This paper deals with the evaluation of the flight dynamics response of aircraft with a PrandtlPlane configuration by means of simple models to be used during the preliminary design. The study is completed by method that allows an initial sizing of the elevator and the aileron in such the way adequate requirements can be achieved: […]
A new paper published in Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology (Emerald): “Mission architecture for Mars exploration based on small satellites and planetary drones”
The purpose of this paper is to deal with the study of an innovative unmanned mission to Mars, which is aimed at acquiring a great amount of detailed data related to both Mars’ atmosphere and surface. The Mars surface exploration is conceived by means of a fleet of drones flying among a set of reference […]
A new paper published in Aerotecnica Missili & Spazio (Springer): “Ultralight amphibious PrandtlPlane: the final design”
The IDINTOS project, co-founded by the Regional Government of Tuscany (Italy), concerns the design of a ultralight amphibious PrandtlPlane and the manufacturing of a flying prototype. A consortium of universities and private companies participated to the project, coordinated by University of Pisa. The paper describes the general design of the aircraft, including aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, structures, […]
A new paper published in Aerotecnica Missili & Spazio (Springer): “Aerodynamic optimization of a large PrandtlPlane configuration”
The purpose of this paper is to present design procedures and tools for the aerodynamic optimization of a large freighter aircraft with a PrandtlPlane configuration. Suitable optimization tools have been developed and are shortly described in the paper; sensitivity analyses for high speed flight conditions have been performed, and, also, low speed performances are evaluated […]
A new paper published in Aerotecnica Missili & Spazio (Springer): “IDINTOS: the first prototype of an amphibious PrandtlPlane-shaped aircraft”
This paper summarizes the main activities conducted to design, optimize and build a prototype of an innovative light amphibian. This aircraft is a “PrandtlPlane”, a particular box-wing configuration which introduces relevant advantages as increased aerodynamic efficiency and safety of flight; the research project, called IDINTOS, has been co-funded by the Regional Government of Tuscany (Italy), […]