Difference between revisions of "Minibee TRL2"

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[[File:MiniBee_Taxi.jpg|1000px|center]]
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:TRL 2 – Mini-Bee}}
  
−
== Work done during TRL2 ==
+
__TOC__
−
<BR>
 
−
Current universities and schools working on the project<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
−
* Centrale Supelec : aeronautical simulation<BR>
 
−
[[File:201706 pres ECP aero.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
[[File:Suivi code 2017 3.0.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
[[File:Guide fonction code Version 1.0 ECP2016.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
  
−
* Estaca : Usages and engines<BR>
+
<div style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; margin-bottom:20px;">
−
[[File:Rapport projet 5A Mini Bee intérieur.pdf]]<BR>
+
<div style="background:#1f3a5f; color:#ffffff; padding:12px 16px; font-weight:bold;">
−
[[File:Masse Coûts approx Mini-Bee version ambulance.xlsx]]<BR>
+
TRL 2 – Mini-Bee | Technology Concept Formulated
−
[[File:2017 01 24 Planches VIP.pdf]]<BR>
+
</div>
−
[[File:Rapport projet Mini-Bee.pdf]]<BR>
+
<div style="padding:16px;">
−
<BR>
+
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse;"
−
[[File:BEE-PLANE REPORT 2016-2017 ISIEB v2.pdf]]
+
|-
 +
| style="width:48%; vertical-align:middle; padding-right:18px;" |
 +
At '''TRL 2''', the '''Mini-Bee''' project moved from basic principles to a first formulated aircraft concept.
  
−
<BR>
+
This stage focused on transforming the original VTOL idea into a more structured configuration, supported by academic studies, preliminary simulations, mock-ups, usage analysis, structural work and early technical assumptions.
−
* Estaca SQY 4A : structure<BR>
 
−
[[File:RapportdeProjet structure estaca 4A 2017.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
[[File:RapportdeProjet1ersemestre.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
[[File:Soutenance 132F01.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
[[File:Soutenance du 2ème semestre (21F042F2017).pdf]]<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
−
* Supmeca : Structural and mechanical mock-up<BR>
 
−
[[File:SUPMECA FINAL 201706Bourget.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
[[File:Supmeca MotorisationMiniBee 201706Bourget.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
[[File:Mini-Bee Project 2017 - Aerodynamic optimisation.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
[[File:Présentation Mini-Bee optimisation aérodynamique 2017.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
[[File:Mini-bee soutenance2302 final.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
[[File:Rapport Mini-Bee v5-finale.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
−
* Ensta Bretagne<BR>
 
−
[[File:ENSTA Bretagne 201706Bourget.pdf]]
 
−
* Polito : equipements<BR>
 
−
[[File:Final Report Polito 23 02 17.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
[[File:Polito Supmeca presentation 23 02 17.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
−
* Ensta Bretagne : Scale flying mock-up<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
−
* ENSEA : Human interface<BR>
 
−
[[File:ENSEA 201706Bourget.pdf]]
 
−
<BR>
 
−
* INSA : Seat<BR>
 
−
[[File:INSA pres NAE.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
<BR>
 
−
* IUT Le Havre : Tilt<BR>
 
−
[[File:IUT LeHavre 201706Bourget.pdf]]
 
−
<BR>
 
−
* IUT Rouen : capteur et intégration CEM<BR>
 
−
[[File:CEM IUT Rouen 201706Bourget.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
[[File:IUT Rouen Capteur 201706Bourget.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
[[File:Présentation24-06-17-2 IUT ROUEN 201706Bourget.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
* IUT Caen : Rotors and optimisation of power chain<BR>
 
−
[[File:IUT CAEN PstBgt 201706Bourget.pdf]]
 
−
<BR>
 
−
* Esitech<BR>
 
−
[[File:ESITECH 201706Bourget.pdf]]
 
−
* Lycée Diderot : rear landing gear
 
−
[[File:Projet Personnelle Mini Bee Sagithan DEVAKUMARAN.pdf]]<BR>
 
−
[[File:Rapport de projet partie personelle SZASZ.pdf]]
 
−
[[File:DIDEROT 201706Bourget.pdf]]
 
