DARPA Lift Challenge Vehicle

Sherman Aeronautics built a version of RotorWings for the DARPA Lift Challenge to attempt a 4:1 payload to weight ratio. Over the course of the competition the vehicle demonstrated a sustained hover ratio of 2.98:1.

Two RotorWing aircraft at the DARPA Lift Challenge

Vehicle Specifications

Powertrain Electric
Rotor Diameter 40 ft
RotorWing Wingspan 10 ft
RotorWing Weight 15–18 lb
Total System Weight 32–38 lb
Max Rotor Speed 1.2 RPM