Difference between revisions of "Minibee TRL3"

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:TRL 3 – Mini-Bee}}
  
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__TOC__
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<div style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; margin-bottom:20px;">
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<div style="background:#1f3a5f; color:#ffffff; padding:12px 16px; font-weight:bold;">
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TRL 3 – Mini-Bee | Experimental Proof of Concept
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</div>
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<div style="padding:16px;">
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{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse;"
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|-
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| style="width:48%; vertical-align:middle; padding-right:18px;" |
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At '''TRL 3''', the '''Mini-Bee''' project moved from a formulated concept toward early experimental proof-of-concept work.
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 +
This stage included configuration studies, hybrid power generation simulations, structural reviews, motor and electrical test benches, FCU prototypes, scale mock-ups and preparation for the future TRL 4 demonstrator phase.
 +
 +
The TRL 3 work was completed in 2022. This page documents the historical TRL 3 phase of the Mini-Bee project.
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| style="width:52%; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center;" |
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[[File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image8.png|frameless|520px|Mini-Bee TRL3 configuration]]
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<div style="color:#4b5563; margin-top:6px;">Mini-Bee TRL3 configuration – end of TRL 3 / beginning of TRL 4</div>
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|}
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</div>
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</div>
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== Quick project summary ==
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{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:12px; margin-bottom:20px;"
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|-
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| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px;" |
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'''Project'''<br />
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Mini-Bee
 +
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| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px;" |
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'''TRL stage'''<br />
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TRL 3 – Experimental Proof of Concept
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| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px;" |
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'''Status'''<br />
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Completed in 2022
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| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px;" |
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'''Next stage'''<br />
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Preparation for TRL 4 demonstrator work
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|}
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<div style="border-left:4px solid #1f3a5f; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px; margin:16px 0;">
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'''Status note:''' the TRL 3 task is no longer active. It was completed in 2022. For the current project status, go back to the [[Mini-Bee|Mini-Bee main page]].
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</div>
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 +
== Visual introduction ==
 +
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{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:12px; margin-bottom:20px;"
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|-
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| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:10px; text-align:center;" |
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[[File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image8.png|frameless|300px|Mini-Bee TRL3 concept]]
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<div style="margin-top:8px;">'''End of TRL 3 configuration'''</div>
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<div style="color:#4b5563;">Historical hybrid VTOL configuration studied at the end of TRL 3.</div>
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<div style="margin-top:8px;">[[Media:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image8.png|Open image]]</div>
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| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:10px; text-align:center;" |
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[[File:MiniBee 01.jpg|frameless|300px|Mini-Bee TRL3 visual]]
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<div style="margin-top:8px;">'''TRL 3 visual study'''</div>
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<div style="color:#4b5563;">Project visual used during the TRL 3 academic development phase.</div>
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<div style="margin-top:8px;">[[Media:MiniBee 01.jpg|Open image]]</div>
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| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:10px; text-align:center;" |
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[[File:overviewv14_image.png|frameless|300px|Mini-Bee overview]]
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<div style="margin-top:8px;">'''Concept overview'''</div>
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<div style="color:#4b5563;">Overview visual supporting the transition from TRL 3 toward higher maturity.</div>
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<div style="margin-top:8px;">[[Media:overviewv14_image.png|Open image]]</div>
