Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
ZENODOarrow_drop_down
ZENODO
Other literature type . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Other literature type . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
versions View all 2 versions
addClaim

Project Quetzal Mk.I — Pterosaur-inspired Human Flight Exoskeleton: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Authors: Smaal, René;

Project Quetzal Mk.I — Pterosaur-inspired Human Flight Exoskeleton: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Abstract

This paper presents a proof-of-concept engineering study for a pterosaur-inspired human flight exoskeleton, designated Project Quetzal Mk.I. We demonstrate that convergent constraints between large Late Cretaceous pterosaurs — specifically Quetzalcoatlus northropi — and modern adult humans (body mass 80–100 kg) establish a paleobiologically inferred aerodynamic envelope within which unpowered soaring and electrically assisted flight suggests aerodynamic feasibility under idealised conditions. A systematic comparison of candidate biological templates is performed using four engineering metrics: glide ratio, anthropometric integration, launch feasibility, and structural scalability. The pterosaur planform is identified as the superior template for body integration, complemented by albatross-derived wing aspect-ratio ptimisation. A parametric mass budget, wing-loading analysis, and propulsion endurance model are presented for a reference configuration: 10 m wingspan, 9.75 m² wing area, carbon-fibre/titanium exo-frame, aramid-graphene composite membrane, twin 15 kW ducted-fan electric motors, and a 4 kg lithium-sulfur battery pack yielding 2,000 Wh. The analysis supports aerodynamic plausibility under contemporary material constraints, identifies takeoff and structural gust-load management as primary engineering challenges, and proposes an AI-assisted flight-control architecture to compensate for human neuromuscular latency limitations. A three-year technology roadmap and a regulatory engagement strategy (EASA/FAA ultralight experimental category) are outlined. The study is intended as an open foundation for aeronautical students and researchers.

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    0
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Upload OA version
Are you the author of this publication? Upload your Open Access version to Zenodo!
It’s fast and easy, just two clicks!