Flying-V - Scale model maiden flight

This summer, a team of researchers, engineers and a drone pilot of TU Delft traveled to an airbase in Germany for the first real test flight of the scaled flight model of the energy-efficient aircraft design called the Flying-V. The project was announced last year together with KLM. After a period of extensive wind tunnel testing and a series of ground tests in the Netherlands, it was time to perform the first flight and obtain an impression of the flight characteristics. The aircraft had a very successful maiden flight: www.tudelft.nl/en/ae/flying-v/
A list of the most frequent technical questions and our answers: www.tudelft.nl/en/ae/sustaina...
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[@AETUDelft]

In the months since the successful maiden test flight of the Flying-V scale model we’ve been inundated with questions, remarks, suggestions and of course also criticism. Thanks to all of you who reached out to us, we’re happy to see so much interest in the aircraft design and our other efforts to make aviation sustainable. Here’s a list of the most frequent (rather technical!) questions and our answers: www.tudelft.nl/en/ae/sustainable-aviation/flying-v/technology/frequently-asked-questions Please stay tuned for more news.

[@denisgoff251]

History in the making here, folks. The next big leap in aviation. Good Job, guys. Hope I'm still around to take a flight on one. 👍👍

[@jamescooke3763]

Its a flying wing, nothing new and having the engines on top means poor maintenance access. Obviously something pretty to spend money on and what problem does it solve anyway?

[@Petothegreatone]

@@jamescooke3763 True. Looks cool but nothing new. Instead make a plane without wings.

[@Petothegreatone]

I heard it crash landed hence there's no landing.

[@Skhillz_FN]

All they did was fly an rc plane Nothing special

[@firmanhermawan7176]

Don't worry. 2020 only has 3 more months.

[@theflightpractitioner7288]

Apparently the design is so efficient it never needs to land. Well done!

[@NicholasStreet]

Yep, it's still flying.😂

[@imamann]

😂😂😂😂

[@santiagodiez7022]

You're an @ss 😂😂😂

[@jcjumolazxc3106]

Haha, they don't show the landing in the video.

[@KlingbergWingMkII]

I've been designing, building, and testing flying wing for more than 40 years. I have an MS in Aero Eng. I can tell you the following facts. One, you can get anything to fly with enough power. Two, these students are learning a lot in this training program. Three, their efficiency claims are highly suspect. They need to take a close look at Oswald's efficiency factor - wind tunnel data on efficiency are highly suspect due to issues with the Reynold's number differences. Fourth, it's really cool to see it fly.

[@billmorris2613]

Dario Jurišić May i suggest you get an economical, rubber band attached wings, RC Trainer and learn to fly it first. Preferably using the buddy system. That is a system where your RC control box is connected to the instructor’s control box via a cable. He can cancel out your controller and take control, if you get out of control. Look for an RC club and some one that can instruct you. That way your own creations can live to fly another day. Only the Wright brothers can justify not taking any flight instructions. I’m a commercial pilot and have flown real airplanes for over 50 years. If I got into RC flying that is what I would do. Good luck in your career and learning to fly.

[@hauer54]

Fabulous design... well done, TU Delft!

[@louyplays]

My favourite part is when they land, it was fantastic!

[@rams49]

The moment the plane takes off and the instrumentation guy has to breathe and shake off the emotion to focus on the task. Great accomplishment!!! Lots of work ahead.

[@BENZ007]

Absolutely beautiful and amazing. Congratulations.

[@xcvx16]

Well that solves the ufo mystery once and for all.

[@joelalexander928]

if only it were that simple

[@arthousefilms]

How could they not show the landing?

[@smartcatcollarproject5699]

Your guess ? I suspect a crash...

[@u1zha]

@@smartcatcollarproject5699 In this here article they say it was bumpy but the plane survived alright. www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel/flying-v-model-of-futuristic-sustainable-plane-completes-maiden-flight-1.1073909 Given how bombastic the editing in this video is, I imagine the director must have gone hard on every slightest blooper whatsoever. "Rough landing? Cut... We don't want viewers to think they would be turned into omelette on landing..." As if viewers were idiots who don't understand what a scale model is...

[@SurawutAnurak]

Will be more complicated on weight distribution.

