Difference between revisions of "Mini-Bee"

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We aim to develop through a Lesser Open Source License [http://www.bee-license.com/] a hybrid Vertical and Take-Off Landing (VTOL) aircraft for medical purposes.<BR>
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[[Category:MiniBee]]
−
Objective is now to produce a <b>full-scale model</b> of a quadcopter with real hybrid propulsion configuration. A display of a full scale 1/2 cockpit was achieved at Paris Air Show 2019.<BR> Then we will build a full twin engine test configuration.
+
[[Category:TRL4]]
−
<BR>
+
[[Category:VTOL]]
−
==Current Project Summary==
+
[[Category:Humanitarian Aviation]]
 +
[[Category:Hybrid Propulsion]]
 +
 
 +
__NOTOC__
 +
 
 +
<div style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color:#172536; line-height:1.58; background:#f7f9fb; padding:1px 0;">
 +
 
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
<!-- HERO SECTION -->
 +
<!-- Palette professionnelle : bleu aviation, gris doux, accent bleu acier -->
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
 
 +
<div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; border-radius:28px; background:linear-gradient(135deg,#10263b 0%,#1f4058 52%,#49677a 100%); color:white; padding:42px 42px 34px 42px; margin:0 0 28px 0; box-shadow:0 18px 44px rgba(15,23,42,0.18);">
 +
  <div style="max-width:1180px; margin:auto;">
 +
    <p style="margin:0 0 10px 0; padding:0; border:0; background:transparent; font-size:13px; letter-spacing:0.08em; text-transform:uppercase; color:#ffffff; font-weight:600; box-shadow:none;">
 +
      TRL4 demonstrator · Hybrid VTOL · Humanitarian aviation
 +
    </p>
 +
 
 +
    <h1 style="font-size:50px; line-height:1.02; margin:22px 0 14px 0; max-width:900px; font-weight:800; letter-spacing:-0.04em; color:#ffffff;">
 +
      Mini-Bee Hybrid VTOL
 +
    </h1>
 +
 
 +
    <p style="font-size:21px; max-width:900px; color:#e4edf4; margin:0 0 26px 0;">
 +
      A collaborative hybrid VTOL multicopter concept designed for urgent humanitarian missions, light air ambulance operations, emergency logistics and rapid field deployment without runway dependency.
 +
    </p>
 +
 
 +
    <div style="border-radius:24px; overflow:hidden; background:rgba(255,255,255,0.08); border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18); padding:10px; margin:28px 0;">
 +
      [[File:01_hero_principal_minibee.png|1200px|center|Mini-Bee Hybrid VTOL – humanitarian mission concept]]
 +
    </div>
 +
 
 +
    <div style="display:grid; grid-template-columns:repeat(4,minmax(120px,1fr)); gap:14px; margin-top:24px;">
 +
      <div style="background:rgba(255,255,255,0.11); border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18); border-radius:18px; padding:18px;">
 +
        <div style="font-size:34px; font-weight:800; color:#ffffff;">18</div>
 +
        <div style="font-size:13px; color:#d6e1ea; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:0.08em;">distributed rotors</div>
 +
      </div>
 +
      <div style="background:rgba(255,255,255,0.11); border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18); border-radius:18px; padding:18px;">
 +
        <div style="font-size:34px; font-weight:800; color:#ffffff;">450 km</div>
 +
        <div style="font-size:13px; color:#d6e1ea; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:0.08em;">target range</div>
 +
      </div>
 +
      <div style="background:rgba(255,255,255,0.11); border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18); border-radius:18px; padding:18px;">
 +
        <div style="font-size:34px; font-weight:800; color:#ffffff;">160 km/h</div>
 +
        <div style="font-size:13px; color:#d6e1ea; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:0.08em;">cruise speed</div>
 +
      </div>
 +
      <div style="background:rgba(255,255,255,0.11); border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18); border-radius:18px; padding:18px;">
 +
        <div style="font-size:34px; font-weight:800; color:#ffffff;">700 kg</div>
 +
        <div style="font-size:13px; color:#d6e1ea; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:0.08em;">MTOW target</div>
 +
      </div>
 +
    </div>
 +
  </div>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
<!-- INTRO SUMMARY -->
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
 
 +
<div style="display:grid; grid-template-columns:2fr 1fr; gap:24px; margin:28px 0;">
 +
  <div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:24px; padding:28px; box-shadow:0 8px 26px rgba(15,23,42,0.06);">
 +
    <p style="font-size:18px; margin-top:0;">
 +
      <strong>Mini-Bee</strong> is a collaborative hybrid VTOL multicopter project coordinated by <strong>Technoplane SAS</strong> under the <strong>Lesser Open Bee License 1.3</strong>.
 +
    </p>
 +
    <p>
 +
      The current reference configuration is the <strong>Mini-Bee P2H18</strong>: a two-seat hybrid VTOL multicopter using <strong>18 distributed rotors</strong>, a <strong>Rotax 916 iS</strong> thermal engine, twin <strong>EMRAX 208</strong> high-voltage electric machines, supercapacitor support and computerized flight control.
 +
    </p>
 +
    <p style="margin-bottom:0;">
 +
      <strong>Current maturity level:</strong> TRL4 – demonstrator stage.
 +
    </p>
 +
  </div>
 +
 
 +
  <div style="background:#10263b; color:white; border-radius:24px; padding:28px; box-shadow:0 8px 26px rgba(15,23,42,0.10);">
 +
    <div style="font-size:13px; letter-spacing:0.1em; text-transform:uppercase; color:#c7d7e5; margin-bottom:14px;">Official links</div>
 +
    <ul style="margin:0; padding-left:20px;">
 +
      <li>[https://www.mini-bee.com/ Mini-Bee website]</li>
 +
      <li>[https://wiki.collaborativebee.com/ Collaborative Bee Wiki]</li>
 +
      <li>[http://www.bee-license.com/ Lesser Open Bee License 1.3]</li>
 +
    </ul>
 +
  </div>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
<!-- PROJECT VISION -->
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
 