  
−
== Mock-Up display ==
+
This page documents the collaborative work carried out during the TRL 2 phase and the historical Mini-Bee configuration studied at that stage.
−
<BR>
 
−
3D mock-up :<BR>
 
−
[https://sketchfab.com/models/d61585148d7a4447835064cb5d742449 3D Mock-up] by Hamza Fouatih
 
−
<BR>
 
  
−
Mini-Bee configuration for TRL2.
+
| style="width:52%; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center;" |
−
<Gallery>
+
[[File:MiniBee_Taxi.jpg|frameless|520px|Mini-Bee TRL2 taxi concept]]
−
File:MiniBee_Taxi.jpg
+
<div style="color:#4b5563; margin-top:6px;">Mini-Bee TRL2 concept visual</div>
−
File:Minibee 3view.jpg
+
|}
−
File:1.jpg
+
</div>
−
File:Minibee 3view - front.jpg
+
</div>
−
File:Minibee 3view - side.jpg
 
−
File:Minibee 3view - top.jpg
 
−
File:Mini-Bee TRL2 by Hamza Fouatih.jpg
 
−
</Gallery>
 
  
−
[[Category:MiniBee]]
+
== Quick project summary ==
 +
 
 +
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:12px; margin-bottom:20px;"
 +
|-
 +
| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px;" |
 +
'''Project'''<br />
 +
Mini-Bee
 +
 
 +
| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px;" |
 +
'''TRL stage'''<br />
 +
TRL 2 – Technology Concept Formulated
 +
 
 +
| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px;" |
 +
'''Main objective'''<br />
 +
Formulate a first VTOL aircraft concept
 +
 
 +
| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px;" |
 +
'''Main outputs'''<br />
 +
Studies, mock-ups, simulations and first configuration data
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Visual introduction ==
 +
 
 +
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:12px; margin-bottom:20px;"
 +
|-
 +
| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:10px; text-align:center;" |
 +
[[File:MiniBee_Taxi.jpg|frameless|300px|Mini-Bee taxi concept]]
 +
<div style="margin-top:8px;">'''Taxi concept'''</div>
 +
<div style="color:#4b5563;">Visual representation of the Mini-Bee TRL2 configuration.</div>
 +
<div style="margin-top:8px;">[[Media:MiniBee_Taxi.jpg|Open image]]</div>
 +
 
 +
| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:10px; text-align:center;" |
 +
[[File:Minibee 3view.jpg|frameless|300px|Mini-Bee 3-view]]
 +
<div style="margin-top:8px;">'''3-view layout'''</div>
 +
<div style="color:#4b5563;">Three-view representation used to clarify the aircraft configuration.</div>
 +
<div style="margin-top:8px;">[[Media:Minibee 3view.jpg|Open image]]</div>
 +
 
 +
| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:10px; text-align:center;" |
 +
[[File:Mini-Bee TRL2 by Hamza Fouatih.jpg|frameless|300px|Mini-Bee TRL2 mock-up]]
 +
<div style="margin-top:8px;">'''3D mock-up'''</div>
 +
<div style="color:#4b5563;">Digital mock-up supporting concept formulation and communication.</div>
 +
<div style="margin-top:8px;">[[Media:Mini-Bee TRL2 by Hamza Fouatih.jpg|Open image]]</div>
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Project overview ==
 +
 
 +
'''TRL 2 – Technology Concept Formulated''' corresponds to the stage where the Mini-Bee project started to define a credible technical concept from the initial TRL 1 observations.
 +
 
 +
At this stage, the goal was not yet to validate a prototype. The objective was to describe a possible aircraft configuration, identify the main technical domains to study, and distribute work between academic contributors.
 +
 
 +
<div style="border-left:4px solid #1f3a5f; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px; margin:16px 0;">
 +
'''TRL 2 objective:''' formulate a first coherent Mini-Bee aircraft concept, supported by preliminary technical studies, mock-ups, simulations and mission assumptions.
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
== Work done during TRL 2 ==
 +
 
 +
During TRL 2, the Mini-Bee project benefited from a broad collaborative effort involving universities, engineering schools and technical contributors.
 +
 
