TF-R

grabcad

The TF-R is an ESTOL vehicle, boasting a slender hull designed to minimize drag and ensure optimal flight characteristics. With its mass center situated slightly behind the middle but ahead of the main wings, it features small wings on the front pods that create stabilizing uplift, enabling precise control of horizontal flight position using only rear elevators. The forward part of the hull serves as a crumple zone, while bumpers protect the two pods. To keep the vehicle lightweight and agile, it is constructed as a three-wheeler with a chassis that offers stability during landing. The rear axle features a stable suspension system using wide A-arms and composite leaf springs, which provide high self-damping. The low mass center close to the rear axle allows for stable driving with just one front wheel, which is suspended on a lever with a single stanchion tube and air-sprung. Powered by a V8 Smallblock engine placed low in the hull, the main rotor receives power via a PSRU. Excess power is used to charge batteries for the front pods. The vehicle employs impeller pods, similar to VOITH's Inline Thruster technology, which requires engineering but is not science fiction. During driving mode, disc motors in the rear wheels boost the vehicle. For takeoff and landing, the front wheel is lowered by 50mm to increase uplift, while the pods are extended and pivoted downwards by 30°. Gouge flaps are also deployed. The same procedure applies for landing, with a possible landing angle of up to 25° due to the well-placed rear axle and slender hull. While cruising, the main rotor provides ample power, allowing pods to be disabled and excess power to charge batteries. The front wheel can be lifted by 100mm for a more hidden appearance. Recent updates include an assembly in flight mode as a Step file, an ambulance version suitable for remote areas, and a floatplane conversion kit for the TF-R.