 +
== Project Vision ==
 +
 
 +
<div style="background:#f2f6f9; border-left:6px solid #4f7d95; border-radius:18px; padding:24px 28px; margin:18px 0 24px 0;">
 +
  <p style="font-size:18px; margin:0; color:#243447;">
 +
    Mini-Bee is not only a VTOL technology demonstrator. It is designed around a mission need: reaching people and equipment in difficult environments where conventional ground access is slow, damaged or unavailable.
 +
  </p>
 +
</div>
  
−
Hyrbid Configuration VTOL for 2PAX is :<BR>
+
<div style="display:grid; grid-template-columns:repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr)); gap:16px; margin:24px 0;">
−
- 1 Rotax 915is,<BR>
+
  <div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:20px; padding:22px; box-shadow:0 6px 18px rgba(15,23,42,0.045);">
−
- 2 Emrax 268 twin,<BR>
+
    <div style="font-size:22px; font-weight:800; color:#2f5f7a; margin-bottom:8px;">Medical response</div>
−
- 36 electric engines T-Motors with 36 propellers.<BR>
+
    <p style="margin:0; color:#526374;">Rapid access for a pilot, doctor, operator or stabilized passenger in areas where ground routes are disrupted.</p>
−
<BR>
+
  </div>
−
[[File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image8.png|300px|center]]<br>
+
  <div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:20px; padding:22px; box-shadow:0 6px 18px rgba(15,23,42,0.045);">
−
<BR>
+
    <div style="font-size:22px; font-weight:800; color:#2f5f7a; margin-bottom:8px;">Field deployment</div>
−
* Estaca Laval ASA<BR>
+
    <p style="margin:0; color:#526374;">A modular logistics concept based on LD3 air cargo containers and controlled assembly near the mission area.</p>
−
Fuselage configuration of Mini-Bee with 36 Rotors.<br>
+
  </div>
−
[[File:Conclusion Projet ASA 2021-22.pdf]]<br>
+
  <div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:20px; padding:22px; box-shadow:0 6px 18px rgba(15,23,42,0.045);">
−
<BR>
+
    <div style="font-size:22px; font-weight:800; color:#2f5f7a; margin-bottom:8px;">Lower complexity</div>
−
* Estaca ISPEB Laval<BR>
+
    <p style="margin:0; color:#526374;">A practical VTOL demonstrator intended to reduce deployment complexity compared with conventional helicopter logistics.</p>
−
[[File:20220207 Présentation Projet ISPEB v1.pdf]]<br>
+
  </div>
−
<BR>
+
</div>
−
<BR>
 
−
<gallery>
 
−
File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image1.png
 
−
File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image2.png
 
−
File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image3.png
 
−
File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image4.png
 
−
File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image5.png
 
−
File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image6.png
 
−
File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image7.png
 
−
File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image8.png
 
−
</gallery><br>
 
−
<br>
 
−
<br>
 
  
−
== Past Configuration ==
+
The project follows an open-innovation approach where academics, industrial partners, independent contributors and humanitarian stakeholders can contribute to the development of a practical VTOL platform.
−
<br>
 
−
Update on project.<br>
 
−
[[File:20210622 Mini-Bee v11.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
−
[[File:Minibee18rotors.png|500px|center]]
 
−
<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
−
Intermediate work by Supmeca<br>
 
−
[[File:20210607 Suivi Projet Supméca v9.pdf]]<BR>
 
  
−
<gallery>
+
<!-- ===================================================== -->
−
File:20210414Mini-Bee1.png
+
<!-- REFERENCE CONFIGURATION -->
−
File:20210414Mini-Bee3.jpg
+
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
 
 +
== Reference Configuration – Mini-Bee P2H18 ==
 +
 
 +
<div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:24px; padding:20px; box-shadow:0 8px 26px rgba(15,23,42,0.06); margin:18px 0 24px 0;">
 +
  [[File:02_vue_produit_studio_minibee.png|1000px|center|Mini-Bee P2H18 reference configuration]]
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:left; border-collapse:collapse;"
 +
! style="width:32%; background:#10263b; color:white;" | Parameter
 +
! style="background:#10263b; color:white;" | Current reference value
 +
|-
 +
| Aircraft type
 +
| Hybrid VTOL multicopter
 +
|-
 +
| Configuration
 +
| P2H18 – 2 persons on board, 18 rotors
 +
|-
 +
| Capacity
 +
| 1 pilot + 1 passenger or medical operator
 +
|-
 +
| Propulsion
 +
| Rotax 916 iS + 2 × EMRAX 208 HV CC
 +
|-
 +
| Lift system
 +
| 18 distributed vertical-lift rotors
 +
|-
 +
| Cruise speed
 +
| 160 km/h target
 +
|-
 +
| Target range
 +
| 450 km
 +
|-
 +
| Cruise power
 +
| 100 kW target
 +
|-
 +
| MTOW
 +
| 700 kg target
 +
|-
 +
| Safety approach
 +
| Rotor redundancy, ballistic parachute, emergency beacon, computerized flight control
 +
|-
 +
| Deployment
 +
| Modular packing into LD3 containers
 +
|-
 +
| Maturity
 +
| TRL4 – demonstrator stage
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
<!-- VISUAL OVERVIEW -->
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
 
 +
== Visual Overview ==
 +
 
 +
<div style="background:#f2f6f9; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:22px; padding:22px; margin:18px 0 26px 0;">
 +
  <p style="margin-top:0; color:#243447;">
 +
    The following visual library is prepared for the official Mini-Bee image set. The aircraft configuration must remain unchanged: white Mini-Bee fuselage, homogeneous hexagonal upper rotor structure, symmetrical metallic tubular arms, triangulated structure connected to the central hub, and exactly 18 rotors with 18 visible propellers.
 +
  </p>
 +
 