 +
|}
 +
 +
== Project overview ==
 +
 +
'''TRL 3 – Experimental Proof of Concept''' corresponds to the stage where the Mini-Bee project started to support the concept with early analysis, simulation, mock-up work and subsystem prototyping.
 +
 +
The objective was to move beyond concept formulation and begin testing whether the key technical assumptions could support a realistic hybrid VTOL aircraft development path.
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<div style="border-left:4px solid #1f3a5f; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px; margin:16px 0;">
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'''TRL 3 objective:''' produce early proof-of-concept evidence for the Mini-Bee hybrid VTOL architecture through simulations, mock-ups, subsystem studies and first prototype work.
 +
</div>
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 +
== End of TRL 3 / beginning of TRL 4 summary ==
 +
 +
At the end of TRL 3, in summer 2022, the Mini-Bee project had reached a more defined historical configuration for a 2PAX hybrid VTOL aircraft.
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
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|-
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! style="width:35%; background:#eef1f4;" | Item
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! style="background:#eef1f4;" | Historical TRL 3 configuration
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|-
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| '''Main thermal engine'''
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| 1 Rotax 915 iS
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|-
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| '''Electric generation'''
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| 2 Emrax 268 twin units
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|-
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| '''Distributed lift system'''
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| 60 electric engines with propellers
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|-
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| '''Aircraft role'''
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| 2PAX hybrid VTOL multicopter, including ultra-light air ambulance mission potential
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|-
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| '''Main transition objective'''
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| Prepare the project for TRL 4 demonstrator development
 +
|}
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<div style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px; margin:16px 0;">
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'''Main TRL 3 / TRL 4 transition document:''' [[File:20220629 Mini-Bee v15.pdf]]
 +
</div>
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<div style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:12px; margin:16px 0; text-align:center;">
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[[File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image8.png|frameless|520px|Mini-Bee TRL3 end configuration]]
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<div style="color:#4b5563; margin-top:6px;">Mini-Bee configuration studied at the end of TRL 3</div>
 +
</div>
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 +
== Historical configuration note ==
 +
 +
This page documents the historical TRL 3 configurations studied between 2018 and 2022.
 +
 +
<div style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px; margin:16px 0;">
 +
'''Important note:''' TRL 3 configurations are historical project configurations. Later TRL levels may describe updated Mini-Bee architectures, including revised rotor count, propulsion choices, mass assumptions and mission scope.
 +
</div>
 +
 +
== Main technical directions at TRL 3 ==
 +
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{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:12px; margin:16px 0;"
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|-
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| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:12px;" |
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'''Hybrid propulsion'''
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 +
Simulation and study of a piston-engine-based hybrid power chain combined with electric propulsion.
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| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:12px;" |
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'''Distributed rotors'''
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Study of multi-rotor lift architectures, including 36-rotor and 60-rotor configurations.
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| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:12px;" |
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'''Proof-of-concept work'''
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 +
Subsystem prototyping, test benches, structural analysis and early FCU studies.
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|-
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| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:12px;" |
 +
'''Structure and crashworthiness'''
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Structural studies, fuselage configuration and crash or absorption calculations.
 +
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| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:12px;" |
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'''Flight Control Unit'''
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Early FCU prototypes and requirements for distributed rotor control.
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| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:12px;" |
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'''Demonstrator preparation'''
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 +
Preparation for full-scale model work and transition toward TRL 4.
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|}
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== Past configuration 2021 / 2022 – End of TRL 3 ==
 +
 +