[@rocksparadox]

The youtube channel '"Real Engineering'' has a very informative video about this new type of airplane. Weight distribution is not the biggest issue here, the centre of mass of course has to be near the centre of lift on the longitudinal axis but the weight distribution on the lateral axis is already much better with a flying wing. Weight and lift and more evenly distributed. The biggest issue is expansion and contraction of the pressure hull and how to shape it ''inside'' of the flying wing. One way was to have multiple cylinder shapes stacked side by side but they still would have to be ''flexibly connected'' to the outer wing structure so the ''optimal way'' is to just have a completely (carbon fibre) reinforced external structure.

[@JK-tj6ie]

I think it crashed. They don't show the landing🙄

[@ExaltedDuck]

The engine placement makes me think if the wing were to stall, it would disrupt intake airflow. Seems reasonably likely this could have happened as they slowed down on approach.

[@aaronlopez3585]

Unconventional ✔️ Unorthodox ✔️ Futuristic ✔️ Amazing and revolutionary Great Job gentleman 👍

[@ThePhillipnielsen]

If the landing isn't included, they fucked that up bad.

[@MothaLuva]

It’s still flying. They are not yet finished with the landing calculations.

[@thefpvlife7785]

hahaha agree bro. It's in the trash bin now.

[@jamesclements9448]

Two years of stress? FlightTest RC channel could mock this up in an afternoon.

[@zalex820]

it's all about the $$$. what they will say cost them 1/2 a million dollars and 2 years in reality could cost less then 5 grand and a few months. job security

[@almostbutnotentirelyunreas166]

You: " FlightTest RC channel could *mock this up* in an afternoon." Correct! At least the *mock EPO* part is correct. The rest is pure BS. So, does Flight Test RC also collect Telemetry data, have hollow inclusions for stress tests, operate out of an Engineering Faculty? Ooops.... a similar(-ish) flight enveleope does not equate to similar(-ish) tech. Ever heard of 'fit-for-purpose' in engineering? LOL.

[@gzthrive2741]

"mock this up in an afternoon" and build the full scale version safe for passenger transport in a weekend. They'll have hundreds of pre-orders the next week. Please be the first passenger James. KZbin algorithm, please don't recommend this video to people with an average IQ.

[@falcoperegrinus82]

Wow, didn't realize so many youtube commenters were expert pilots and aerospace engineers.

[@bradgarrett7790]

That is because sometimes you have to pay attention...LOL

[@koborkutya7338]

You are so right, this comment secion is full of shit.

[@BR1CKTHEGREATEST]

I wanted to see the landing!!

[@saratheyyani1428]

I would say, Its simply "Awesome". Great work guys, to start something from scratch, see that baby fly up to the skies is indeed a great feast to the eyes. It's a great step to realization.

[@gpc2806]

I thought I was watching RAMYRC 😂🤣, This is not an insult to the team that dedicated their time building the Flying V, this is a new aircraft concept, I know there are other blended wing body concepts out there, Salute 👍

[@JessHull]

hahh I wouldn't be surprised if he builds one next after his business jet project.

[@divyajnana]

WOOOOW! Did that thing pitch up on take off, but it remained stable, congratulations. A wild design that works. Great job to the Delft team.

[@alexkc1612]

Evolution of aircraft. This model is just awesome, the smoothness shows that the design is so perfect that there is not much effort on the engines. It just becomes a part of air. The future aircraft is here.

[@paulbrouyere1735]

My compliments to the team building this magnificent looking plane. Very nice design, smooth and stable flight, well done!

[@eugenedelange8650]

This is what i call inovation into the future , well done Holland!!!!!!!

[@ConstantinCatalin]

Notice that the model had a rough landing due to trouble controlling the wings level aspect but that had been predicted in the initial data. The team will use the flight data to build an aerodynamic version of the scaled model.

[@rossf5945]

Great work, retracts would finish it off perfectly !

[@JAMESFERNANDEZ]

Flies Amazingly Well!!! I'm Amazed! Great Job Guys & Keep the Hard Work!!

