There are exciting innovations in rotor-wing flight going on in Hayward, Calif., these days. Elytron Aircraft is at Heli-Expo 2015 ready to talk about these evolutions, and has brought the completed airframe of the company's two-seat technology demonstrator.

The Elytron aircraft architecture consists of a traditional-looking fuselage that sprouts three sets of wings set in a closed-wing configuration known as Prandtl’s box. There are two fixed wings and one that rotates (tilts) while carrying “prop-rotor” engines on pylons. These engines can serve as tractor propulsion or vertical lift, depending on the position of the rotatable wing.

Elytron’s design has no hub and far fewer parts than a typical helicopter swashplate. All of the tilt-wing actuators have redundant control, and the two fixed wings provide superior glide capability in case of an engine-out situation.

The technology demonstrator at the booth is the company’s two-seat aircraft design, and all of the patented tilting center wing technology is there for attendees to study. The aircraft’s two turbocharged 450-hp engines are installed and ready for ground runs, and avionics are onboard. The aircraft’s final empty weight is now close to the 1,100-pound design goal, according to the company.

At Heli-Expo 2015, Elytron is unveiling its four-seat executive aircraft/air transport design, based on a 1,075-shp turboprop engine that should be capable of speeds approaching 275 knots. The company’s 10-seat design is also fresh for this show, having been reconfigured for offshore transport service. It is expected to achieve speeds of up to 360 knots when equipped with dual turboshaft engines, totaling 4,000 shp. The company is considering the feasibility of extending its design concept to include unmanned aircraft.