Conceptual Design and Multidisciplinary Optimization of Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) Aircraft
A special issue of Aerospace (ISSN 2226-4310). This special issue belongs to the section "Aeronautics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 135
Special Issue Editors
Interests: aerodynamic shape optimization; ducted propeller; distributed electrical propulsion; multidisciplinary design optimization; aircraft conceptual design
2. National Key Laboratory of Aircraft Configuration Design, Xi’an 710072, China
Interests: advanced UAV aerodynamics; flight stability and control; autonomous flight
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The rapidly expanding Urban Air Mobility (UAM) sector, driven by advancements in electric propulsion and automation, is set to transform transportation through the deployment of eVTOL aircraft. This transformation imposes substantial demands on the domain of aircraft conceptual design and development. The conceptual design of eVTOLs presents unique and complex challenges that surpass those associated with traditional fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters. Designers engaged in this critical phase of aircraft conceptual design must navigate the trade-offs inherent in distributed electric propulsion (DEP), manage high power demands within constrained energy budgets, and ensure safe and quiet operation in densely populated urban environments.
This Special Issue seeks to consolidate pioneering research that addresses these multifaceted aircraft conceptual design challenges through holistic and integrated approaches. We welcome contributions that detail innovative multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) frameworks that effectively bridge different flight regimes, novel strategies for battery and propulsion system integration, and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) to explore the extensive eVTOL design space. By showcasing cutting-edge methodologies and design solutions, this Issue aims to serve as an essential resource for academics, engineers, and regulatory bodies in shaping the future of air mobility.
Dr. Yu Hu
Dr. Xiaoping Xu
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- eVTOL conceptual design
- multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO)
- distributed electric propulsion (DEP)
- battery sizing and electrical energy system integration
- rotorcraft aerodynamics
- design for noise abatement
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