 +
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="190">
 +
File:01_hero_principal_minibee.png|Hero view – humanitarian VTOL concept
 +
File:02_vue_produit_studio_minibee.png|Reference product view – P2H18
 +
File:03_architecture_technique_minibee.png|Hybrid technical architecture
 +
File:04_mission_air_ambulance_minibee.png|Light air ambulance mission
 +
File:05_mission_disaster_relief_minibee.png|Disaster relief mission
 +
File:06_mission_remote_access_minibee.png|Remote access mission
 +
File:07_mission_emergency_energy_minibee.png|Emergency energy support
 +
File:08_logistique_ld3_minibee.png|LD3 modular deployment
 +
File:09_cockpit_hmi_avionics_minibee.png|Cockpit, HMI and avionics
 +
File:10_tarmac_assembly_minibee.png|Tarmac assembly
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
−
<BR>
+
</div>
−
Mini-Bee project is actually in TRL3 (Technology Readiness Level).<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
−
Main technical orientation for 2PAX configuration Single Rotax 915is Engine as generator and 6 Vertical electric rotors  (author Supaero)<BR>
 
−
[[File:202006 ISAE Supaero Mini-Bee PIR-Report.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
−
[[File:20201015 Mini-Bee Esigelec.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
[[File:20201015 Mini-Bee Esigelec.pptx]]<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
−
TRL3 Technical Materials :<BR>
 
−
[[Minibee TRL3]]<BR>
 
  
−
<BR>
+
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
<!-- MISSION LOGIC -->
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
  
−
==Project History==
+
== Mission Logic First ==
−
<BR>
 
  
−
[[File:20210414 Mini-Bee v10.pdf]]<BR>
+
<div style="display:grid; grid-template-columns:1.05fr 0.95fr; gap:24px; align-items:start; margin:20px 0 28px 0;">
 +
  <div>
 +
    <p>
 +
      The Mini-Bee project follows a mission-first design logic. The aim is not to reproduce an air taxi concept, but to study a practical aircraft for humanitarian and emergency operations.
 +
    </p>
 +
    <p>The aircraft is intended for situations where:</p>
 +
    <ul>
 +
      <li>roads are damaged, slow or unavailable;</li>
 +
      <li>a conventional helicopter is too costly or difficult to deploy;</li>
 +
      <li>a runway is not available;</li>
 +
      <li>rapid access is more important than high cruise speed;</li>
 +
      <li>one pilot and one passenger/operator are sufficient;</li>
 +
      <li>compact logistics and field assembly are essential.</li>
 +
    </ul>
 +
  </div>
  
−
<br>
+
  <div style="background:#10263b; color:white; border-radius:24px; padding:26px; box-shadow:0 10px 28px rgba(15,23,42,0.14);">
−
* Presentation of VTOL and Mini-Bee made during Virtual Aerospace Show 7 april 2021
+
    <div style="font-size:13px; letter-spacing:0.1em; text-transform:uppercase; color:#c7d7e5; margin-bottom:10px;">Mission design principle</div>
−
[[File:20210407 VTOL et Mini-Bee v2.pdf]]<br>
+
    <div style="font-size:30px; line-height:1.1; font-weight:800; margin-bottom:12px;">Reach the mission area first.</div>
−
<br>
+
    <p style="color:#d6e1ea; margin:0;">Mini-Bee prioritizes practical access, deployability and emergency usefulness over luxury mobility or high-speed transport.</p>
−
Project was launched in January 2015 to study individual air transportation but switched to medical transportation on 2016.<br>
+
  </div>
−
On Paris Air Show 2015 we presented a first mock-up and it was a success ! <br><br>
+
</div>
−
<BR>
 
−
[[File:20200921 Mini-Bee 2PAX v9-1.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
<br>
 
−
Bourget 2019 and event with cokcpit prototype : [[Bourget 2019]]<br>
 
−
<br>
 
−
Summary of Mini-Bee projects since start in 2015.<BR>
 
−
[[File:Mini-Bee Evolution Projets v1.pdf]]<BR><BR>
 
−
[[Minibee TRL2]]<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
−
[[File:MiniBee 01.jpg|300px|center]]
 
−
<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
−
During 2015 and 2016 multiple universities studied concept and TRL1 closed in June 2016.<br>
 
−
In summer 2017, project achieved TRL2 at Paris Air Show 2017 and is now entering TRL3 with more than 15 universities and 10 industrial interested !<BR>
 
−
In 2018, studiez have made progress on the engine and hybrid configuration.<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
−
<center>
 
−
[[File:Partners_industriels.png|400px|center]]
 
−
[[File:Partners_aca.png|600px|center]]
 
−
</center>
 
−
<BR>
 
  
−
<BR>
+
<!-- ===================================================== -->
−
Challenge presentation from 2017 edition :
+
<!-- CORE MISSIONS -->
−
<BR>
+
<!-- ===================================================== -->
−
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgEbw49LUFk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgEbw49LUFk Challenge2017video]<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
  
−
[[Category:MiniBee]]
+
== Core Humanitarian Missions ==
−
[[Category:TRL3]]
+
 
 +
<div style="display:grid; grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr)); gap:22px; margin:20px 0;">
 +
  <div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:24px; overflow:hidden; box-shadow:0 8px 24px rgba(15,23,42,0.06);">
 +
    [[File:04_mission_air_ambulance_minibee.png|700px|center|Mini-Bee light air ambulance mission]]
 +
    <div style="padding:24px;">
 +
      <h3 style="margin-top:0; color:#2f5f7a;">Light Air Ambulance</h3>
 +
      <p>Mini-Bee is primarily studied as a light air ambulance and medical response platform.</p>
 +
      <ul>
 +
        <li>transport of a doctor or medical operator;</li>
 +
        <li>access to isolated clinics or mountain areas;</li>
 +
        <li>evacuation of a stabilized patient;</li>
 +
        <li>delivery of medical supplies to remote sites.</li>
 +
      </ul>
 +
    </div>
 +
  </div>
 +
 
 +
  <div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:24px; overflow:hidden; box-shadow:0 8px 24px rgba(15,23,42,0.06);">
 +
    [[File:05_mission_disaster_relief_minibee.png|700px|center|Mini-Bee disaster relief mission]]
 +
    <div style="padding:24px;">
 +
      <h3 style="margin-top:0; color:#2f5f7a;">Disaster Relief</h3>
 +
      <p>In disaster zones, the first operational difficulty is often access.</p>
 +
      <ul>
 +
        <li>rapid reconnaissance;</li>
 +
        <li>delivery of urgent supplies;</li>
 +
        <li>transport of a field operator;</li>
 +
        <li>support after road or bridge damage.</li>
 +
      </ul>
 +
    </div>
 +
  </div>
 +
 