The objective during this period was to move toward a '''full-scale model''' of a hybrid VTOL aircraft and prepare a real hybrid propulsion configuration.
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A full-scale half-cockpit display had already been achieved at the Paris Air Show 2019, and the next objective was to prepare a full twin-engine test configuration.
 +
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{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:30%; background:#eef1f4;" | Topic
 +
! style="width:30%; background:#eef1f4;" | Contributor / scope
 +
! style="background:#eef1f4;" | Document
 +
|-
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| '''Technical review'''
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| Ecole Centrale Lille
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| [[File:2022 06 16 Réunion technique MiniBee ECL.pdf]]
 +
|-
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| '''Hybrid power generation simulation'''
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| Hybrid power chain analysis
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| [[File:Rapport finale Mini Bee.pdf]]
 +
|-
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| '''Energy project'''
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| Estaca Laval 5A ISPEB
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| [[File:20220207 Présentation Projet ISPEB v1.pdf]]
 +
|-
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| '''Feasibility review'''
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| Estaca SQY 3A
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| [[File:Soutenance finale PIA 10 05 2022.pdf]]
 +
|-
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| '''Motor and electricity test bench'''
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| Esigelec
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| [[File:2022-02-08 Soutenance ping Esigelec.pdf]]
 +
|-
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| '''Architecture review'''
 +
| Estaca 4A ASA Laval
 +
| [[File:20211206 ESTACA5A ASA Prés.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''FCU prototype'''
 +
| Cytech
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| [[File:Abstract CY Tech Mini Bee 2022.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''FCU prototype'''
 +
| Estaca SQY
 +
|
 +
* [[File:20220427 Présentation Soutenance finale.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Cahier des charges FCU 202204.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Project evolution summary'''
 +
| Mini-Bee project history
 +
| [[File:Mini-Bee Evolution Projets v1.pdf]]
 +
|}
 +
 +
== 2021 / 2022 visual configuration ==
 +
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="170">
 +
File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image1.png|Configuration study – view 1
 +
File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image2.png|Configuration study – view 2
 +
File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image3.png|Configuration study – view 3
 +
File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image4.png|Configuration study – view 4
 +
File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image5.png|Configuration study – view 5
 +
File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image6.png|Configuration study – view 6
 +
File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image7.png|Configuration study – view 7
 +
File:MiniBee Esataca Laval ASA 202206 Image8.png|Configuration study – view 8
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
== Projects 2021 / 2022 ==
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:30%; background:#eef1f4;" | Contributor
 +
! style="background:#eef1f4;" | Work package
 +
! style="background:#eef1f4;" | Document
 +
|-
 +
| '''Estaca Laval ASA'''
 +
| Fuselage configuration of Mini-Bee with 36 rotors
 +
| [[File:Conclusion Projet ASA 2021-22.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Estaca Laval ISPEB'''
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| Energy project on Mini-Bee
 +
| [[File:20220207 Présentation Projet ISPEB v1.pdf]]
 +
|}
 +
 +
== Past configuration 2020 / 2021 ==
 +
 +
During the 2020 / 2021 period, the Mini-Bee TRL 3 configuration focused on a 2PAX hybrid VTOL concept with a different distributed rotor architecture.
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:35%; background:#eef1f4;" | Item
 +
! style="background:#eef1f4;" | Historical 2020 / 2021 configuration
 +
|-
 +
| '''Thermal engine'''
 +
| 1 Rotax 915 iS
 +
|-
 +
| '''Electric generation'''
 +
| 2 Emrax 268 twin units
 +
|-
 +
| '''Distributed propulsion'''
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| 36 electric T-Motors with 36 propellers
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|}
 +
 +
<div style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:12px; margin:16px 0; text-align:center;">
 +
[[File:Minibee18rotors.png|frameless|520px|Mini-Bee intermediate rotor configuration]]
 +
<div style="color:#4b5563; margin-top:6px;">Intermediate rotor configuration visual used during TRL 3 studies</div>
 +
</div>
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:30%; background:#eef1f4;" | Topic
 +
! style="background:#eef1f4;" | Document
 +
|-
 +
| '''Project update'''
 +
| [[File:20210622 Mini-Bee v11.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Intermediate work by Supmeca'''
 +
| [[File:20210607 Suivi Projet Supméca v9.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Structural analysis and crash / absorption calculation'''
 +
| [[File:20210127 Projet MiniBee-V6.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Main technical orientation for 2PAX configuration'''
 +
| [[File:202006 ISAE Supaero Mini-Bee PIR-Report.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Esigelec work'''
 +
|
 +
* [[File:20201015 Mini-Bee Esigelec.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:20201015 Mini-Bee Esigelec.pptx]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Lycée Louis Armand'''
 +
| [[File:202012 Vue Minibee Louis Armand.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''TRL 3 technical materials'''
 +
| [[Minibee TRL3]]
 +
|}
 +
 +
== 2020 / 2021 visual archive ==
 +
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
 +
File:20210414Mini-Bee1.png|Mini-Bee visual study
