BigIdea Partners

Composite Hybrid Electric STOL Utility Aircraft

This student team developed a conceptual design of a composite hybrid electric STOL (short takeoff and landing) utility aircraft capable of replacing the DHC-2 DeHavilland Beaver in overall performance and functionality. The team conducted performance sizing, configuration trade studies, and conceptual design activities to develop the aircraft's overall configuration, internal details, and operating concept. Specific emphasis was placed on using modern materials (e.g. composites, 3D printing) and aerodynamics in conjunction with a hybrid electric propulsion system to drive down operating cost and improve operating performance over the reference vehicle.