 +
The work covered several technical and operational domains:
 +
 
 +
* aeronautical simulation;
 +
* use cases and mission analysis;
 +
* propulsion and engine assumptions;
 +
* structural design;
 +
* mechanical mock-up development;
 +
* aerodynamic optimisation;
 +
* equipment studies;
 +
* human-machine interface;
 +
* seats and safety;
 +
* sensors and electromagnetic compatibility;
 +
* rotor and power-chain optimisation;
 +
* landing gear studies.
 +
 
 +
== Academic and technical contributions ==
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:22%; background:#eef1f4;" | Contributor
 +
! style="width:28%; background:#eef1f4;" | Main contribution
 +
! style="background:#eef1f4;" | Documents
 +
|-
 +
| '''Centrale Supélec'''
 +
| Aeronautical simulation
 +
|
 +
* [[File:201706 pres ECP aero.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Suivi code 2017 3.0.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Guide fonction code Version 1.0 ECP2016.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Estaca'''
 +
| Usages and engines
 +
|
 +
* [[File:Rapport projet 5A Mini Bee intérieur.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Masse Coûts approx Mini-Bee version ambulance.xlsx]]
 +
* [[File:2017 01 24 Planches VIP.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Rapport projet Mini-Bee.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:BEE-PLANE REPORT 2016-2017 ISIEB v2.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Estaca SQY 4A'''
 +
| Structure
 +
|
 +
* [[File:RapportdeProjet structure estaca 4A 2017.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:RapportdeProjet1ersemestre.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Soutenance 132F01.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Soutenance du 2ème semestre (21F042F2017).pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Supmeca'''
 +
| Structural and mechanical mock-up
 +
|
 +
* [[File:SUPMECA FINAL 201706Bourget.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Supmeca MotorisationMiniBee 201706Bourget.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Mini-Bee Project 2017 - Aerodynamic optimisation.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Présentation Mini-Bee optimisation aérodynamique 2017.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Mini-bee soutenance2302 final.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Rapport Mini-Bee v5-finale.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''ENSTA Bretagne'''
 +
| Scale flying mock-up and project presentation
 +
|
 +
* [[File:ENSTA Bretagne 201706Bourget.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Polito'''
 +
| Equipment studies
 +
|
 +
* [[File:Final Report Polito 23 02 17.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Polito Supmeca presentation 23 02 17.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''ENSEA'''
 +
| Human-machine interface
 +
|
 +
* [[File:ENSEA 201706Bourget.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''INSA'''
 +
| Seat and occupant integration
 +
|
 +
* [[File:INSA pres NAE.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''IUT Le Havre'''
 +
| Tilt mechanism studies
 +
|
 +
* [[File:IUT LeHavre 201706Bourget.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''IUT Rouen'''
 +
| Sensors and electromagnetic compatibility
 +
|
 +
* [[File:CEM IUT Rouen 201706Bourget.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:IUT Rouen Capteur 201706Bourget.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Présentation24-06-17-2 IUT ROUEN 201706Bourget.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''IUT Caen'''
 +
| Rotors and power-chain optimisation
 +
|
 +
* [[File:IUT CAEN PstBgt 201706Bourget.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Esitech'''
 +
| Technical contribution
 +
|
 +
* [[File:ESITECH 201706Bourget.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Lycée Diderot'''
 +
| Rear landing gear
 +
|
 +
* [[File:Projet Personnelle Mini Bee Sagithan DEVAKUMARAN.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Rapport de projet partie personelle SZASZ.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:DIDEROT 201706Bourget.pdf]]
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Mock-up display ==
 +
 
 +
A digital 3D mock-up was created to support the understanding of the Mini-Bee configuration during the TRL 2 phase.
 +
 
 +
<div style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px; margin:16px 0;">
 +
'''3D mock-up:''' [https://sketchfab.com/models/d61585148d7a4447835064cb5d742449 Mini-Bee 3D mock-up] by Hamza Fouatih.
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
== Mini-Bee TRL 2 configuration visuals ==
 +
 