 +
File:20210414Mini-Bee3.jpg|Mini-Bee visual study
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
== Work done during academic year 2020 / 2021 ==
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:30%; background:#eef1f4;" | Contributor / topic
 +
! style="background:#eef1f4;" | Contribution
 +
! style="background:#eef1f4;" | Document
 +
|-
 +
| '''Structural review'''
 +
| Structural analysis and crash / absorption calculation
 +
| [[File:20210127 Projet MiniBee-V6.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''ISAE Supaero'''
 +
| Main technical orientation for 2PAX configuration, single Rotax 915 iS engine as generator and vertical electric rotors
 +
| [[File:202006 ISAE Supaero Mini-Bee PIR-Report.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Lycée Louis Armand'''
 +
| Structural upgrade of rotor architecture and 2PAX fuselage
 +
| [[File:202012 Vue Minibee Louis Armand.pdf]]
 +
|}
 +
 +
== Work done during academic year 2019 / 2020 ==
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:28%; background:#eef1f4;" | Contributor
 +
! style="background:#eef1f4;" | Documents
 +
|-
 +
| '''Centrale Lille'''
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|
 +
* [[File:Soutenance Technoplane.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Rapport Technique - Centrale Lille - Mini-Bee.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Centrale Supélec'''
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|
 +
* [[File:Presentation finale IEEExCS.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Rapport final VTOL.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Soutenance finale.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Esigelec'''
 +
|
 +
* [[File:Mémoire final.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Présentation finale finale.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Estaca Laval 4A Propeller'''
 +
|
 +
* [[File:Calcul hélice v1.xlsx]]
 +
* [[File:RAPPORT PROJET Mini-Bee version final.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Soutenance fin de projet Version-final.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Estaca SQY 4A Certification'''
 +
|
 +
* [[File:2020-04-27 Rapport Projet ESTACA 4A SQY.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:2020-04-27 Soutenance Projet Mini-Bee 4A-SQY.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Estaca SQY 5A Structure'''
 +
|
 +
* [[File:20200207 Soutenance-projet-minibeeASA.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Poster projet-minibee-structure.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Estaca SQY 5A Propulsion'''
 +
| [[File:20200207 FINAL-Présentation avancement ISPEB.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Supaero'''
 +
| [[File:202006 ISAE Supaero Mini-Bee PIR-Report.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Supmeca'''
 +
|
 +
* [[File:Présentation fin de projet.pdf]]
 +
* [[File:Rapport PSYN Mini-Bee.pdf]]
 +
|}
 +
 +
<div style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:12px; margin:16px 0; text-align:center;">
 +
[[File:MiniBee 01.jpg|frameless|760px|Mini-Bee TRL3 concept visual]]
 +
<div style="color:#4b5563; margin-top:6px;">Mini-Bee can be loaded onto civilian aircrafts cargo soute </div>
 +
</div>
 +
 +
== Work done during academic year 2018 / 2019 ==
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:28%; background:#eef1f4;" | Contributor
 +
! style="width:32%; background:#eef1f4;" | Work package
 +
! style="background:#eef1f4;" | Document
 +
|-
 +
| '''Estaca Laval 5A'''
 +
| Propulsion
 +
| [[File:Rapport projet.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Estaca 4A'''
 +
| Aerodynamics
 +
| [[File:PPT Soutenance 250419 v2.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Estaca 5A'''
 +
| Structure
 +
| [[File:Rapport final2.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Estaca 4A'''
 +
| Aerodynamics
 +
| [[File:Rapport de Projet Mini-Bee.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''ENSEA'''
 +
| Steering wheel / human interface
 +
| [[File:Rapport technique.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''EBS'''
 +
| Market studies
 +
| [[File:Consulting Project Mini Bee final document.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''ENSTA'''
 +
| Wing studies
 +
| [[File:Rapport MiniBee Bourasseau Demilly.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''ECL'''
 +
| Structure
 +
| [[File:2019 02 12 Présentation soutenance S7.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Centrale Supélec'''
 +
| Hybrid electric engine
 +
| [[File:VTOL - Présentation finale projet S6.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Louis Armand'''
 +
| Detailed conception 1
 +
| [[File:LUIS-Theo Rapport-U51.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Louis Armand'''
 +
| Detailed conception 2
 +
| [[File:Partouche Mathias rapport U51.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Louis Armand'''
 +
| Detailed conception 3
 +
| [[File:TAUZIN-Gabin-Rapport-U51.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Diderot'''
 +
| Detailed conception 1
 +
| [[File:U51 CPI Diderot JACQUEMINET Alexis.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Diderot'''
 +
| Detailed conception 2
 +
| [[File:U51 CPI Diderot Burban Brian.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Diderot'''
 +
| Detailed conception 3
 +
| [[File:U51 CPI Diderot Magnoux Vincent.pdf]]
 +
|}
 +
 +
== ENSAM certification review ==
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:35%; background:#eef1f4;" | Document
 +
! style="background:#eef1f4;" | Link
 +
|-
 +
| CDCF V1
 +
| [[File:CDCF V1 2018-12-11.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| ENSAM Livrable WP1
 +
| [[File:Livrable WP1 V1 2018-12-11.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| ENSAM Livrable WP2
 +
| [[File:Livrable WP2 V1 2018-12-11.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| ENSAM Livrable WP3
 +
| [[File:Livrable WP3 V1 2018-12-11.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| ENSAM macro-planning
 +
| [[File:Macro-planning 2018-12-07.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| ENSAM management plan
 +
| [[File:Plan Management V1 2018-12-11.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| ENSAM certification plan
 +