 +
  <div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:24px; overflow:hidden; box-shadow:0 8px 24px rgba(15,23,42,0.06);">
 +
    [[File:06_mission_remote_access_minibee.png|700px|center|Mini-Bee remote access mission]]
 +
    <div style="padding:24px;">
 +
      <h3 style="margin-top:0; color:#2f5f7a;">Remote Access</h3>
 +
      <p>Remote areas require aircraft that can operate without a runway.</p>
 +
      <ul>
 +
        <li>isolated medical sites;</li>
 +
        <li>mountain rescue support;</li>
 +
        <li>island-to-island emergency transport;</li>
 +
        <li>temporary field operations.</li>
 +
      </ul>
 +
    </div>
 +
  </div>
 +
 
 +
  <div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:24px; overflow:hidden; box-shadow:0 8px 24px rgba(15,23,42,0.06);">
 +
    [[File:07_mission_emergency_energy_minibee.png|700px|center|Mini-Bee emergency energy support mission]]
 +
    <div style="padding:24px;">
 +
      <h3 style="margin-top:0; color:#2f5f7a;">Emergency Energy Support</h3>
 +
      <p>The hybrid architecture is also studied for emergency power support.</p>
 +
      <ul>
 +
        <li>emergency electrical generation;</li>
 +
        <li>crisis-site power support;</li>
 +
        <li>mobile energy buffer using supercapacitors;</li>
 +
        <li>support to temporary medical units.</li>
 +
      </ul>
 +
    </div>
 +
  </div>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
<!-- HYBRID PROPULSION -->
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
 
 +
== Why Hybrid Propulsion Matters ==
 +
 
 +
<div style="background:linear-gradient(135deg,#f7f9fb,#eef5f8); border:1px solid #d9e7ef; border-radius:24px; padding:28px; margin:18px 0 28px 0;">
 +
  <p style="font-size:18px; margin-top:0; color:#243447;">
 +
    A fully electric multicopter can be attractive for short missions, but humanitarian operations often face limited charging infrastructure, uncertain logistics and longer-distance access needs.
 +
  </p>
 +
  <p style="margin-bottom:0; color:#243447;">
 +
    Mini-Bee therefore studies a hybrid architecture intended to combine the endurance and practicality of thermal energy with the controllability and redundancy of distributed electric lift.
 +
  </p>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
== Hybrid Technical Architecture ==
 +
 
 +
<div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:24px; padding:20px; box-shadow:0 8px 26px rgba(15,23,42,0.06); margin:18px 0 24px 0;">
 +
  [[File:03_architecture_technique_minibee.png|1000px|center|Mini-Bee hybrid technical architecture]]
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
<div style="display:grid; grid-template-columns:repeat(7,minmax(0,1fr)); gap:8px; margin:22px 0 30px 0; text-align:center;">
 +
  <div style="background:#10263b; color:white; border-radius:16px; padding:15px 8px; font-weight:700;">Fuel</div>
 +
  <div style="background:#1f4058; color:white; border-radius:16px; padding:15px 8px; font-weight:700;">Rotax 916 iS</div>
 +
  <div style="background:#33566d; color:white; border-radius:16px; padding:15px 8px; font-weight:700;">EMRAX</div>
 +
  <div style="background:#49677a; color:white; border-radius:16px; padding:15px 8px; font-weight:700;">Rectifiers</div>
 +
  <div style="background:#56788a; color:white; border-radius:16px; padding:15px 8px; font-weight:700;">DC bus</div>
 +
  <div style="background:#63899c; color:white; border-radius:16px; padding:15px 8px; font-weight:700;">ESCs</div>
 +
  <div style="background:#7099ad; color:white; border-radius:16px; padding:15px 8px; font-weight:700;">18 rotors</div>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
! style="background:#10263b; color:white;" | Subsystem
 +
! style="background:#10263b; color:white;" | Role
 +
|-
 +
| Rotax 916 iS
 +
| Thermal power source for hybrid generation
 +
|-
 +
| EMRAX 208 HV CC
 +
| Electric machines used in the hybrid power chain
 +
|-
 +
| Rectifiers
 +
| Conversion toward high-voltage DC distribution
 +
|-
 +
| Supercapacitors
 +
| Buffer for transient power demands and emergency support
 +
|-
 +
| ESC / power controllers
 +
| Individual rotor control and thrust distribution
 +
|-
 +
| 18 rotors
 +
| Distributed vertical lift and redundancy studies
 +
|-
 +
| FCU
 +
| Stabilization, flight control, degraded modes and safety logic
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
<!-- FLIGHT CONTROL -->
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
 
 +
== Flight Control Unit and Stabilization ==
 +
 
 +
<div style="display:grid; grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr; gap:22px; margin:20px 0;">
 +
  <div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:24px; padding:26px; box-shadow:0 8px 24px rgba(15,23,42,0.06);">
 +
    <h3 style="margin-top:0; color:#2f5f7a;">Why a dedicated FCU is needed</h3>
 +
    <p>Mini-Bee is neither a conventional helicopter nor a battery-only multicopter. The FCU must manage distributed lift, hybrid power behavior, assisted control and degraded modes.</p>
 +
    <ul>
 +
      <li>vertical take-off and landing;</li>
 +
      <li>hover stabilization;</li>
 +
      <li>pitch, roll and yaw control;</li>
 +
      <li>power distribution across 18 rotors;</li>
 +
      <li>STOP mode and emergency logic;</li>
 +
      <li>telemetry and flight data recording.</li>
 +
    </ul>
 +
  </div>
 +
 