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
 +
File:MiniBee_Taxi.jpg|Taxi concept
 +
File:Minibee 3view.jpg|Three-view layout
 +
File:1.jpg|Early TRL2 visual
 +
File:Minibee 3view - front.jpg|Front view
 +
File:Minibee 3view - side.jpg|Side view
 +
File:Minibee 3view - top.jpg|Top view
 +
File:Mini-Bee TRL2 by Hamza Fouatih.jpg|3D mock-up by Hamza Fouatih
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
== Concept formulation at TRL 2 ==
 +
 
 +
At TRL 2, the Mini-Bee concept was described as a hybrid VTOL aircraft intended to combine vertical take-off capability, distributed propulsion and mission flexibility.
 +
 
 +
The configuration studied at this stage included a larger aircraft concept than later versions of the Mini-Bee.
 +
 
 +
<div style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px; margin:16px 0;">
 +
'''Important note:''' this page documents the historical TRL 2 configuration. Later TRL levels may describe updated Mini-Bee configurations, including revised rotor architecture, propulsion choices, mass assumptions and mission scope.
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
== General characteristics ==
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:35%; background:#eef1f4;" | Parameter
 +
! style="background:#eef1f4;" | TRL 2 configuration
 +
|-
 +
| '''Crew'''
 +
| 2 pilots
 +
|-
 +
| '''Capacity'''
 +
| From 1 passenger and 1 patient to 3 passengers and 2 patients with central module
 +
|-
 +
| '''Length'''
 +
| 6.01 m / 19 ft 9 in
 +
|-
 +
| '''Height'''
 +
| 2.3 m / 7 ft 7 in
 +
|-
 +
| '''Empty weight'''
 +
| 850 kg / 1,873 lb
 +
|-
 +
| '''Maximum take-off weight'''
 +
| 1,200 kg / 2,643 lb
 +
|-
 +
| '''Powerplant'''
 +
| Piston engine for 250 kW at take-off and electric motors
 +
|-
 +
| '''Central rotor area'''
 +
| 12.6 m² / 41.5 sq ft
 +
|-
 +
| '''Wing rotor area'''
 +
| 10.6 m² / 35 sq ft
 +
|-
 +
| '''Wing area'''
 +
| 8.66 m² / 28.5 sq ft
 +
|-
 +
| '''Airfoil'''
 +
| Davis basic B-24
 +
|-
 +
| '''Fuel capacity'''
 +
| 150 l
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Performance assumptions ==
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:35%; background:#eef1f4;" | Parameter
 +
! style="background:#eef1f4;" | TRL 2 assumption
 +
|-
 +
| '''Cruise speed'''
 +
| 250 km/h / 155 mph / 135 kn
 +
|-
 +
| '''Maximum speed'''
 +
| 300 km/h / 186 mph / 162 kn
 +
|-
 +
| '''Range'''
 +
| 500 km / 311 mi / 270 nm
 +
|-
 +
| '''Service ceiling'''
 +
| 4,000 m / 13,000 ft
 +
|-
 +
| '''Rate of climb'''
 +
| 6.45 m/s / 1,270 ft/min
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Additional concept visual ==
 +
 
 +
<div style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:12px; margin:16px 0; text-align:center;">
 +
[[File:Minibeev14_image.png|frameless|520px|Mini-Bee v14 concept image]]
 +
<div style="color:#4b5563; margin-top:6px;">Mini-Bee concept image used during the early configuration studies</div>
 +
<div style="margin-top:8px;">[[Media:Minibeev14_image.png|Open image]]</div>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
== TRL 2 outputs ==
 +
 
 +
TRL 2 produced a first structured basis for the Mini-Bee aircraft concept.
 +
 
 +
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:12px; margin:16px 0;"
 +
|-
 +
| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:12px;" |
 +
'''Concept definition'''
 +
 
 +
A first aircraft configuration was described, including dimensions, mass assumptions, rotor areas and performance targets.
 +
 
 +
| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:12px;" |
 +
'''Collaborative studies'''
 +
 
 +
Several academic teams contributed to simulation, structure, equipment, HMI, sensors, rotors and mechanical studies.
 +
 
 +
| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:12px;" |
 +
'''Visual and mock-up support'''
 +
 