| [[File:PlanCertif V1 2018-12-11.pdf]]
 +
|-
 +
| ENSAM risk review
 +
| [[File:Toprisque point bloq V1 2018-12-11.pdf]]
 +
|}
 +
 +
== TRL 3 visual archive ==
 +
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
 +
File:overviewv14_image.png|Project overview visual
 +
File:Minibee18rotors.png|Intermediate rotor configuration
 +
File:20210414Mini-Bee1.png|Visual study
 +
File:20210414Mini-Bee3.jpg|Visual study
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
== Presentation for academic projects ==
 +
 +
<div style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px; margin:16px 0;">
 +
'''Academic presentation material:''' [[File:2020 09 Méca vol VTOL Estaca Laval ISPEB.pptx]]
 +
</div>
 +
 +
== TRL 3 technical outputs ==
 +
 +
TRL 3 produced early technical evidence and project maturity in several domains.
 +
 +
{| 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;" |
 +
'''Hybrid energy studies'''
 +
 +
The project developed simulations and technical reviews of the hybrid power generation chain.
 +
 +
| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:12px;" |
 +
'''Subsystem prototyping'''
 +
 +
Motor, electricity and FCU test-bench activities helped prepare the next demonstrator stage.
 +
 +
| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#ffffff; padding:12px;" |
 +
'''Architecture reviews'''
 +
 +
Several teams reviewed structure, feasibility, certification and rotor architecture.
 +
|}
 +
 +
== What TRL 3 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 3'''
 +
 +
* hybrid VTOL concept maturity;
 +
* 2PAX aircraft mission direction;
 +
* several rotor architecture options;
 +
* early hybrid power-chain simulation;
 +
* first FCU prototype work;
 +
* early structural and crashworthiness studies;
 +
* preparation for full-scale demonstrator work.
 +
 +
| style="width:50%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:12px;" |
 +
'''Still open after TRL 3'''
 +
 +
* final propulsion architecture;
 +
* validated full-scale hybrid power chain;
 +
* mature flight control unit for distributed rotors;
 +
* complete structural validation;
 +
* flight-test-ready demonstrator;
 +
* certification compliance evidence.
 +
|}
 +
 +
== TRL 3 maturity logic ==
 +
 +
The TRL 3 phase helped transform the Mini-Bee from a formulated concept into a project with early analytical and experimental evidence.
 +
 +
{| 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. Study
 +
| style="background:#f3f5f7; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:10px;" | 2. Simulate
 +
| style="background:#f3f5f7; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:10px;" | 3. Prototype
 +
| style="background:#f3f5f7; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:10px;" | 4. Review
 +
| style="background:#f3f5f7; border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:10px;" | 5. Prepare TRL 4
 +
|-
 +
| style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:8px;" | Technical studies
 +
| style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:8px;" | Hybrid power and flight assumptions
 +
| style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:8px;" | FCU and test benches
 +
| style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:8px;" | Architecture and feasibility reviews
 +
| style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; padding:8px;" | Demonstrator definition
 +
|}
 +
 +
== Questions to solve before TRL 4 ==
 +
 +
Before moving from TRL 3 to TRL 4, several questions had to be addressed:
 +
 +
* Which rotor architecture should be retained for demonstrator work?
 +
* How should the hybrid power chain be tested at representative scale?
 +
* What FCU architecture is required to control a large distributed rotor system?
 +
* What structural concept is suitable for the next demonstrator?
 +
* How should safety be addressed for loss of rotor, loss of power or loss of control?
 +
* Which configuration should become the baseline for TRL 4?
 +
* What test benches are required before full demonstrator integration?
 +
 +
== Historical TRL 2 reference visuals ==
 +
 +
The following gallery is kept as a reference to the previous TRL 2 configuration.
 +
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
 +
File:MiniBee_Taxi.jpg|TRL2 taxi concept
 +
File:Minibee 3view.jpg|TRL2 three-view layout
 +
File:1.jpg|TRL2 visual
 +
File:Minibee 3view - front.jpg|TRL2 front view
 +
File:Minibee 3view - side.jpg|TRL2 side view
 +
File:Minibee 3view - top.jpg|TRL2 top view
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
== Lesser Open Source ==
 +
 +
The Mini-Bee project is developed under the dedicated [http://www.bee-license.com/ Lesser Open Source License].
 +
 +
This collaborative framework allows academic, industrial and individual contributors to participate in an open-innovation workflow. Project works are mainly shared on the public wiki, with coordination and project management support.
 +
 +
Private tasks, confidential work or products covered by other licenses or intellectual property rights may also be included in the project. In that case, only interface works are covered by the open-source paragraph of the license.
 +
 +
== Useful links ==
 +
 +
* [[Mini-Bee|Mini-Bee main page]]
 +
* [http://www.collaborativebee.com Collaborative Bee]
 +
* [http://www.bee-license.com Bee License]
 +
* [[Minibee TRL3|TRL 3 technical materials]]
 +
 +
== Why TRL 3 mattered ==
 +
 +
TRL 3 was a key stage because it gave the Mini-Bee project its first proof-of-concept foundations.
 +
 +
It connected the concept to academic studies, technical simulations, prototype work and subsystem reviews. 
 +
It also prepared the project for the TRL 4 stage, where demonstrator work and deeper system validation could begin.
 +
 +
== Transition to the next stage ==
 +
 +
<div style="border:1px solid #cfd6dd; background:#f6f8fa; padding:14px; margin-top:16px;">
 +
'''Next maturity step:''' TRL 4 – Technology Validated in Laboratory.
 +
</div>
 +
 +
At TRL 4, the project moves from early proof-of-concept work toward validation of key technologies in controlled environments.
 +
 +
== See also ==
 +
 +
* [[Technology Readiness Level (TRL)|TRL – General page]]
 +
* [[Minibee TRL1 |TRL 1 – Mini-Bee]]
 +
* [[Minibee TRL2 |TRL 2 – Mini-Bee]]
 +
* [[Minibee TRL4 |TRL 4 – Mini-Bee]]
 +
 +
[[Category:MiniBee]]
 +
[[Category:TRL3]]