[@balamurugan7032]

It'll be great to have a window seats at wing section as we will have the front view 😍 Also this model increases fuel efficiency by 20 percent.... Just wow😎

[@ConanObrien22]

The next prototype will be called Flying D

[@ekanshmehra1964]

Lol

[@justaguy7131]

Land the flying D on the flying V

[@FB0102]

that would complete the Flying F

[@rst6590]

Probably not a bad idea cause you could take the C Part to sit in and the I part to steer Engine Mount and as a fuel tank⛽👍🤔 Maybe I will print myself a prototype

[@sreekanthnlk3468]

Guys... That V shape will induce Unstablility within the aircraft as the slight variations in internal mass like passengers moving inside or baggage movement will create a large moment force that has to be countered each and every time by airfoil. Concentration of mass along one axis is better for dynamic stability rather than this one. Tell me if i am wrong, i myself am a pilot, just my taught's i am throwing out there

[@lazylord4913]

U think 10 people gonna move at same time?

[@lazylord4913]

U think 10 people gonna move at same time

[@sreekanthnlk3468]

@@lazylord4913 u think people are not gona move inside plane? Are u going to take chances on tying people to chair or making a reliable and safe plane buddy?

[@francisalvarez2288]

Very true, Sir. The DESIGN is futuristic, but not practical. This is not suitable for a passenger or cargo type airplane. A fighter plane maybe? 🤣

[@jeffpv7468]

@@francisalvarez2288 I don't think this will be suitable for any kind of flight operations....

[@cchen-wq2nm]

when I saw the news on my newsfeed in fb, i thought theres already a life size of it that has been testing

[@jasonpayne1240]

Congratulations!!! 🍾 Keep up the great work. This is the future of aviation...

[@SuperMan-nk5bq]

Looks really cool, great design.

[@dougball328]

This configuration came into being in 1996. John McMasters was its creator. (And yes, I know that it is close to the XB-37, YB-49 and B-2). A few years later Bob Leibeck came up with something similar. Boeing and NASA have had a similar model flying for 10 years. So while I applaud the team at Delft, it really has to be admitted that this isn't a stunning new invention - it's old enough to vote and drink.

[@ouwesdebouwes3224]

A well yes, you are right,but the thing is, this model represents a to becommercial airliner , with a double fusilage making the v shape , so altough not the first flying V , definitely groundbreaking stuff.

[@wyaldkingdom]

I think it's awesome and looks really cool too! Hopefully it proves itself worthy. Once you no longer need the model please send it to me. I would love to fly it! To all you negative people, why are you so upset over people exploring and developing an idea? Show us your plane that you developed by yourself if you're so great.

[@zenshy2139]

Why would they send it to you?

[@kavonnthomas2491]

Yeah just go ahead and send me your very expensive research model to me, a random person on youtube. 😂

[@wyaldkingdom]

Im just showing my interest and excitement for what they made. I don't actually expect them to send it. Even if they sent it to me then what does it cost you? Nothing right, so then why spread your negativity. When you make something this cool let me know, I'll fly that too.

[@Drainslime]

When the music starts it's so inspirational. Wow!

[@srinivasaraoyp3640]

Beautifully made. Keep it up.

[@AtlasNL]

Interesting, maybe we’ll see these flying around in a few years. Well done!

[@marka7903]

Not a chance. Maybe in like 20 years

[@user-kp6ud7ht4z]

Mark A I’m an aerospace engineer; more like 5.

[@simonpeschke6842]

@@user-kp6ud7ht4z isn't 5 a bit optimistic? Airbus will have to develop a large model of this and go through at least 2 years worth of tests flights but I would love to see it fly in a few years

[@user-kp6ud7ht4z]

Simon Peschke you’re right lmao I’m not really an aerospace engineer 😂 I do have faith in our marvelous scientists and their competitive race to “futurama,” so perhaps 10 or 15. But definitely not 20!

[@marka7903]

@@user-kp6ud7ht4z Easy to see something similar flying in 5 years but won't be flying passengers in commercial use for at least 20

[@Hartmannos]

Well done Guys, we appreciate your innovation and hard work

[@chaoyoong9987]

Congrats on the Flying Dutchman rising into the sky with a V design. What an awesome new design changing the world of aviation. Hope to see this V in commercial service soon.

[@boreyrak808]

Wow it's very awesome flying in the air!