 +
  <div style="background:#f2f6f9; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:24px; padding:26px;">
 +
    <h3 style="margin-top:0; color:#2f5f7a;">Current prototyping direction</h3>
 +
    <p>The current prototyping approach is based on STM32 / Nucleo components and inertial/environmental sensors.</p>
 +
    <ul>
 +
      <li>accelerometers and gyroscopes;</li>
 +
      <li>magnetometer;</li>
 +
      <li>barometric pressure sensor;</li>
 +
      <li>GPS or positioning input;</li>
 +
      <li>power and rotor monitoring.</li>
 +
    </ul>
 +
  </div>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
<!-- COCKPIT -->
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
 
 +
== Cockpit, HMI and Avionics ==
 +
 
 +
<div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:24px; padding:20px; box-shadow:0 8px 26px rgba(15,23,42,0.06); margin:18px 0 24px 0;">
 +
  [[File:09_cockpit_hmi_avionics_minibee.png|1000px|center|Mini-Bee cockpit and avionics concept]]
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
<div style="display:grid; grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr; gap:22px; margin:20px 0;">
 +
  <div>
 +
    <p>The cockpit concept is designed around simplified assisted flight control.</p>
 +
    <ul>
 +
      <li>one pilot on board;</li>
 +
      <li>joystick-based control;</li>
 +
      <li>sport / assisted mode logic;</li>
 +
      <li>emergency beacon;</li>
 +
      <li>Kanardia EMSIS / DAQu equipment studies;</li>
 +
      <li>clear warning and alarm logic;</li>
 +
      <li>computerized flight assistance.</li>
 +
    </ul>
 +
  </div>
 +
  <div style="background:#10263b; color:white; border-radius:24px; padding:26px;">
 +
    <div style="font-size:13px; letter-spacing:0.1em; text-transform:uppercase; color:#c7d7e5; margin-bottom:10px;">Important status</div>
 +
    <p style="margin:0; color:#d6e1ea;">The aircraft remains a demonstrator. The final cockpit configuration must be validated through HMI studies, simulation, ground tests and future certification-oriented reviews.</p>
 +
  </div>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
<!-- LD3 DEPLOYMENT -->
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
 
 +
== Modular Deployment with LD3 Containers ==
 +
 
 +
<div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:24px; padding:20px; box-shadow:0 8px 26px rgba(15,23,42,0.06); margin:18px 0 24px 0;">
 +
  [[File:08_logistique_ld3_minibee.png|1000px|center|Mini-Bee LD3 modular deployment]]
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
A major operational goal of Mini-Bee is rapid deployment through standard air cargo logistics.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
! style="background:#10263b; color:white;" | Module
 +
! style="background:#10263b; color:white;" | Content
 +
|-
 +
| LD3 – Cockpit
 +
| Main cabin, seats, avionics and central structure
 +
|-
 +
| LD3 – Tubes
 +
| Tubular frame, structural arms and assembly elements
 +
|-
 +
| LD3 – Blades / Rotors
 +
| Rotor elements, blades and mission equipment
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Tarmac Assembly ==
 +
 
 +
<div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:24px; padding:20px; box-shadow:0 8px 26px rgba(15,23,42,0.06); margin:18px 0 24px 0;">
 +
  [[File:10_tarmac_assembly_minibee.png|1000px|center|Mini-Bee tarmac assembly]]
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
<div style="background:#f2f6f9; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:22px; padding:24px; margin:18px 0 28px 0;">
 +
  <ol style="margin:0;">
 +
    <li>Air transport by civil cargo aircraft.</li>
 +
    <li>Unloading of LD3 modules.</li>
 +
    <li>Controlled assembly on tarmac.</li>
 +
    <li>Ground checks.</li>
 +
    <li>Propulsion and FCU validation.</li>
 +
    <li>Mission preparation close to the intervention area.</li>
 +
  </ol>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
<!-- SAFETY AND CERTIFICATION -->
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
 
 +
== Safety Philosophy ==
 +
 
 +
<div style="display:grid; grid-template-columns:repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr)); gap:16px; margin:20px 0;">
 +
  <div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:20px; padding:22px; box-shadow:0 6px 18px rgba(15,23,42,0.045);"><strong>Distributed lift</strong><br />18 rotors for redundancy studies and thrust allocation.</div>
 +
  <div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:20px; padding:22px; box-shadow:0 6px 18px rgba(15,23,42,0.045);"><strong>Emergency recovery</strong><br />Ballistic parachute, emergency beacon and degraded modes.</div>
 +
  <div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:20px; padding:22px; box-shadow:0 6px 18px rgba(15,23,42,0.045);"><strong>Occupant protection</strong><br />Anti-crash seats and structure as central design topics.</div>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
A single-engine hybrid multicopter does not follow the same safety logic as a conventional helicopter. For this reason, emergency descent, parachute recovery and rotor redundancy are central design topics.
 +
 
 +
== Certification-Oriented Development ==
 +
 
 +
<div style="background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-radius:24px; padding:20px; box-shadow:0 8px 26px rgba(15,23,42,0.06); margin:18px 0 24px 0;">
 +
  [[File:11_certification_roadmap_minibee.png|1000px|center|Mini-Bee certification roadmap]]
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
Mini-Bee is currently a TRL4 demonstrator. It is not presented as a certified operational aircraft.
 +
 
 +
The development approach anticipates certification logic by considering:
 +
 
 +
* CS-27 small rotorcraft logic;
 +
* SC-VTOL capable aircraft considerations;
 +
* hybrid propulsion compliance topics;
 +
* electric and hybrid propulsion system references;
 +
* EWIS and high-voltage power distribution;
 +
* crashworthiness;
 +
* flight control software and verification;
 +
* requirement compliance matrices.
 +
 
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
<!-- ORGANIZATION AND ROADMAP -->
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
 
