SkyDrive has been conducting regular wind tunnel tests of its eVTOL at JAXA’s facility since 2021. Here is a video showing part of these tests.
eVTOLs feature a structural design distinct from airplanes and helicopters, and their aerodynamic characteristics have yet to be fully determined. Understanding precisely how air affects the airframe is a crucial aspect of airframe development.
JAXA boasts Japan’s largest wind tunnel test facility for aircraft and spacecraft. Almost all aircraft developed in the country, including airplanes and helicopters, have undergone wind tunnel tests at this facility. Various aerodynamic research has been conducted based on the data from these tests to identify characteristics and enhance performance.
SkyDrive will continue to conduct tests at various wind speeds and aircraft attitudes, collecting a dataset crucial for the development of safe aircraft.