The New M400 Design

The production configuration of the M400 Skycar has gone through a few permutations as many hours of wind tunnel testing showed ways to improve the aircraft's performance.   One of the long-term goals has been to find a way to operate the Skycar in hover in the same configuration as when operating on the ground.   This would allow it to land and hover in a much smaller area, for example on the median strip of a highway as might be done during a roadside emergency medical mission.

The present M400X came close to achieving this but because the wing/tail is so far back the lift/drag ratio is only 7.5 and the dead-stick gliding speed is high, making an un-powered landing very difficult.   We have now found a way to move the wing forward and add sweep so that together with tail extensions on the wing, we achieve a lift/drag ratio of 12.5.   In addition to being able to hover with the wings folded, the under carriage wheels are farther apart for increased ground stability.   This new configuration has less airflow interference between front and rear nacelles, better visibility from the cockpit for improved ground and air operations, and dead-stick gliding speed that is substantially lower.

Passengers:	4
Top speed @ 13,200 ft:	375 mph
Cruise speed @ 20,000 ft:	275 mph
Maximum rate of climb:	6,000 fpm
Maximum range:	750 miles
Payload excluding fuel:	750 lbs
Operational ceiling:	36,000 ft
Gross weight:	2,400 lbs
Engine power (2 min. rating):	1,200 hp
Fuel consumption:	approx. 20 mpg
Fuel:	Ethanol
Dimensions (LxWxH):	19.5' x 8.5' x 7.5'
Takeoff and landing area:	35 ft dia
Noise level at 500 ft (Goal):	65 dba
Vertical takeoff and landing:	yes
Emergency parachutes:	yes