 +
== Collaborative Organization 2025–2026 ==
 +
 
 +
The Mini-Bee project is collaborative by design. Academic and industrial partners contribute to specific work packages.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
! style="background:#10263b; color:white;" | Work package
 +
! style="background:#10263b; color:white;" | Main focus
 +
! style="background:#10263b; color:white;" | 2025–2026 orientation
 +
|-
 +
| FCU – 18 rotors
 +
| Stabilization, rotor allocation, STOP mode, degraded modes
 +
| ESTACA Saint-Quentin studies and STM-based prototyping
 +
|-
 +
| Hybrid power chain
 +
| Rotax / EMRAX / rectifier / supercapacitor modeling and tests
 +
| Centrale Lille studies and hybrid generation test bench
 +
|-
 +
| Structure and crashworthiness
 +
| Tubular structure, rotor support, crash resistance
 +
| ESTACA Bordeaux and Lycée Louis Armand studies
 +
|-
 +
| Avionics and HMI
 +
| Displays, joystick, warning logic, Kanardia integration
 +
| ESTACA SQY and Centrale Lille coordination
 +
|-
 +
| Certification framework
 +
| SC-VTOL, CS-27, compliance matrix, test logic
 +
| Progressive structuring toward pre-certification
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Roadmap ==
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
! style="background:#10263b; color:white;" | Period
 +
! style="background:#10263b; color:white;" | Target
 +
|-
 +
| 2025–2026
 +
| Detailed design, FCU 18-rotor development, Rotax + Kanardia ground tests, hybrid generation tests
 +
|-
 +
| 2026
 +
| Integrated ground demonstrator with propulsion, FCU and sensors
 +
|-
 +
| 2027
 +
| Tethered flight prototype target
 +
|-
 +
| 2028
 +
| First free-flight demonstrator target
 +
|-
 +
| 2029
 +
| Pre-certification work and SC-VTOL / CS-27 compliance matrix
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
<!-- HISTORY AND ONG -->
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
 
 +
== Project History ==
 +
 
 +
The Mini-Bee project was launched in 2015 to study lightweight personal air transportation and progressively shifted toward medical and humanitarian use cases.
 +
 
 +
Past project stages include:
 +
 
 +
* [[Minibee TRL1]]
 +
* [[Minibee TRL2]]
 +
* [[Minibee TRL3]]
 +
* [[Minibee TRL4]]
 +
 
 +
Earlier presentations and public project milestones:
 +
 
 +
* [[File:20210414 Mini-Bee v10.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:20210407 VTOL et Mini-Bee v2.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:20230418 Mini-Bee v16.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:20240417 Prez Mini Bee ECL.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:20251012 Mini-Bee v24.pdf]]
 +
 
 +
The 2025 reference configuration updates the project around the P2H18 architecture with 18 distributed rotors, Rotax 916 iS hybrid power, two persons on board and LD3 deployment logic.
 +
 
 +
== Relation with RED VTOL ONG ==
 +
 
 +
<div style="background:#f7fafc; border:1px solid #dbe7ef; border-radius:22px; padding:24px; margin:18px 0 24px 0;">
 +
  <p style="margin-top:0; color:#243447;">
 +
    RED VTOL ONG gives the project a strong humanitarian orientation. The Mini-Bee aircraft concept is studied as a tool for missions where time, access and practical deployment are central.
 +
  </p>
 +
  <ul style="margin-bottom:0;">
 +
    <li>reach difficult areas faster;</li>
 +
    <li>transport useful payloads or one additional person;</li>
 +
    <li>support medical intervention;</li>
 +
    <li>reduce dependency on runway infrastructure;</li>
 +
    <li>remain more deployable than a conventional helicopter;</li>
 +
    <li>provide a practical bridge between humanitarian constraints and VTOL technology.</li>
 +
  </ul>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
See also:
 +
 
 +
* [[RED VTOL ONG]]
 +
 
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
<!-- LIMITATIONS, LINKS, SUMMARY -->
 +
<!-- ===================================================== -->
 +
 
 +
== Current Limitations ==
 +
 
 +
<div style="background:#f7f9fb; border:1px solid #d9e3ea; border-left:6px solid #6f8796; border-radius:22px; padding:24px; margin:18px 0 24px 0;">
 +
  <strong>Mini-Bee is still in demonstrator stage.</strong>
 +
  <ul style="margin-bottom:0;">
 +
    <li>no certified operational aircraft yet;</li>
 +
    <li>propulsion and FCU integration still under validation;</li>
 +
    <li>structural design and crashworthiness studies still in progress;</li>
 +
    <li>flight envelope not finalized;</li>
 +
    <li>certification basis and means of compliance still under construction;</li>
 +
    <li>mission use cases must remain demonstrator-level until validation.</li>
 +
  </ul>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
== Links ==
 +
 
 +
* [https://www.mini-bee.com/ Mini-Bee website]
 +
* [https://wiki.collaborativebee.com/ Collaborative Bee Wiki]
 +
* [http://www.bee-license.com/ Lesser Open Bee License 1.3]
 +
* [https://emrax.com/ EMRAX electric motors]
 +
* [https://www.flyrotax.com/ Rotax aircraft engines]
 +
* [https://www.kanardia.eu/ Kanardia avionics]
 +
* [https://www.st.com/en/evaluation-tools/stm32-nucleo-boards.html STM32 Nucleo boards]
 +
 
 +
== Summary ==
 +
 
 +
<div style="background:linear-gradient(135deg,#10263b,#1f4058); color:white; border-radius:26px; padding:30px; margin:20px 0 0 0; box-shadow:0 16px 40px rgba(15,23,42,0.18);">
 +
  <p style="font-size:19px; margin-top:0; color:#e4edf4;">
 +
    Mini-Bee is a TRL4 collaborative hybrid VTOL demonstrator designed around urgent humanitarian missions.
 +
  </p>
 +
  <div style="display:grid; grid-template-columns:repeat(4,minmax(0,1fr)); gap:12px; margin-top:20px;">
 +
    <div style="background:rgba(255,255,255,0.09); border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.14); border-radius:16px; padding:16px;">18 distributed rotors</div>
 +
    <div style="background:rgba(255,255,255,0.09); border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.14); border-radius:16px; padding:16px;">Rotax 916 iS hybrid propulsion</div>
 +
    <div style="background:rgba(255,255,255,0.09); border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.14); border-radius:16px; padding:16px;">EMRAX 208 electric machines</div>
 +
    <div style="background:rgba(255,255,255,0.09); border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.14); border-radius:16px; padding:16px;">Supercapacitor support</div>
 +
    <div style="background:rgba(255,255,255,0.09); border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.14); border-radius:16px; padding:16px;">Two persons on board</div>
 +
    <div style="background:rgba(255,255,255,0.09); border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.14); border-radius:16px; padding:16px;">450 km target range</div>
 +
    <div style="background:rgba(255,255,255,0.09); border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.14); border-radius:16px; padding:16px;">160 km/h cruise speed</div>
 +
    <div style="background:rgba(255,255,255,0.09); border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.14); border-radius:16px; padding:16px;">LD3 modular deployment</div>
 +
  </div>
 +
  <p style="margin-bottom:0; margin-top:20px; color:#d6e1ea;">
 +
    The project continues toward an integrated ground demonstrator, tethered flight testing, free-flight demonstration and progressive pre-certification work.
 +
  </p>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
</div>

