September 2026 · Structure
Nine load cases, 245 frames: choosing the X-11 hull
Every frame variant went through the same nine flight and ground load cases. The lightest frame that passed all of them was carried forward.
SimulatedWe compared 245 carbon lattice frame variants across 81 hull geometries, from 2.0 m to 2.4 m in diameter and 7.7 m to 13.7 m in length. Each variant was checked against cruise at 15 m/s, up-gusts and down-gusts of 10.6 m/s, side gusts, full rudder, maximum motor lift and a hard landing.
The selected frame passes all nine cases with a 1.5 safety factor on ultimate loads and a buckling factor of at least 1.5. Physical tests of frame sections follow the virtual campaign.