2025)
Author(s)

Klausdieter Pahlke (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR))

Anthony Gardner (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR))

Mike Jones (Systems Technology Inc.)

Pierangelo Masarati (Politecnico di Milano)

M.D. Pavel (TU Delft - Control & Simulation)

Research Group
Control & Simulation
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13272-025-00896-1
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Research Group
Control & Simulation
Issue number
4
Volume number
16
Pages (from-to)
1061-1062
Reuse Rights

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Abstract

Rotorcraft research must address the needs of society, industry, and the military in the field of rotorcraft. Increased automation, reduced pilot workload, improved performance, and quieter rotor blades are needed. These topics are covered by traditional rotorcraft disciplines. However, new challenges also arise. For instance, we must reduce CO₂ emissions by using hybrid or fully electric power trains and sustainable aviation fuels. Additionally, we must address new threats and operational concepts in today’s military environments. Uncrewed air vehicles with a high level of automation or autonomous operations are changing the landscape of civil and military operations. Well-established and new companies are trying to address these challenges with new approaches and configurations. As with any vehicle with a thrust-to-weight ratio greater than one, a technical solution for a rotorcraft must be highly efficient, limiting the innovative designs that can be considered. [...]