Latest revision as of 15:43, 7 May 2026


TRL 3 – Mini-Bee | Experimental Proof of Concept

At TRL 3, the Mini-Bee project moved from a formulated concept toward early experimental proof-of-concept work.

This stage included configuration studies, hybrid power generation simulations, structural reviews, motor and electrical test benches, FCU prototypes, scale mock-ups and preparation for the future TRL 4 demonstrator phase.

The TRL 3 work was completed in 2022. This page documents the historical TRL 3 phase of the Mini-Bee project.

Mini-Bee TRL3 configuration

Mini-Bee TRL3 configuration – end of TRL 3 / beginning of TRL 4

Quick project summary

Project
Mini-Bee

TRL stage
TRL 3 – Experimental Proof of Concept

Status
Completed in 2022

Next stage
Preparation for TRL 4 demonstrator work

Status note: the TRL 3 task is no longer active. It was completed in 2022. For the current project status, go back to the Mini-Bee main page.

Visual introduction

Mini-Bee TRL3 concept

End of TRL 3 configuration
Historical hybrid VTOL configuration studied at the end of TRL 3.

Mini-Bee TRL3 visual

TRL 3 visual study
Project visual used during the TRL 3 academic development phase.

Mini-Bee overview

Concept overview
Overview visual supporting the transition from TRL 3 toward higher maturity.

Project overview

TRL 3 – Experimental Proof of Concept corresponds to the stage where the Mini-Bee project started to support the concept with early analysis, simulation, mock-up work and subsystem prototyping.

The objective was to move beyond concept formulation and begin testing whether the key technical assumptions could support a realistic hybrid VTOL aircraft development path.

TRL 3 objective: produce early proof-of-concept evidence for the Mini-Bee hybrid VTOL architecture through simulations, mock-ups, subsystem studies and first prototype work.

End of TRL 3 / beginning of TRL 4 summary

At the end of TRL 3, in summer 2022, the Mini-Bee project had reached a more defined historical configuration for a 2PAX hybrid VTOL aircraft.

Item Historical TRL 3 configuration
Main thermal engine 1 Rotax 915 iS
Electric generation 2 Emrax 268 twin units
Distributed lift system 60 electric engines with propellers
Aircraft role 2PAX hybrid VTOL multicopter, including ultra-light air ambulance mission potential
Main transition objective Prepare the project for TRL 4 demonstrator development

Main TRL 3 / TRL 4 transition document: File:20220629 Mini-Bee v15.pdf

Mini-Bee TRL3 end configuration

Mini-Bee configuration studied at the end of TRL 3

Historical configuration note

This page documents the historical TRL 3 configurations studied between 2018 and 2022.

Important note: TRL 3 configurations are historical project configurations. Later TRL levels may describe updated Mini-Bee architectures, including revised rotor count, propulsion choices, mass assumptions and mission scope.

Main technical directions at TRL 3

Hybrid propulsion

Simulation and study of a piston-engine-based hybrid power chain combined with electric propulsion.

Distributed rotors

Study of multi-rotor lift architectures, including 36-rotor and 60-rotor configurations.

Proof-of-concept work

Subsystem prototyping, test benches, structural analysis and early FCU studies.

Structure and crashworthiness

Structural studies, fuselage configuration and crash or absorption calculations.

Flight Control Unit

Early FCU prototypes and requirements for distributed rotor control.

Demonstrator preparation

Preparation for full-scale model work and transition toward TRL 4.

Past configuration 2021 / 2022 – End of TRL 3

The objective during this period was to move toward a full-scale model of a hybrid VTOL aircraft and prepare a real hybrid propulsion configuration.