Latest revision as of 10:44, 30 April 2026




TRL4 demonstrator · Hybrid VTOL · Humanitarian aviation

Mini-Bee Hybrid VTOL

A collaborative hybrid VTOL multicopter concept designed for urgent humanitarian missions, light air ambulance operations, emergency logistics and rapid field deployment without runway dependency.

Mini-Bee Hybrid VTOL – humanitarian mission concept
18
distributed rotors
450 km
target range
160 km/h
cruise speed
700 kg
MTOW target


Mini-Bee is a collaborative hybrid VTOL multicopter project coordinated by Technoplane SAS under the Lesser Open Bee License 1.3.

The current reference configuration is the Mini-Bee P2H18: a two-seat hybrid VTOL multicopter using 18 distributed rotors, a Rotax 916 iS thermal engine, twin EMRAX 208 high-voltage electric machines, supercapacitor support and computerized flight control.

Current maturity level: TRL4 – demonstrator stage.


Project Vision

Mini-Bee is not only a VTOL technology demonstrator. It is designed around a mission need: reaching people and equipment in difficult environments where conventional ground access is slow, damaged or unavailable.

Medical response

Rapid access for a pilot, doctor, operator or stabilized passenger in areas where ground routes are disrupted.

Field deployment

A modular logistics concept based on LD3 air cargo containers and controlled assembly near the mission area.

Lower complexity

A practical VTOL demonstrator intended to reduce deployment complexity compared with conventional helicopter logistics.

The project follows an open-innovation approach where academics, industrial partners, independent contributors and humanitarian stakeholders can contribute to the development of a practical VTOL platform.


Reference Configuration – Mini-Bee P2H18

Mini-Bee P2H18 reference configuration
Parameter Current reference value
Aircraft type Hybrid VTOL multicopter
Configuration P2H18 – 2 persons on board, 18 rotors
Capacity 1 pilot + 1 passenger or medical operator
Propulsion Rotax 916 iS + 2 × EMRAX 208 HV CC
Lift system 18 distributed vertical-lift rotors
Cruise speed 160 km/h target
Target range 450 km
Cruise power 100 kW target
MTOW 700 kg target
Safety approach Rotor redundancy, ballistic parachute, emergency beacon, computerized flight control
Deployment Modular packing into LD3 containers
Maturity TRL4 – demonstrator stage


Visual Overview

The following visual library is prepared for the official Mini-Bee image set. The aircraft configuration must remain unchanged: white Mini-Bee fuselage, homogeneous hexagonal upper rotor structure, symmetrical metallic tubular arms, triangulated structure connected to the central hub, and exactly 18 rotors with 18 visible propellers.

  • Hero view – humanitarian VTOL concept

  • Reference product view – P2H18

  • Hybrid technical architecture

  • Light air ambulance mission

  • Disaster relief mission

  • Remote access mission

  • Emergency energy support

  • LD3 modular deployment

  • Cockpit, HMI and avionics

  • Tarmac assembly


Mission Logic First

The Mini-Bee project follows a mission-first design logic. The aim is not to reproduce an air taxi concept, but to study a practical aircraft for humanitarian and emergency operations.

The aircraft is intended for situations where:

  • roads are damaged, slow or unavailable;
  • a conventional helicopter is too costly or difficult to deploy;
  • a runway is not available;
  • rapid access is more important than high cruise speed;
  • one pilot and one passenger/operator are sufficient;
  • compact logistics and field assembly are essential.
Mission design principle
Reach the mission area first.

Mini-Bee prioritizes practical access, deployability and emergency usefulness over luxury mobility or high-speed transport.


Core Humanitarian Missions

Mini-Bee light air ambulance mission

Light Air Ambulance

Mini-Bee is primarily studied as a light air ambulance and medical response platform.

  • transport of a doctor or medical operator;
  • access to isolated clinics or mountain areas;
  • evacuation of a stabilized patient;
  • delivery of medical supplies to remote sites.
Mini-Bee disaster relief mission

Disaster Relief

In disaster zones, the first operational difficulty is often access.

  • rapid reconnaissance;
  • delivery of urgent supplies;
  • transport of a field operator;
  • support after road or bridge damage.
Mini-Bee remote access mission

Remote Access

Remote areas require aircraft that can operate without a runway.

  • isolated medical sites;
  • mountain rescue support;
  • island-to-island emergency transport;
  • temporary field operations.
Mini-Bee emergency energy support mission

Emergency Energy Support

The hybrid architecture is also studied for emergency power support.

  • emergency electrical generation;
  • crisis-site power support;
  • mobile energy buffer using supercapacitors;
  • support to temporary medical units.


Why Hybrid Propulsion Matters

A fully electric multicopter can be attractive for short missions, but humanitarian operations often face limited charging infrastructure, uncertain logistics and longer-distance access needs.

Mini-Bee therefore studies a hybrid architecture intended to combine the endurance and practicality of thermal energy with the controllability and redundancy of distributed electric lift.

