【R＆D】AirTruck wind tunnel test at JAXA

1. Background

Aeronext developed the “AirTruck”, a drone dedicated to logistics, to help address issues in the Japanese logistics industry, such as the shortage of manpower and the problem of elderly people who have difficulty shopping due, in part to the declining birthrate and aging population. AirTruck is equipped with the unique “4D GRAVITY®” technology and was designed to achieve smooth flights and enable efficient logistics. In addition, Aeronext is working with ACSL, a 4D GRAVITY® licensee, as a development partner to jointly develop drone aircraft optimized for logistics. The AirTruck is pursuing the performance and reliability required by the logistics industry while optimizing its precise aerodynamic characteristics by utilizing technical resources, including JAXA.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this wind tunnel experiment is to evaluate the aerodynamic characteristics of the AirTruck in detail and collect data to improve flight stability and efficiency. By using the 6.5m x 5.5m Low-Speed Wind Tunnel (LWT1) at JAXA’s Chofu Aerospace Center, Aeronext can measure the aerodynamics of lift and drag under various flight conditions and use the results to optimize the AirTruck design. These experiments directly contribute to improving the flight performance and safety of next-generation logistics drones.

3. Overview

From December 14th to 17th, 2021, Aeronext conducted wind tunnel tests on the AirTruck at the JAXA Chofu Aerospace Center along with its development partner ACSL. The tests were conducted in a large-scale low-speed wind tunnel (LWT1) measuring 6.5m x 5.5m, and the aim was to measure details about the aircraft’s aerodynamic characteristics.
The data obtained from the experiment was used for design improvements of the AirTruck, and contributed greatly to improving flight stability and fuel efficiency. Aeronext can continue to use this data to make further improvements to optimize the drone for logistics use.

４．Specifications of JAXA’s Low-Speed Wind Tunnel

The Low-Speed Wind Tunnel (LWT1) at the JAXA Chofu Aerospace Center has a test section with an octagonal cross-section measuring 6.5m in height and 5.5m in width, and is one of the largest continuous circulation wind tunnels in Japan, can reach a maximum wind speed of 70m/s, and is capable of precise measurement simulating various flight conditions.
This wind tunnel provides an excellent environment for detailed evaluation of the aerodynamic characteristics required of logistics drones such as the AirTruck. In addition, this wind tunnel is used not only in aerospace technology but also in the automotive and construction fields, and plays an important role in a wide range of industrial fields.

５．Conclusions and Future Outlook

The aerodynamic data obtained from the wind tunnel tests is expected to contribute greatly to improving the precision of the next-generation AirTruck fuselage design. In particular, when combined with 4D GRAVITY® technology, it is expected to further refine the center of gravity control and fuselage attitude control for stable cargo transport, and to further enhance the reliability and safety of drone logistics for practical use.
Going forward, Aeronext plans to strengthen its collaboration with ACSL and further develop drone technology for logistics. As development of new aircraft progresses, Aeronext expects that this will lead to the creation of a sustainable drone system that can be used for last-mile delivery in local areas and for rapid logistics under certain conditions.