 +
The TRL 2 stage included 3D mock-ups, three-view layouts and visual representations to clarify the aircraft concept.
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== What TRL 2 clarified ==
 +
 
 +
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:12px; margin:16px 0;"
 +
|-
 +
| style="width:50%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px;" |
 +
'''Clarified during TRL 2'''
 +
 
 +
* first Mini-Bee aircraft configuration;
 +
* initial mission and use-case logic;
 +
* preliminary performance assumptions;
 +
* early propulsion and energy direction;
 +
* first structural studies;
 +
* mock-up and 3D representation;
 +
* distribution of work between academic contributors.
 +
 
 +
| style="width:50%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px;" |
 +
'''Still open after TRL 2'''
 +
 
 +
* validated propulsion architecture;
 +
* final rotor configuration;
 +
* detailed structural sizing;
 +
* complete flight control architecture;
 +
* power-chain validation;
 +
* certification strategy;
 +
* experimental proof of concept.
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== TRL 2 maturity logic ==
 +
 
 +
The TRL 2 phase helped transform the Mini-Bee from an early idea into a project with a visible concept structure.
 +
 
 +
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; text-align:center; margin:16px 0 20px 0;"
 +
|-
 +
| style="background:#1f3a5f; color:#ffffff; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:10px; font-weight:bold;" | 1. Formulate
 +
| style="background:#f3f5f7; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:10px;" | 2. Assign studies
 +
| style="background:#f3f5f7; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:10px;" | 3. Model
 +
| style="background:#f3f5f7; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:10px;" | 4. Compare
 +
| style="background:#f3f5f7; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:10px;" | 5. Prepare TRL 3
 +
|-
 +
| style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:8px;" | First aircraft concept
 +
| style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:8px;" | Academic work packages
 +
| style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:8px;" | Mock-ups and simulations
 +
| style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:8px;" | Mission and technology assumptions
 +
| style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:8px;" | Toward proof of concept
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Questions to solve before TRL 3 ==
 +
 
 +
Before moving from TRL 2 to TRL 3, several questions had to be addressed:
 +
 
 +
* Which aircraft configuration should be retained for proof-of-concept work?
 +
* Which propulsion architecture is realistic for vertical flight?
 +
* What rotor distribution provides enough lift and redundancy?
 +
* What structure can support the rotor system and mission loads?
 +
* How should the flight control logic be tested?
 +
* What mock-up or demonstrator is required to validate the main assumptions?
 +
* Which mission should drive the next stage of development?
 +
 
 +
== Image files used on this page ==
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:35%; background:#eef1f4;" | Wiki file name
 +
! style="width:25%; background:#eef1f4;" | Use in page
 +
! style="background:#eef1f4;" | Link
 +
|-
 +
| MiniBee_Taxi.jpg
 +
| Hero image, visual introduction and gallery
 +
| [[Media:MiniBee_Taxi.jpg|Open image]]
 +
|-
 +
| Minibee 3view.jpg
 +
| Visual introduction and gallery
 +
| [[Media:Minibee 3view.jpg|Open image]]
 +
|-
 +
| 1.jpg
 +
| Gallery
 +
| [[Media:1.jpg|Open image]]
 +
|-
 +
| Minibee 3view - front.jpg
 +
| Gallery
 +
| [[Media:Minibee 3view - front.jpg|Open image]]
 +
|-
 +
| Minibee 3view - side.jpg
 +
| Gallery
 +
| [[Media:Minibee 3view - side.jpg|Open image]]
 +
|-
 +
| Minibee 3view - top.jpg
 +
| Gallery
 +
| [[Media:Minibee 3view - top.jpg|Open image]]
 +
|-
 +
| Mini-Bee TRL2 by Hamza Fouatih.jpg
 +
| Visual introduction and gallery
 +
| [[Media:Mini-Bee TRL2 by Hamza Fouatih.jpg|Open image]]
 +
|-
 +
| Minibeev14_image.png
 +
| Additional concept visual
 +
| [[Media:Minibeev14_image.png|Open image]]
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Why TRL 2 mattered ==
 +
 
 +
TRL 2 was a key step because it gave the Mini-Bee project its first formulated technical identity.
 +
 