A full-scale half-cockpit display had already been achieved at the Paris Air Show 2019, and the next objective was to prepare a full twin-engine test configuration.

Topic Contributor / scope Document
Technical review Ecole Centrale Lille File:2022 06 16 Réunion technique MiniBee ECL.pdf
Hybrid power generation simulation Hybrid power chain analysis File:Rapport finale Mini Bee.pdf
Energy project Estaca Laval 5A ISPEB File:20220207 Présentation Projet ISPEB v1.pdf
Feasibility review Estaca SQY 3A File:Soutenance finale PIA 10 05 2022.pdf
Motor and electricity test bench Esigelec File:2022-02-08 Soutenance ping Esigelec.pdf
Architecture review Estaca 4A ASA Laval File:20211206 ESTACA5A ASA Prés.pdf
FCU prototype Cytech File:Abstract CY Tech Mini Bee 2022.pdf
FCU prototype Estaca SQY
Project evolution summary Mini-Bee project history File:Mini-Bee Evolution Projets v1.pdf

2021 / 2022 visual configuration

  • Configuration study – view 1

  • Configuration study – view 2

  • Configuration study – view 3

  • Configuration study – view 4

  • Configuration study – view 5

  • Configuration study – view 6

  • Configuration study – view 7

  • Configuration study – view 8

Projects 2021 / 2022

Contributor Work package Document
Estaca Laval ASA Fuselage configuration of Mini-Bee with 36 rotors File:Conclusion Projet ASA 2021-22.pdf
Estaca Laval ISPEB Energy project on Mini-Bee File:20220207 Présentation Projet ISPEB v1.pdf

Past configuration 2020 / 2021

During the 2020 / 2021 period, the Mini-Bee TRL 3 configuration focused on a 2PAX hybrid VTOL concept with a different distributed rotor architecture.

Item Historical 2020 / 2021 configuration
Thermal engine 1 Rotax 915 iS
Electric generation 2 Emrax 268 twin units
Distributed propulsion 36 electric T-Motors with 36 propellers

Mini-Bee intermediate rotor configuration

Intermediate rotor configuration visual used during TRL 3 studies
Topic Document
Project update File:20210622 Mini-Bee v11.pdf
Intermediate work by Supmeca File:20210607 Suivi Projet Supméca v9.pdf
Structural analysis and crash / absorption calculation File:20210127 Projet MiniBee-V6.pdf
Main technical orientation for 2PAX configuration File:202006 ISAE Supaero Mini-Bee PIR-Report.pdf
Esigelec work
Lycée Louis Armand File:202012 Vue Minibee Louis Armand.pdf
TRL 3 technical materials Minibee TRL3

2020 / 2021 visual archive

  • Mini-Bee visual study

  • Mini-Bee visual study

Work done during academic year 2020 / 2021

Contributor / topic Contribution Document
Structural review Structural analysis and crash / absorption calculation File:20210127 Projet MiniBee-V6.pdf
ISAE Supaero Main technical orientation for 2PAX configuration, single Rotax 915 iS engine as generator and vertical electric rotors File:202006 ISAE Supaero Mini-Bee PIR-Report.pdf
Lycée Louis Armand Structural upgrade of rotor architecture and 2PAX fuselage File:202012 Vue Minibee Louis Armand.pdf

Work done during academic year 2019 / 2020

Contributor Documents
Centrale Lille
Centrale Supélec
Esigelec
Estaca Laval 4A Propeller
Estaca SQY 4A Certification
Estaca SQY 5A Structure
Estaca SQY 5A Propulsion File:20200207 FINAL-Présentation avancement ISPEB.pdf
Supaero File:202006 ISAE Supaero Mini-Bee PIR-Report.pdf
Supmeca

Mini-Bee TRL3 concept visual

Mini-Bee can be loaded onto civilian aircrafts cargo soute

Work done during academic year 2018 / 2019

Contributor Work package Document
Estaca Laval 5A Propulsion File:Rapport projet.pdf
Estaca 4A Aerodynamics File:PPT Soutenance 250419 v2.pdf
Estaca 5A Structure File:Rapport final2.pdf
Estaca 4A Aerodynamics File:Rapport de Projet Mini-Bee.pdf
ENSEA Steering wheel / human interface File:Rapport technique.pdf
EBS Market studies File:Consulting Project Mini Bee final document.pdf
ENSTA Wing studies File:Rapport MiniBee Bourasseau Demilly.pdf
ECL Structure File:2019 02 12 Présentation soutenance S7.pdf
Centrale Supélec Hybrid electric engine File:VTOL - Présentation finale projet S6.pdf
Louis Armand Detailed conception 1 File:LUIS-Theo Rapport-U51.pdf
Louis Armand Detailed conception 2 File:Partouche Mathias rapport U51.pdf
Louis Armand Detailed conception 3 File:TAUZIN-Gabin-Rapport-U51.pdf
Diderot Detailed conception 1 File:U51 CPI Diderot JACQUEMINET Alexis.pdf
Diderot Detailed conception 2 File:U51 CPI Diderot Burban Brian.pdf
Diderot Detailed conception 3 File:U51 CPI Diderot Magnoux Vincent.pdf

