Ultra-light carbon fiber for the high-end personal air vehicle

ARC Aerosystems(Formally SAMAD aerospace), the British VTOL aviation company, launched its concept for Q-Starling, a high-end Personal Air Vehicle (PAV). Combining the benefits of traditional flight with VTOL capabilities, the Q-Starling will seat two passengers and can be flown by pilots with an anticipated appropriate class rating.

Taking inspiration from classic aircraft such as the Victor, Hawk, Mustang and modern high-end sport cars, the Q-Starling interior also has an exclusive stylish design.

Q-Starling will be powered by a hybrid-electric turbo-generator which will provide power for a large diameter hover fan and a fly-by-wire controlled ‘Reaction Control System’ (RCS). The turbo-generator will then provide forward thrust once the aircraft has transitioned from vertical flight.

In keeping with other ultra-light aircraft it will feature as a ballistic recovery system.

All materials used in the aircraft are made of ultra-light carbon fibre giving a higher performance capability and enabling semi-aerobatic manoeuvres due to the increased strength of the composite material and design.

News Source: CompositesPortal

Kevalya Sheth
AIRCRAFT DESIGN ENGINEER

Kevalya is an innovative aerospace engineer passionate about unmanned aerial systems, and sustainable civil aviation. He holds a Master’s in Aerospace Vehicle Design from Cranfield University and a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he gained experience in UAV design and aerodynamic analysis. Kevalya has over two years of experience at NewSpace Research and Technologies (Bengaluru, India), contributing to UAV design, testing, and AI integration for swarm drone operations. He played a key role in the first tandem wing UAV in India. With experience in aircraft design, structural analysis, aerodynamics, and flight testing, Kevalya brings valuable skills in cutting-edge aerospace projects involving unmanned systems and sustainable aviation.