Wednesday, April 2, 2025
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Today, there are over 1,100 electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) configurations.
Despite their potential for a wide range of applications, it remains unclear which
type of these aircraft are optimal for specific missions.
Dr. Atanu Halder, an assistant professor at the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, is working on a project to advance the design and optimization of eVTOL aircraft.
The research, funded by the U.S. Army, is titled “Multi-Disciplinary Optimization
Framework for All-electric and Hybrid-Electric Aerial Vehicles.”
Halder’s project seeks to develop a comprehensive computational framework that can
evaluate different eVTOL models and identify the most suitable for various mission
scenarios. The framework will also optimize key aircraft components to enhance mission-specific
performance.
The impact of this research extends to both the general public and the military. For
civilians, optimized eVTOL aircraft could transform urban transportation by reducing
traffic congestion, shortening commute times and providing an environmentally friendly
alternative to traditional road-based transportation. Potential applications range
from air taxis and emergency medical services to personal commuting, providing accessible
transportation that is safer and faster.
“For the military, the research could significantly enhance mission capabilities by
identifying and optimizing eVTOL configurations best suited for various operational
needs,” Halder said. “The military could use these aircraft for reconnaissance, rapid
troop deployment, supply transport and medical evacuations in areas where traditional
aircraft or ground vehicles may not be viable.”
The ability to design and optimize eVTOLs for specific missions could provide the
military with strategic advantages and operational flexibility in complex environments.
The three-year project is structured with clear milestones. In the first year, the
team will develop machine learning-based surrogate models (a type of mathematical
model that is computationally fast) to predict the performance of various eVTOL aircraft.
The second year will focus on creating a sizing model and weight prediction framework.
In the final year, the team will develop a multidisciplinary optimization framework
to select the optimal aircraft configuration for specific missions and optimize aircraft
components to improve performance.
Halder’s project will also benefit students in the College of Engineering, Architecture
and Technology. Courses MAE 3724 and MAE 3043 cover fundamental principles that are
integral to the broader problem being addressed in the research.
“I have noticed that providing students with a broader perspective on how classroom
fundamentals apply to real-world complex challenges enhances their engagement and
interest in both coursework and research,” Halder said.
Oklahoma State University has a strong reputation in unmanned aerial systems and electric
propulsion technology. CEAT’s collaboration with the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education and the LaunchPad Center offers unique advantages to both faculty and students and plays a crucial role in
advancing aerospace research across Oklahoma.
You can find out more about Halder’s research here.
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