Mini-Bee

We aim to develop through a Lesser Open Source License [1] a hybrid Vertical and Take-Off Landing (VTOL) aircraft for medical purposes.
Objective is now to produce a full-scale model of a quadcopter with real hybrid propulsion configuration. A display of a full scale 1/2 cockpit was achieved at Paris Air Show 2019.
Then we will build a full twin engine test configuration.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

The Mini-Bee project is an open-source initiative undertaken by Technoplane SAS, where multiple actors including academics, individuals, and industries collaborate to achieve the project's goals. The project is achieved under a dedicated lesser open-source license, which allows for public sharing of project works on a wiki. The project's works are mainly shared on a public wiki, with tasks being achieved with coordinator management.
Private tasks and products covered by other licenses or intellectual property rights can be included within the project, with only interface works being covered by the open-source paragraph of the Lesser Open Source License. Participants may use the works done on the project for technical or commercial use, and standard royalty percentages are defined by default. More information can be found on the Industrial Property and Collaborative Bee websites.

Project Summary TRL4 - Summer 2023

Hybrid configuration VTOL Multicopter during end of TRL 3 is in june 2023 :
- 2 Pilots,
- 1 Rotax 915is without gearbox,
- 2 Emrax 228 twin hexaphase high voltage, combined cooled,
- Redressor and supercondensator, - 60 electric engines with propellers.

- 3 wheels,
- 2 seats,
- 1 parachute.

File:20230418 Mini-Bee v16.pdf

The development of a hybrid VTOL multicopter is an exciting project that is set to revolutionize the way we travel. This innovative aircraft is currently in TRL-4 configuration. The project includes several unique features that set it apart from traditional aircraft designs.

One of the most significant features of this hybrid VTOL multicopter is its propulsion system. It is equipped with a single Rotax 915is engine without gearbox and two Emrax 228 twin hexaphase high-voltage motors that are combined and cooled. This configuration provides the aircraft with an excellent balance of power and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for short-range flights.

In addition to the propulsion system, this aircraft is also equipped with a redressor and a superconductor. These two components work together to regulate the power output of the electric motors and improve the overall efficiency of the aircraft. With sixty electric engines and propellers, the hybrid VTOL multicopter can quickly take off and land vertically, making it an ideal choice for urban transportation.

The aircraft's design also includes several safety features, such as three wheels, two seats, and a parachute. The three wheels provide stability during takeoff and landing, while the two seats offer comfort and safety for the passengers. In the event of an emergency, the parachute can be deployed to ensure a safe landing.

The hybrid VTOL multicopter is also designed to be piloted by two people, further increasing its safety and reliability. The two pilots can work together to ensure that the aircraft is operating correctly and safely, providing peace of mind during their flight.

Overall, the hybrid VTOL multicopter is an innovative and exciting new project that has the potential to transform the way we travel. With its efficient propulsion system, safety features, and piloting capabilities, this aircraft is an excellent choice for short-range flights in suburban areas. As the project continues to develop, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and impacts the future of air transportation.

Past Project Summary End TRL3/Beginning TRL4 Summer 2022

Hybrid Configuration VTOL for 2PAX during end of TRL 3 was in june 2022 :
- 1 Rotax 915is,
- 2 Emrax 268 twin,
- 60 electric engines with propellers.

File:20220629 Mini-Bee v15.pdf

Please find update Mini-Bee hybrid VTOL multicopter project, which is currently in the TRL4 stage of development. This innovative aircraft is being developed by Technoplane SAS and a consortium of universities and is set to revolutionize air transportation.

The Mini-Bee project is being achieved under a dedicated lesser open source license, primarily for academic partners. This allows multiple actors, including academic, industrial, and individual participants, to collaborate in an open-innovation workflow. Tasks are managed by a coordinator, and project works are mainly shared on a public wiki.

The Mini-Bee hybrid VTOL multicopter is a 2PAX aircraft that can be used for several purposes, including as an ultra-light air ambulance. It is equipped with a single Rotax 915is engine and two Emrax 228 twin hexaphase high-voltage motors that are combined and cooled. The aircraft has sixty electric engines with propellers and a redressor and superconductor to regulate the power output of the electric motors, making it highly efficient.

