Design approach and testing

Rutan and his team took a novel approach to solving many of the design challenges associated with a roadable aircraft. Scaled placed a large emphasis on developing a configuration that was safe for ground operations, yet still efficient at high flight speeds. Accordingly, BiPod's twin fuselage configuration provides a low-drag enclosure for a robust, 4-wheeled chassis with two cockpits, while providing a protected storage location for the wings and tail surfaces during ground operations. Two internal combustion engines, one per fuselage, provide power to the rear wheels and to propellers located on the horizontal stabilizer. Lithium batteries in the nose provide additional energy for take-off and in the case of an engine emergency. The vehicle’s center of gravity is positioned for ground operation stability, while aircraft rotation is enabled by direct blowing of the horizontal stabilizer and by applying power to the rear wheels. The use of electric power transmission decouples engine location from propeller location without the need for mechanical shafts and gearboxes, enabling BiPod's unique geometry.