 +
It created a common concept basis for academic partners, contributors and project coordination. 
 +
It also allowed the project to move from early intuition toward structured design studies and future proof-of-concept work.
 +
 
 +
== Transition to the next stage ==
 +
 
 +
<div style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:14px; margin-top:16px;">
 +
'''Next maturity step:''' TRL 3 – Experimental Proof of Concept.
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
At TRL 3, the project moves from concept formulation to first analytical or experimental evidence supporting the main technical assumptions.
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
 
 +
* [[Technology Readiness Level (TRL)|General page - TRL 1 ]]
 +
* [[Minibee TRL1 |Minibee TRL1 ]]
 +
* [[Minibee TRL3|Minibee TRL3 ]]
 +
* [[Mini-Bee|Mini-Bee project]]

Latest revision as of 11:17, 7 May 2026


TRL 2 – Mini-Bee | Technology Concept Formulated

At TRL 2, the Mini-Bee project moved from basic principles to a first formulated aircraft concept.

This stage focused on transforming the original VTOL idea into a more structured configuration, supported by academic studies, preliminary simulations, mock-ups, usage analysis, structural work and early technical assumptions.

This page documents the collaborative work carried out during the TRL 2 phase and the historical Mini-Bee configuration studied at that stage.

Mini-Bee TRL2 taxi concept

Mini-Bee TRL2 concept visual

Quick project summary

Project
Mini-Bee

TRL stage
TRL 2 – Technology Concept Formulated

Main objective
Formulate a first VTOL aircraft concept

Main outputs
Studies, mock-ups, simulations and first configuration data

Visual introduction

Mini-Bee taxi concept

Taxi concept
Visual representation of the Mini-Bee TRL2 configuration.

Mini-Bee 3-view

3-view layout
Three-view representation used to clarify the aircraft configuration.

Mini-Bee TRL2 mock-up

3D mock-up
Digital mock-up supporting concept formulation and communication.

Project overview

TRL 2 – Technology Concept Formulated corresponds to the stage where the Mini-Bee project started to define a credible technical concept from the initial TRL 1 observations.

At this stage, the goal was not yet to validate a prototype. The objective was to describe a possible aircraft configuration, identify the main technical domains to study, and distribute work between academic contributors.

TRL 2 objective: formulate a first coherent Mini-Bee aircraft concept, supported by preliminary technical studies, mock-ups, simulations and mission assumptions.

Work done during TRL 2

During TRL 2, the Mini-Bee project benefited from a broad collaborative effort involving universities, engineering schools and technical contributors.

The work covered several technical and operational domains:

  • aeronautical simulation;
  • use cases and mission analysis;
  • propulsion and engine assumptions;
  • structural design;
  • mechanical mock-up development;
  • aerodynamic optimisation;
  • equipment studies;
  • human-machine interface;
  • seats and safety;
  • sensors and electromagnetic compatibility;
  • rotor and power-chain optimisation;
  • landing gear studies.

Academic and technical contributions

Contributor Main contribution Documents
Centrale Supélec Aeronautical simulation
Estaca Usages and engines
Estaca SQY 4A Structure
Supmeca Structural and mechanical mock-up
ENSTA Bretagne Scale flying mock-up and project presentation
Polito Equipment studies
ENSEA Human-machine interface
INSA Seat and occupant integration
IUT Le Havre Tilt mechanism studies
IUT Rouen Sensors and electromagnetic compatibility
IUT Caen Rotors and power-chain optimisation
Esitech Technical contribution
Lycée Diderot Rear landing gear

Mock-up display

A digital 3D mock-up was created to support the understanding of the Mini-Bee configuration during the TRL 2 phase.

3D mock-up: Mini-Bee 3D mock-up by Hamza Fouatih.

Mini-Bee TRL 2 configuration visuals

  • Taxi concept

  • Three-view layout

  • Early TRL2 visual

  • Front view

  • Side view

  • Top view

  • 3D mock-up by Hamza Fouatih

Concept formulation at TRL 2

At TRL 2, the Mini-Bee concept was described as a hybrid VTOL aircraft intended to combine vertical take-off capability, distributed propulsion and mission flexibility.

The configuration studied at this stage included a larger aircraft concept than later versions of the Mini-Bee.

