Solotrek XFV, RIP or?

[cudabean]

I was disappointed when they discontinued development of this aircraft:
http://www.unrealaircraft.com/qbranch/solotrek_xfv.php

Anybody here of anything new on this? Something this cool probably can't stay dead forever.

What I would like to see were this design ever to be perfected is the addition of short fixed wings and tail surfaces to take up some or all of the flight load for increased efficiency. I guess that would make it sort of Osprey like.

I know that one issue of this design is control, but I wonder if the advancement of radio-controlled helos with their gyro-stability systems could be incorporated to make something like this more fly-by-wire.

Marlin

[Mark]

Here's a lawnmower and solotrek all in one.
Mark

[cudabean]

I guess another issue is safety. No possibility of autorotation after mechanical failure. One solution would be to use a Ballistic Chute:
Use these procedures (similar to helicopters):
* Load rotors - verify engine OK
* Levitate above obstacles.
* Gain forward momentum staying low.
* Once airspeed is attained, gain altitude.
* Be ready for chute deployment during most of flight.

[cudabean]

Thanks Mark. I remembered seeing an updated version of that in Kitplanes Magazine in the "Rotorcraft Buyer's Guide" issue. They call it the ILV and out of curiousity I googled and found an updated link:
http://www.flying-platform.com/index.html

It's weight-shift controlled.

Here's something interesting from the FAQ:
Why is the operator located above the rotor system?

The operator is located above the rotors of the ILV so that the instinctive body movements to stay upright can be used to control the vehicle without requiring complicated and expensive helicopter-type controls.