Jetoptera is making significant strides in the development of the turbocompressor/turbofan engine that will power its J-500 aircraft. Having successfully passed the Critical Design Review, the company is now moving forward with the manufacturing of the prototype compressor, with the goal of conducting its first demonstration in the first quarter of 2025. The turbocompressor will be powered by jet fuel, and Jetoptera is collaborating with Parametric Solutions Inc. for the design and production of this system.
CEO Andrei Evulet emphasized the versatility of their propulsion technology, stating, “While our system is completely energy agnostic, we are not waiting for a magic battery that may never arrive.” He noted that large electric model aircraft could be instrumental in gathering crucial flight data, but he cautioned against pursuing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) models beyond the research phase. Evulet pointed out the limited market for such aircraft, asserting that current eVTOL offerings would struggle to compete with traditional helicopters. Instead, Jetoptera aims to challenge rotary-wing technology by focusing on a gas turbine engine that operates on jet fuel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and potentially hydrogen in the future.
The turbocompressor being developed is designed to be versatile, suitable for various platforms previously explored by the company. These include powered parafoils, vertical and short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) vehicles, high-speed vertical takeoff and landing (HSVTOL) aircraft, conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) systems, portable personal air mobility VTOL systems, and wing-in-ground effect vehicles. Weighing less than 70 pounds, the turbocompressor can produce 250 pounds of thrust when functioning as a turbofan, with the capability to augment thrust up to 500 pounds when used with the FPS™ system for vertical flight.
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