Hybrid Technical Architecture

Mini-Bee hybrid technical architecture
Fuel
Rotax 916 iS
EMRAX
Rectifiers
DC bus
ESCs
18 rotors
Subsystem Role
Rotax 916 iS Thermal power source for hybrid generation
EMRAX 208 HV CC Electric machines used in the hybrid power chain
Rectifiers Conversion toward high-voltage DC distribution
Supercapacitors Buffer for transient power demands and emergency support
ESC / power controllers Individual rotor control and thrust distribution
18 rotors Distributed vertical lift and redundancy studies
FCU Stabilization, flight control, degraded modes and safety logic


Flight Control Unit and Stabilization

Why a dedicated FCU is needed

Mini-Bee is neither a conventional helicopter nor a battery-only multicopter. The FCU must manage distributed lift, hybrid power behavior, assisted control and degraded modes.

  • vertical take-off and landing;
  • hover stabilization;
  • pitch, roll and yaw control;
  • power distribution across 18 rotors;
  • STOP mode and emergency logic;
  • telemetry and flight data recording.

Current prototyping direction

The current prototyping approach is based on STM32 / Nucleo components and inertial/environmental sensors.

  • accelerometers and gyroscopes;
  • magnetometer;
  • barometric pressure sensor;
  • GPS or positioning input;
  • power and rotor monitoring.


Cockpit, HMI and Avionics

Mini-Bee cockpit and avionics concept

The cockpit concept is designed around simplified assisted flight control.

  • one pilot on board;
  • joystick-based control;
  • sport / assisted mode logic;
  • emergency beacon;
  • Kanardia EMSIS / DAQu equipment studies;
  • clear warning and alarm logic;
  • computerized flight assistance.
Important status

The aircraft remains a demonstrator. The final cockpit configuration must be validated through HMI studies, simulation, ground tests and future certification-oriented reviews.


Modular Deployment with LD3 Containers

Mini-Bee LD3 modular deployment

A major operational goal of Mini-Bee is rapid deployment through standard air cargo logistics.

Module Content
LD3 – Cockpit Main cabin, seats, avionics and central structure
LD3 – Tubes Tubular frame, structural arms and assembly elements
LD3 – Blades / Rotors Rotor elements, blades and mission equipment

Tarmac Assembly

Mini-Bee tarmac assembly
  1. Air transport by civil cargo aircraft.
  2. Unloading of LD3 modules.
  3. Controlled assembly on tarmac.
  4. Ground checks.
  5. Propulsion and FCU validation.
  6. Mission preparation close to the intervention area.


Safety Philosophy

Distributed lift
18 rotors for redundancy studies and thrust allocation.
Emergency recovery
Ballistic parachute, emergency beacon and degraded modes.
Occupant protection
Anti-crash seats and structure as central design topics.

A single-engine hybrid multicopter does not follow the same safety logic as a conventional helicopter. For this reason, emergency descent, parachute recovery and rotor redundancy are central design topics.

Certification-Oriented Development

Mini-Bee certification roadmap

Mini-Bee is currently a TRL4 demonstrator. It is not presented as a certified operational aircraft.

The development approach anticipates certification logic by considering:

  • CS-27 small rotorcraft logic;
  • SC-VTOL capable aircraft considerations;
  • hybrid propulsion compliance topics;
  • electric and hybrid propulsion system references;
  • EWIS and high-voltage power distribution;
  • crashworthiness;
  • flight control software and verification;
  • requirement compliance matrices.


Collaborative Organization 2025–2026

The Mini-Bee project is collaborative by design. Academic and industrial partners contribute to specific work packages.

Work package Main focus 2025–2026 orientation
FCU – 18 rotors Stabilization, rotor allocation, STOP mode, degraded modes ESTACA Saint-Quentin studies and STM-based prototyping
Hybrid power chain Rotax / EMRAX / rectifier / supercapacitor modeling and tests Centrale Lille studies and hybrid generation test bench
Structure and crashworthiness Tubular structure, rotor support, crash resistance ESTACA Bordeaux and Lycée Louis Armand studies
Avionics and HMI Displays, joystick, warning logic, Kanardia integration ESTACA SQY and Centrale Lille coordination
Certification framework SC-VTOL, CS-27, compliance matrix, test logic Progressive structuring toward pre-certification

Roadmap

Period Target
2025–2026 Detailed design, FCU 18-rotor development, Rotax + Kanardia ground tests, hybrid generation tests
2026 Integrated ground demonstrator with propulsion, FCU and sensors
2027 Tethered flight prototype target
2028 First free-flight demonstrator target
2029 Pre-certification work and SC-VTOL / CS-27 compliance matrix


Project History

The Mini-Bee project was launched in 2015 to study lightweight personal air transportation and progressively shifted toward medical and humanitarian use cases.

Past project stages include:

Earlier presentations and public project milestones:

The 2025 reference configuration updates the project around the P2H18 architecture with 18 distributed rotors, Rotax 916 iS hybrid power, two persons on board and LD3 deployment logic.

Relation with RED VTOL ONG

RED VTOL ONG gives the project a strong humanitarian orientation. The Mini-Bee aircraft concept is studied as a tool for missions where time, access and practical deployment are central.

  • reach difficult areas faster;
  • transport useful payloads or one additional person;
  • support medical intervention;
  • reduce dependency on runway infrastructure;
  • remain more deployable than a conventional helicopter;
  • provide a practical bridge between humanitarian constraints and VTOL technology.

See also:


Current Limitations

 Mini-Bee is still in demonstrator stage.
  • no certified operational aircraft yet;
  • propulsion and FCU integration still under validation;
  • structural design and crashworthiness studies still in progress;
  • flight envelope not finalized;
  • certification basis and means of compliance still under construction;
  • mission use cases must remain demonstrator-level until validation.

Links

Summary

Mini-Bee is a TRL4 collaborative hybrid VTOL demonstrator designed around urgent humanitarian missions.

18 distributed rotors
Rotax 916 iS hybrid propulsion
EMRAX 208 electric machines
Supercapacitor support
Two persons on board
450 km target range
160 km/h cruise speed
LD3 modular deployment

The project continues toward an integrated ground demonstrator, tethered flight testing, free-flight demonstration and progressive pre-certification work.

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