DuPont Aerospace Projects

[riggerrob]

DuPont DP-2 uses the same VTOL concept as the Bell X-14A experimental airplane. Hot exhaust is turned to point straight downwards to provide vertical lift.
DP-2 nozzles are simplified versions of the rear exhaust on current-Production Lockheed-Martin F-35B VTOL airplane for the United States Marine Corps.

DuPont’s primary innovation was using composite materials
In high temperature environments like exhaust nozzles. Unfortunately, even DuPont’s best composites deteriorated at high temperatures.

 

[Jason Dykstra (Wyvern)]

DuPont DP-2 uses the same VTOL concept as the Bell X-14A experimental airplane. Hot exhaust is turned to point straight downwards to provide vertical lift.
DP-2 nozzles are simplified versions of the rear exhaust on current-Production Lockheed-Martin F-35B VTOL airplane for the United States Marine Corps.

DuPont’s primary innovation was using composite materials
In high temperature environments like exhaust nozzles. Unfortunately, even DuPont’s best composites deteriorated at high temperatures.

Thanks!

 

[blackkite]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1Ze9Xizpfc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4VthNvLkeo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APrYr-ZpOj8

 

[riggerrob]

"Everything Old is New Again"

Yes.
DuPont's basic configuration reminds us of the earlier Fokker F.26 proposal. Although the Fokker was never intended for VTOL.

 

[hesham]

From NASA Report about DuPont of 2007.

 

[archipeppe]

From NASA Report about DuPont of 2007.

It would be nice to have all the NASA Report....

 

[yasotay]

I observed a video of tethered testing of a DuPont aircraft. It seemed quite unstable. In fairness it was an early test I believe. When the Army learned that, like the Harrier, the concept would likely "dig its own grave" operating in a tactical ground combat environment they walked away.

 

[iverson]

www.hq.nasa.gov/legislative/hearings/2007 hearings/6-12-07 eney.pdf