[@RecklessG1]

I think this is a very interesting design and it looks like it flies just fine (didn't see the landing) but I guess my biggest doubt is about implementation. The whole history of aviation is around a single fuselage aircraft and all the well known and understood flight dynamics of that design. This will represent a brand new set of unknown risks for a completely new air frame. I think it will be a big challenge for insurers to underwrite that risk with no history to rely on. Also the pilots will basically have to relearn the flight characteristics from the ground up. Change will be hard for some of those pilots. But then again 20% savings is a pretty big incentive. I do hope they figure this out.

[@noorghani5053]

Not necessarily the us stealth bomber is similar in design. But true for the insurers it will be a risk. Also yea the pilots might need a 4 week course or something for this aircraft but they can have pilots that just sly this aircraft for a time until they can train more and the design of the plane will be the new norm. It can make airlines more money too because it can carry more passengers in a single flight.

[@mcpartridgeboy]

I wownt be flying on it , not until its been around for 20 years, wich means i wownt be flying on it at all at my age, there was a shitload of problems with standard airplanes that werent discovered for many years after the first jet flights, simple stuff like square windows proved fatal, fuck that, other people can risk their lives to save business fuel money, if it reduced airtime and or made airflying more comfortable i might risk it, but to save the m money, no way in hell.

[@cmulder002]

Its a glorified delta design ; a fat concord. Those are verry well understood.

[@RecklessG1]

@@cmulder002 The flight characteristics are well known that's true but very few pilots are trained to fly it. Also this particular airframe is brand new and unproven .

[@cmulder002]

@@RecklessG1 since they make the (right) choice to use a rc model as proof of concept, training the pilot is relative simple and cheap; ; build a few delta models with various intentional design flaws and have the pilot learn to fly those. a crash could be as cheap as a few euro in foamboard and a few hours work. Also the cost for each training flight on one of those models would be a few euro assuming there is no crash. This could be done at a local model flying club reducing the cost even more.

[@Michiel_de_Jong]

Reminds me of the Belgian solution for the the many passengers wanting a front seat in the bus. In stead of a bus of 3[m] wide and 15[m] long, they made a 15[m] wide and 4 [m] long version. Everybody a front seat. And that reminds me of those two Belgian pilot discussing the shortness of the landing strip in front of them. They were quite worried. After landing the plane, having causes drops of sweat and red heat breaks, one of them said; "wouw,.. *that* was a short landing strip!"... the other pilot, after looking out of the window; "..but veeeeery wide..!"

[@TwoLotus2]

such DRAMA! I was so excited and felt all tingly! ;)

[@morphmann]

Give these men a BELLS!!! Well done, dont listen to the haters, proud to see another South African in the mix.

[@surreyboy84]

Notice they didn’t include the landing!

[@brunobrauer6301]

It's a terrorist's plane, landing is not needed.

[@robertpolkamp]

Word is they have been unsuccessful since it doesn't behave like a glider, a requirement for successful landings. 2 years of intense bong smoking and this is it gentlemen?

[@cmulder002]

@@robertpolkamp even the "Starfighter" (sometimes) landed and that is a Jet engine with some tiny "wings" strapped to it. Also a model like this has a much lower wingloading then fullsize and much more power. they probbly just bounced it

[@valevisa8429]

That guy is so stressed,like he has 500 passengers on board.

[@3sides2everystory]

😂

[@747technics8]

Great work!

[@christopherpeninger324]

Congratulations! Great Flight!

[@commandingnationsintl7792]

Took one look at this plane and said, "I've officially arrived in the future".

[@adarsfpv]

WE ALL KNOW HOW LANDING WENT ON THAT SUPER TAILHEAVY PLANE LOL!

[@pablo17667140]

Impressive work!!! 👏👏👏👏 Keep innovative :D

[@SGTMARSHALL1]

great work, very smooth flight indeed

[@vondenballs]

Beautiful plane. Congrats. I hope to see a 1:1 scale one fly one day.

[@jhmcd2]

Airbus is claiming that this is a revolution in design, but honestly, not only has this boomerang shaped designed been used before, but its not as efficient as pure flying wing aircraft. Ironically, NASA has been testing this design for over thirty years, with a model test flight of a working prototype a little over ten years ago. The problem with such a design is that it probably has all sorts of drag on it, with such a blunt wing like that. This is more stunt than test.

[@aimilios439]

The reason they test it is because it's shown to be 80% more efficient about fuel per passenger than conventional aircrafts.