Important note: this page documents the historical TRL 2 configuration. Later TRL levels may describe updated Mini-Bee configurations, including revised rotor architecture, propulsion choices, mass assumptions and mission scope.

General characteristics

Parameter TRL 2 configuration
Crew 2 pilots
Capacity From 1 passenger and 1 patient to 3 passengers and 2 patients with central module
Length 6.01 m / 19 ft 9 in
Height 2.3 m / 7 ft 7 in
Empty weight 850 kg / 1,873 lb
Maximum take-off weight 1,200 kg / 2,643 lb
Powerplant Piston engine for 250 kW at take-off and electric motors
Central rotor area 12.6 m² / 41.5 sq ft
Wing rotor area 10.6 m² / 35 sq ft
Wing area 8.66 m² / 28.5 sq ft
Airfoil Davis basic B-24
Fuel capacity 150 l

Performance assumptions

Parameter TRL 2 assumption
Cruise speed 250 km/h / 155 mph / 135 kn
Maximum speed 300 km/h / 186 mph / 162 kn
Range 500 km / 311 mi / 270 nm
Service ceiling 4,000 m / 13,000 ft
Rate of climb 6.45 m/s / 1,270 ft/min

Additional concept visual

Mini-Bee v14 concept image

Mini-Bee concept image used during the early configuration studies

TRL 2 outputs

TRL 2 produced a first structured basis for the Mini-Bee aircraft concept.

Concept definition

A first aircraft configuration was described, including dimensions, mass assumptions, rotor areas and performance targets.

Collaborative studies

Several academic teams contributed to simulation, structure, equipment, HMI, sensors, rotors and mechanical studies.

Visual and mock-up support

The TRL 2 stage included 3D mock-ups, three-view layouts and visual representations to clarify the aircraft concept.

What TRL 2 clarified

Clarified during TRL 2

  • first Mini-Bee aircraft configuration;
  • initial mission and use-case logic;
  • preliminary performance assumptions;
  • early propulsion and energy direction;
  • first structural studies;
  • mock-up and 3D representation;
  • distribution of work between academic contributors.

Still open after TRL 2

  • validated propulsion architecture;
  • final rotor configuration;
  • detailed structural sizing;
  • complete flight control architecture;
  • power-chain validation;
  • certification strategy;
  • experimental proof of concept.

TRL 2 maturity logic

The TRL 2 phase helped transform the Mini-Bee from an early idea into a project with a visible concept structure.

1. Formulate 2. Assign studies 3. Model 4. Compare 5. Prepare TRL 3
First aircraft concept Academic work packages Mock-ups and simulations Mission and technology assumptions Toward proof of concept

Questions to solve before TRL 3

Before moving from TRL 2 to TRL 3, several questions had to be addressed:

  • Which aircraft configuration should be retained for proof-of-concept work?
  • Which propulsion architecture is realistic for vertical flight?
  • What rotor distribution provides enough lift and redundancy?
  • What structure can support the rotor system and mission loads?
  • How should the flight control logic be tested?
  • What mock-up or demonstrator is required to validate the main assumptions?
  • Which mission should drive the next stage of development?

Image files used on this page

Wiki file name Use in page Link
MiniBee_Taxi.jpg Hero image, visual introduction and gallery Open image
Minibee 3view.jpg Visual introduction and gallery Open image
1.jpg Gallery Open image
Minibee 3view - front.jpg Gallery Open image
Minibee 3view - side.jpg Gallery Open image
Minibee 3view - top.jpg Gallery Open image
Mini-Bee TRL2 by Hamza Fouatih.jpg Visual introduction and gallery Open image
Minibeev14_image.png Additional concept visual Open image

Why TRL 2 mattered

TRL 2 was a key step because it gave the Mini-Bee project its first formulated technical identity.

It created a common concept basis for academic partners, contributors and project coordination. It also allowed the project to move from early intuition toward structured design studies and future proof-of-concept work.

Transition to the next stage

Next maturity step: TRL 3 – Experimental Proof of Concept.

At TRL 3, the project moves from concept formulation to first analytical or experimental evidence supporting the main technical assumptions.

See also

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