ARES-DV tilt-fan VTOL cargo aircraft demonstrator performed its maiden flight on the 6th of September, 2024.
Piasecki's ARES-DV has achieved a milestone with the maiden flight, involving a minute-long hover. While the platform took off, it hovered with tethering for safety reasons. The optionally manned ARES-
DV takes a new approach to VTOL with fully tilting wings with ducted fans. After taking off, the wings tilt down for horizontal flight. Ducted fans offer increased thrust efficiency and reduced noise compared to open rotors of the same diameter.
The structure allows for payloads of various sizes and geometries thanks to open carriage. While there is no statement regarding the payload capacity in kilograms, it can be assumed to be in the hundreds range due to its size. Piasecki envisions the aircraft capable of taking off/landing on rough terrain, ships, and small areas to be used in various military missions. These missions include logistics, MEDEVAC, ISR, close air support, and personnel transport.
ARES-DV can be defined as the comeback of Piasecki in ducted fan VTOL aircraft after decades. The company pioneered this area during the 20th century with H-16 Pathfinder and X-49A Speedhawk compound helicopter prototypes utilising ducted fans for higher cruise speeds.