[@cmulder002]

Airbus knows what they are doing and even if you are right; this model is much cheaper then wind tunnel test. would not be surpriced if the carbon fibre used are left overs from full size production. So all they had to spend is a bit of epoxy and model plane gear,

[@jhmcd2]

@@cmulder002 Of Course they know what they are doing. They know how to copy and steal ideas from competitors. Flying wing designs for commercial aircraft started back in the 50's. A similar boomerang style aircraft was conceived years back. Hell, the B-2 bomber is a basic boomerang shape. Not even 20 years ago, NASA had tested their own 1/10 scale model of a flying wing. All Airbus did was take that research and claim that they are making a break tough design when really they haven't. The BWB was originally slated to be the next 797 back in 2000, before people realized that no one wants a supper sized aircraft like this after the A380 stalled. They probably went with the boomerang shape to cut weight and make it a mid-sized jet in an effort to not repeat their 380 mistake. Also, they cannot make this out of left over carbon fiber from production. That's not practical.

[@cmulder002]

@@jhmcd2 you mean stolen from the horten brothers surely ? think the cutout is for the engines. A full delta has more room for cargo so would be a more profitable design. Rc modelers build prototypes all the time ; they just don't get the publicety of the media. Look up "inter-ex" its a anual meeting of experimental models and what is shown there is much more advanced th this v shape.

[@kevintyrer45]

That is really a cool bird. Well done on the achievement & structal design :)

[@Johnellenberger1]

Flew with some of you guys at DARPA's UAV Forge competition in 2013. Nice to see you on here! I was with team NAVY EOD!

[@JAMisiuk]

I really wanted to see it landing.

[@magic131]

crashed

[@fredeb67]

Two problems with this design. Pressurization and cargo space and seating in the outboard wing positions.

[@philippededeken4881]

+ heat + landing and boarding.

[@callnight]

Good work, guys!

[@volvodadfast]

Fabulous. Good job Delft. Good going KLM.

[@sircrashalotfpv144]

this is my kind of people, nerds who make wonderful things.

[@topfelya]

I wonder where passengers windows is gonna be ? Also ! Did she land ?

[@WeirdPopcorn]

Don’t know

[@UC20C]

pretty sure its going to be in the T H I C C wings

[@Will-W]

who needs windows with today's LCD/OLED screen tech and a couple cameras.

[@dadillen5902]

Every aircraft that takes off, lands. It just a question of where and how fast.

[@DrTheRich]

3D virtual model had passenger windows in the wings

[@loukasloukidis6064]

Well done to the team great moment when took off the runway.👍

[@gu7326]

Impressive!!

[@lenovo762]

Why not show it landing ? Did you crash it ?

[@dr.waltermuller3654]

According to a newspaper the gear broke upon the hard landing, but nothing substantial. It was just the pilot flying it for the first time and not a problem with the aircraft so they cut it out.

[@renrenmandi1787]

The landing is classified.. so that no one will duplicate the design

[@nicolasaldunate7894]

Welcome to the comments section, also known as the aerospace engineers gathering

[@degreatal]

I'm not surprised anymore. the youtube comment section are always full of genius people. they don't even need to make or do something in real life, just with their brilliant comments, that'll make a huge positive impact to the world!

[@0tb16]

It's actually crazy ...

[@ace53464f32]

Y yes I am an Aerospace Engineer . I design Flying Model Airplanes. Ever see the Flight of the Phoenix.

[@Ticonderoga12]

Looks incredible and gorgeous

[@arthurzettel6618]

Now your next step is to build it to full scale. Beautiful Bird and so graceful in comparison to others I've seen.

[@Hypersonicbiker]

Firstly thank You for Your video. Respect to Your work. Flying wing design is good for weight and airdrag. Body lifting will be help for take-off and landing(take-off/landing speed are important) . Probably airliner version will have ultra high bypass engines. But need a lot of test for v design(etc stall charactheristic, storm and landing with cross wind...)

[@caferbiron9933]

i am a student from turkey in high school and i m 15. One day i want to become an engineer in tu delft and if i ll do this i will come here again and comment myself you did it .

[@deeptotop]

Bro work for Allah. not for air crafts

[@hughtenhove867]

@@deeptotop let him achieve his goals without tainting his mind with fictional drawbacks

[@subhamgautam685]

best of luck mate

[@Upsurging93]

the sky's the limit.