ENSAM certification review

Document Link
CDCF V1 File:CDCF V1 2018-12-11.pdf
ENSAM Livrable WP1 File:Livrable WP1 V1 2018-12-11.pdf
ENSAM Livrable WP2 File:Livrable WP2 V1 2018-12-11.pdf
ENSAM Livrable WP3 File:Livrable WP3 V1 2018-12-11.pdf
ENSAM macro-planning File:Macro-planning 2018-12-07.pdf
ENSAM management plan File:Plan Management V1 2018-12-11.pdf
ENSAM certification plan File:PlanCertif V1 2018-12-11.pdf
ENSAM risk review File:Toprisque point bloq V1 2018-12-11.pdf

TRL 3 visual archive

  • Project overview visual

  • Intermediate rotor configuration

  • Visual study

  • Visual study

Presentation for academic projects

Academic presentation material: File:2020 09 Méca vol VTOL Estaca Laval ISPEB.pptx

TRL 3 technical outputs

TRL 3 produced early technical evidence and project maturity in several domains.

Hybrid energy studies

The project developed simulations and technical reviews of the hybrid power generation chain.

Subsystem prototyping

Motor, electricity and FCU test-bench activities helped prepare the next demonstrator stage.

Architecture reviews

Several teams reviewed structure, feasibility, certification and rotor architecture.

What TRL 3 clarified

Clarified during TRL 3

  • hybrid VTOL concept maturity;
  • 2PAX aircraft mission direction;
  • several rotor architecture options;
  • early hybrid power-chain simulation;
  • first FCU prototype work;
  • early structural and crashworthiness studies;
  • preparation for full-scale demonstrator work.

Still open after TRL 3

  • final propulsion architecture;
  • validated full-scale hybrid power chain;
  • mature flight control unit for distributed rotors;
  • complete structural validation;
  • flight-test-ready demonstrator;
  • certification compliance evidence.

TRL 3 maturity logic

The TRL 3 phase helped transform the Mini-Bee from a formulated concept into a project with early analytical and experimental evidence.

1. Study 2. Simulate 3. Prototype 4. Review 5. Prepare TRL 4
Technical studies Hybrid power and flight assumptions FCU and test benches Architecture and feasibility reviews Demonstrator definition

Questions to solve before TRL 4

Before moving from TRL 3 to TRL 4, several questions had to be addressed:

  • Which rotor architecture should be retained for demonstrator work?
  • How should the hybrid power chain be tested at representative scale?
  • What FCU architecture is required to control a large distributed rotor system?
  • What structural concept is suitable for the next demonstrator?
  • How should safety be addressed for loss of rotor, loss of power or loss of control?
  • Which configuration should become the baseline for TRL 4?
  • What test benches are required before full demonstrator integration?

Historical TRL 2 reference visuals

The following gallery is kept as a reference to the previous TRL 2 configuration.

  • TRL2 taxi concept

  • TRL2 three-view layout

  • TRL2 visual

  • TRL2 front view

  • TRL2 side view

  • TRL2 top view

Lesser Open Source

The Mini-Bee project is developed under the dedicated Lesser Open Source License.

This collaborative framework allows academic, industrial and individual contributors to participate in an open-innovation workflow. Project works are mainly shared on the public wiki, with coordination and project management support.

Private tasks, confidential work or products covered by other licenses or intellectual property rights may also be included in the project. In that case, only interface works are covered by the open-source paragraph of the license.

Useful links

Why TRL 3 mattered

TRL 3 was a key stage because it gave the Mini-Bee project its first proof-of-concept foundations.

It connected the concept to academic studies, technical simulations, prototype work and subsystem reviews. It also prepared the project for the TRL 4 stage, where demonstrator work and deeper system validation could begin.

Transition to the next stage

Next maturity step: TRL 4 – Technology Validated in Laboratory.

At TRL 4, the project moves from early proof-of-concept work toward validation of key technologies in controlled environments.

See also

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