PAL-V DVC Tilting Technology
The PAL-V will drive using the patented DVC™ tilting technology as invented for the Carver One.
Steer it like a car and it banks like a motorcycle. It sounds deceivingly simple. And it truly is. At the heart of the PAL-V lies the Dynamic Vehicle Control (DVC™) system which automatically adjusts the tilt angle of the cockpit to the speed and acceleration of the vehicle enabling a plane-like 'tilting before cornering'.
The driver's input or steering torque is distributed between the front wheel steering angle and the cockpit tilting angle. This distribution is automatically adjusted to varying speeds and road conditions to ensure an optimal balance at all times. At lower speeds, the steering torque is directed to the front wheel angle and the passenger compartment remains upright. At higher speeds the steering torque is mainly directed to the tilt angle of the cockpit.
The genius of the DVC™ technology is in its simplicity: essentially a mechanical-hydraulic system, it relies on proven technology resulting in a reliable, predictable and above all, extremely responsive system.
With the PAL-V One, tilting in corners becomes second nature, or rather, first nature regained.
PAL-V Gyrocopter technology
Juan de la Cierva, a Spanish engineer and aeronautical enthusiast, invented
the first successful rotorcraft, which he named 'autogiro' in 1923. His
aim was to create an aircraft that was the safest in the world because
it would not stall.
Principle of operation
A gyroplane is a flying machine. Like a helicopter, it is a rotary wing aircraft- which means that it has a rotor to provide lift instead of wings like conventional airplanes. Unlike a helicopter, the rotor is not powered by the engine. It is made to spin by aerodynamic forces, through a phenomenon called autorotation. Since the rotor is not powered, a gyroplane needs a separate source for propulsion, like an airplane. Mostly propulsion comes from an engine driving a propeller.
Now what causes the rotor to spin, or "autorotate?" The simple explanation is that the wind passing through it gives it its power. Think of those seed pods that spin as they fall. As they fall, the air makes them spin. More
A gyroplane, also known as gyrocopter or autogyro, has in fact the same controls as a fixed wing airplane. Pitch control of the gyroplane is by tilting the rotor fore and aft; roll control is by tilting the rotor laterally (side to side). Tilt of the rotor is effected by a tilting hub. Yaw control is done with a rudder, just like any conventional fixed wing airplane.
PAL-V combination technology
The reason why PAL-V chose a tandem configuration is because the aerodynamic drag has to be as low as possible to be able to fly efficiently. To reach this goal a slender aerodynamically shaped vehicle is made. For road use however, a slender vehicle is not very stable. Therefore the PAL-V One combines the gyroplane technology with the DVC™ tilting technology. Another reason for the tandem configuration is the length required to stow the foldable rotor. The change-over from flying to driving and vice versa requires three basic technologies. These technologies make it possible to make the gyrocopter narrow and short enough to drive on the road.
A foldable and sliding rotor: The rotor will be folded and fixed above the roof of the vehicle. PAL-V Europe NV has patented the folding principle and has developed a unique folding technology. The outside of the rotor blades slide into the inner parts and are then folded above the car. While flying, the safety of this principle is ensured by the centrifugal forces of the spinning rotor.
A slide-able tail. The tail slides forward covering the propeller.
A foldable propeller: The propeller is folded to become narrow enough and to enable the tail to slide in over the propeller for driving.
By combining different building blocks weight as well as cost reductions are realized:
- The engine used for driving the vehicle is also used for powering the propeller.
- Most of the controls are used in both modes but switched in functionality. A State of the Art multi function display will be used in the cockpit to give the pilot/driver all the required information.