[@caferbiron9933]

@@deeptotop im muslim too but i think you misunderstood the meaning of working for allah.

[@migeekc1527]

Congratulations to the Team

[@krishchalregmi2975]

Awesome guys

[@FlyingScud]

4:00 shows how the geometry of the wingtips and their distance from the wheels will be a major issue when landing or taking off in crosswinds.

[@lmoore1834]

Wow that's amazing

[@peterden9076]

Its not, it is just a badly designed model aircraft with no relevance for a large airplane.

[@lmoore1834]

@@peterden9076 lol

[@HsHardhyan]

Congratulations whole team.. I am very happy for all of you

[@lightboxstudioevents4811]

Good job guys

[@DK-hs3oz]

Neat plane, I do wonder what the passenger experience (those of us in the cheap seats near the back, well outside the center line of the thing) will be during banking... But why the overly dramatic (and loud) music? it's just a model, the only thing at risk is the pilots reputation and an expendable model.

[@alanbal1816]

I am with Leon, why did you not show the landing?

[@dogzer]

The design looks cool

[@Thizlamic]

Whew almost stalled on rotation lol SWEET PLANE!

[@rayw6339]

Why not show the rough landing too?

[@rayw6339]

Yesmer 🤣🤣🤣

[@scotthartig4521]

I had the same thought. But I guess it’s understandable. It’s the first flight of a very rough scale prototype. As promising as this is, there’s a long way to go until it could become a practical reality. When and if it does, I’m sure they wouldn’t want people looking back at this experimental flight for a reason to doubt the concept.

[@isaacsanchez7317]

@@scotthartig4521 there's literally no way that thing could land safely... it's landing speed would be even higher than a concorde

[@shepherdwarriorKING]

They are hiding that part from the poblic because it's a failure of a project

[@RPSchonherr]

Going to have to pay Gibson royalties for the name :)

[@graemecrowther.7557]

looks great

[@ayoubibourk8402]

I imagine how it looks when it’s flying from the inside bro that’s gonna be magnificent

[@phpn99]

I'd say there are 50% sarcastic comments in this thread; sign that you're on to something. What the naysayers fail to understand is that this is not a completed design; they are testing design assumptions and will evolve their design until the thing flies in all conditions safely and reliably. These are long haul R&D projects : In ten years something fabulous will have come out of this endeavour; lessons learned for the whole field of aeronautics.

[@icantthinkofaname4265]

Lmao you're the kind of person to get inheritance from Nigerian prince.

[@vivekshri]

*I don't care if it has a future or not. All I care is that these guys are trying to make a difference. And that's phenomenal! Cheers to the group!*

[@FredSena]

A spoon with a hole in the center is different. A fork with inwards spiral bent tines. I guess you got the point.

[@koborkutya7338]

Fully agreed.

[@s.vijayaprakash1953]

God Bless You in your efforts.

[@charlesbeaudry3263]

What a beautiful machine!!!!!!

[@remkojerphanion4686]

If we would all drink Red Bull, we wouldn't need planes.

[@bjmccann1]

Skip to 2:52 to watch The takeoff.

[@jabeddh]

Amazing!

[@MeishaAthma]

These guys are so stoic. I was shouting for them at rotate.

[@johnreese7973]

Here is The Flying V. They edited out, The Crash Landing V.

[@CapeAnnImages]

I wanted to see it land! Did it crash?

[@diezgp]

Looks like it has a harsh landing

[@billmorris2613]

I did not see a landing, just a low approach. I did wonder, was it a go around?

[@LearnWithFardin]

Excellent

[@NusantaraHobby]

Awesome. Nice landing

[@eternalrainbow8236]

It crash

[@NusantaraHobby]

@@eternalrainbow8236 😂😂😂

[@swede5209]

I wanted to see the landing.

[@quyenvong773]

Couldn’t even show the landing!!?? That’s the best part! Probably because the thing crash and broke to pieces...

[@daanlutkewillink3893]

Let's just say the landing wasn't smooth enough to show in the video. At least that's what I heard from the guys that were present during the test.

[@opendstudio7141]

Tail dragging on runways might be slightly embarrassing. 😬

[@LeboAxton]

Congrats, good job.

[@syednadal9142]

beautifull concept