BAA Call 007 ARAS0010.pdf

BAA 692M15-20-R-00004

White Paper Call 007

Small-Scale Outwash and Downwash Testing for Vertiports for Advanced Air Mobility

February 1, 2022

This Call (007) for white papers is being issued in accordance with FAA Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) 692M15-20-R-00004, which was posted on FAACO.com on December 05, 2019 and last updated on sam.gov on January 26, 2022. Respondents must refer to the document entitled 692M15-20-R-00004 Rev R9, Amendment 008 (January 26, 2022) in conjunction with this Call to prepare and submit their white paper. All instructions set forth in the 692M15- 20-R-00004 Rev R9, Amendment 008 solicitation document apply to the Call. This Call provides supplemental information and specific criteria to the Government requirements. Information included herein applies to this Call only.

The FAA has an immediate requirement in support of research Topic Number:

ARAS0010 Small-Scale Outwash and Downwash Testing for Vertiports for Advanced Air Mobility as described below. White papers submitted under this call are due by close of business on March 3, 2022. White papers received after that date will be considered under the BAA Topic related to this Call, however, selection of the technologies may already be complete for the specifics of this Call.

Topic Number: ARAS0010:

Small-Scale Outwash and Downwash Testing for Vertiports for Advanced Air Mobility

Technical POC: Wesley Major; Wesley.Major@faa.gov Copy: 9-ACT-AAQ-600-BAA@faa.gov

Background:

Given the advent of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, there is a need to define the requirements for the planning, design and establishment of the landing area or structure intended to service these aircraft, together with associated buildings and facilities. These aircraft include, but are not limited to, standard category aircraft (<7000lbs and <9 passengers), optionally piloted aircraft and unmanned aircraft. The landing area or structure may be used to provide commercial services in support of the operations of VTOL aircraft, including, but not limited to: occupant and cargo transport, flight instruction, aerial work, aircraft rental, and maintenance services. A minimally developed vertiport facility may be defined for the boarding and discharging of passengers and cargo by VTOL aircraft.

A major component that can affect the design parameters of a vertiport’s landing area is the downwash and outwash created by VTOL aircraft while taking off or landing. Unlike traditional helicopter design, VTOL aircraft have multiple rotors appearing in a variety of different configurations. The effect of downwash and outwash in these novel aircraft configurations can impact the size requirements of the safety area surrounding a vertiport’s touchdown and lift off area.

Purpose:

The purpose of this Topic is to study and develop a small-scale test methodology to study downwash and outwash from VTOL aircraft and determine how they will affect vertiport design parameters.

These aircraft include, but are not limited to, standard category aircraft (<7000lbs and <9 passengers), optionally piloted aircraft and unmanned aircraft.

Requirements:

The FAA would like submissions to propose a small-scale test methodology that can be used to measure downwash and outwash of several composite aircraft configurations that represent current VTOL aircraft design.

FAA will aide in the coordination, when possible, of obtaining information regarding current VTOL aircraft designs for this research.

The results of the research will be used to facilitate the development of minimum standards and guidance for the design and operation of VTOL facilities that support civil VTOL aircraft.

Period of Performance/Rough Order of Magnitude:

Efforts lasting up to two years will be considered. There are currently no set parameters for the ROM.