The Mini-Bee has a composite tubular structure and anti-crash seats and structure, making it safe for passengers. It also has flight and engine monitoring and computerized flight controls for added safety. The aircraft's sensor integration includes various physical sensors, such as an accelerometer, magnetometer, and barometer.

Compared to small helicopters, the Mini-Bee is a cost-effective solution, with no rotor loss and the addition of a parachute for added security. The Mini-Bee can be loaded onto civilian aircraft cargo soutes, reducing logistic costs, and is easily mounted on tarmac.

The Mini-Bee project has been in development since 2015, with several stages completed, including basic mock-ups, detailed concept, scale models, and prototype testing. The project's key future actions for the TRL4 stage, starting in 2022, include continued collaboration with academics and industrials, detailed conception of structure and equipment, defining the flight control unit of 60 rotors, and testing the hybrid power generation with Emrax 228 and hexaphase redressor with superconductor.

In conclusion, the Mini-Bee hybrid VTOL multicopter project is an exciting innovation in air transportation that has the potential to transform the industry. With its efficient propulsion system, safety features, and sensor integration, the Mini-Bee is an excellent choice for short-range flights in urban areas, including as an ultra-light air ambulance. The project's open-source license and collaboration with academics and industrials ensure that it is continually developing and improving, paving the way for the future of air transportation.

Past Configuration 2021 / 22 : End of TRL3

Technical Review of Mini6bee project by Ecole Centrale Lille :
File:2022 06 16 Réunion technique MiniBee ECL.pdf

Hybrid power generation simulation:
File:Rapport finale Mini Bee.pdf

Energy project on mini-Bee by Estaca Laval 5A ISPEB
20220207_Présentation_Projet_ISPEB_v1.pdf

Faisability review by Estaca SQY 3A:
File:Soutenance finale PIA 10 05 2022.pdf

Motor and electricity test bench by Esigelec:
File:2022-02-08 Soutenance ping Esigelec.pdf

Architecture review by Estaca 4A ASA Laval :
File:20211206 ESTACA5A ASA Prés.pdf

FCU prototype by Cytech :
File:Abstract CY Tech Mini Bee 2022.pdf

FCU prototype by Estaca SQY:
File:20220427 Présentation Soutenance finale.pdf
File:Cahier des charges FCU 202204.pdf

Past Configuration 2020 / 20

Hyrbid Configuration VTOL for 2PAX during end of TRL 3 was :
- 1 Rotax 915is,
- 2 Emrax 268 twin,
- 36 electric engines T-Motors with 36 propellers.

Update on project.
File:20210622 Mini-Bee v11.pdf

Intermediate work by Supmeca
File:20210607 Suivi Projet Supméca v9.pdf

• 
• 

Mini-Bee project is actually in TRL3 (Technology Readiness Level).

Main technical orientation for 2PAX configuration Single Rotax 915is Engine as generator and 6 Vertical electric rotors (author Supaero)
File:202006 ISAE Supaero Mini-Bee PIR-Report.pdf


File:20201015 Mini-Bee Esigelec.pdf
File:20201015 Mini-Bee Esigelec.pptx

TRL3 Technical Materials :
Minibee TRL3

Project History

File:20210414 Mini-Bee v10.pdf

• Presentation of VTOL and Mini-Bee made during Virtual Aerospace Show 7 april 2021

File:20210407 VTOL et Mini-Bee v2.pdf

Project was launched in January 2015 to study individual air transportation but switched to medical transportation on 2016.
On Paris Air Show 2015 we presented a first mock-up and it was a success !


File:20200921 Mini-Bee 2PAX v9-1.pdf

Bourget 2019 and event with cokcpit prototype : Bourget 2019

Summary of Mini-Bee projects since start in 2015.
File:Mini-Bee Evolution Projets v1.pdf

Minibee TRL2

During 2015 and 2016 multiple universities studied concept and TRL1 closed in June 2016.
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 !
In 2018, studiez have made progress on the engine and hybrid configuration.

Challenge presentation from 2017 edition :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgEbw49LUFk Challenge2017video