Eurosport Crossover First Flights

Dean Sigler Electric Powerplants, Sustainable Aviation 4 Comments

Tom Leite of Portugal’s Eurosport Aircraft shares this first test flight video for his firm’s Crossover, a Light Sport Aircraft that can extend its wings to become a sailplane, or bring them in to become a cruiser.  Its twin motors can be tucked into the sides of the aircraft, its retractable gear allows further slimming, and its multiply-slatted Fowler-type flaps allow quick takeoffs and slow landings.  This type of advanced thinking is complimented by the craft’s electric power – perhaps a sign of things to come in the light aircraft arena.

From its Facebook following, the Crossover seems to attract crowds wherever it goes.

Eurosport Crossover at Blois, France flyin

Eurosport Crossover at Blois, France fly-in

 

Comments 4

  1. Hello guys

    I am a huge fan of this blog, because you have state of the art in the field of electric propulsion, your items are rigorous and very scientific, there is much aeronautical knowledge.

    I’m Portuguese and i’m very proud of everything that is made in Portugal. But that is not what makes me write this text.

    I’m quite impressed how people with so great aeronautical knowledge make comments in support of this project …

    This project has nothing of engineering, aeronautical engineering very least, I am concerned as this aircraft CrossOver appears in presentations of NASA engineers, the blog’s of the specialty, fairs and events.

    Let’s do a careful analysis of the design:

    – That wing / fuselage interface? (In a plane electric drag should not be kept to a minimum – to increase aerodynamic efficiency?)
    2 – Twin electric? (Certification more complex, systems more complex, heavier)
    3 – Why so little with a wing span? – (Will increase aerodynamic efficiency?)
    4 – Fowler flaps?? – (Weight, complexity, more wing area would be better?)
    5 – Propellers behind the wing (Noise, Lower Prop Eficiency, Complexity, Tail boom heavier and more fragile) In case of a propeller loss, will cut the tail boom….
    6 – …… etc …

    This aeroplane its not certified, has flown on a military base without the knowledge and permission of EASA.

    I hope no one gets hurt …

    (Editor’s Note: First, the writer’s concern about flying without government permission is probably unfounded. The Crossover’s makers have financial interests in the successful outcome of their enterprise in mind, and doubtless are cooperating and coordinating activities with authorities.

    Second, the airplane is complex, but each system seems to be designed to be simple operationally. This is one benefit of electric propulsion. The light weight and compact nature of the systems allows much flexibility. The Crossover is being shown at various venues in France and Germany, so has come under the eye of some fairly astute observers. So far, there don’t seem to be any voices raised in alarm.)

  2. Crossover is probably one of the most advanced aeronautical studies ever made.

    .1-The wing-fuselage interface was designed to reduce drag. A closer look will allow the inattentive notice the specific design.
    .2-It’s not really a twin… Power is electronically controlled on both props and the system does not allow assimetry. The pilot has only one lever for throtle. (German authorities recognised this)
    .3- There are 3 different wings… not one.
    .4- Fowler flaps perform great!
    .5- Propellers behind the wing. Noise???!!! Nope! Eficiency yes!!!
    And that’s only one version. There are 3 other …

    The project is much wider than you can see online or by attending to an exhibit. Doubts and questions are welcome, and the experts had a lot.

    Maybe that’s why they keep talking about the Crossover.

    Don’t judge the book by the cover…
    Shallow coments could be prevented with a few simple questions… right?

  3. a) http://www.amazon.com/Aircraft-Design-Conceptual-Approach-Education/dp/1600869114/ref=sr_1_1/184-6232947-7633263?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379538176&sr=1-1

    b) http://www.amazon.com/Airplane-Design-Part-Preliminary-Configuration/dp/1884885438/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379538336&sr=1-3&keywords=roskam+airplane+design

    c) http://www.amazon.com/Fluid-dynamic-Drag-Theoretical-Experimental-Statistical/dp/1124136223/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379538387&sr=1-3

    d) http://www.amazon.com/Airplane-Design-Parts-through-VIII/dp/1884885241/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379538486&sr=1-1&keywords=roskam

    A bit of aeronautical culture ….

  4. The design looks great, and before judging it, would be better to go in deep in studying some new findings for which regards the drag produced by a wing fuselage system. I’m Not 100% convinced, but the wing interface with the fuse is very interesting. I love the cockpit arrangement and the visibility! Some concerns on the structural strength of the nose section. The biggest concern is related to the tail boom. The retractable engines are affecting the structural design of that section, by not allowing a circular closed boom. An internal beam may supply enough vertical and transversal rigidity, but not the same torsional rigidity of a circular tail boom. All in all, the design looks sexy, and i’m looking forward to see the further developments of this concept!

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