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The Quantum Aerospace group presents the Dolphin QD-15 as a solution to the 2007 Ryerson Undergraduate Aircraft Design Project for a Very Light Jet (VLJ). The Dolphin aims to introduce the most cost effective and aerodynamically optimized aircraft into the new and burgeoning market of Very Light Jets (VLJs).

The design project initiated by Quantum Aerospace was developed with an aim of lowering operational and life cycle costs; providing alternative operational uses and increasing the overall range capability of the airplane. By accomplishing these desired objectives, the QD-15 will be able to compete with existing VLJ designs and by utilizing an aggressive marketing strategy to capture a significant portion of the VLJ market. In order to provide our customers with more operational flexibility, the Dolphin was developed using a robust design that was easily certifiable, dependable and cost efficient. The QD-15 was developed using extensive research focusing on the marketing, engineering and financing techniques used by existing competitor companies. Hence, by using a realistic approach to meet and exceed the given requirements, Quantum Aerospace was able to develop a practical and competent VLJ.

In order to attain a feasible design, three preliminary concepts were developed. These concepts allowed the team to scrutinize various aspects of the VLJ and thus lead to the creation of an optimized final design. The final concept incorporated several crucial factors such as engineering efficiency, safety features, customer psyche and aesthetic sense. A thorough market analysis provided the marketing team of Quantum Aerospace with direction so that they were able to set desirable goals for the design. The decisions made by the team were backed by employing various systems engineering methods such as decision matrix tools. The concept evolved through the preliminary design phase and ultimately led to an optimized aircraft that meets and exceeds the requirements of the Design Project.

The Dolphin QD-15 has a low-wing configuration with a single engine mounted within a pressurized cylindrical fuselage. The Dolphin QD-15 uses simple high-lift devices and conventional push&pull rod and cable-pulley mechanism for controlling the aircraft. The use of these control systems allows pilots to easily transition from general aviation airplanes to VLJs. The Dolphin QD-15 will utilize an integrated configuration of aluminum, composite laminates and steel to provide a rigid overall structure that does not significantly increase the VLJ weight and allows for the ease of manufacture. The slightly swept wings allow for cruise at Mach 0.6 and Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL). Thus, this incorporated design feature lets our VLJ to operate on short air strips. The T-tail allows for better stability and a clean uninterrupted airflow over the elevator surface. The Dolphin QD-15 employs a trailing link tricycle landing gear configuration, placed a good distance apart along the wing span to provide better stability especially in case of adverse crosswind conditions. This design characteristic improves the airplane's ability to operate from any airfield.

Quantum Aerospace has come a long way since the concept of a VLJ was presented to us. The Very Light Jet market is promising to be both exciting and competitive and as a result any new entrant to this market has to offer unprecedented advantages to prospective customers. By providing a superior product with unique services, Quantum Aerospace forecasts to produce and sell all 2000 airplanes produced over a period of ten years. By using innovative marketing strategies, we can expect to break even in approximately four and a half years. By offering our clients with a reasonable initial investment cost and low operating cost, we expect to expand our client base and indirectly capture a significant portion of the VLJ market. From ease of flying to operational economics and mission versatility, we plan to make the Dolphin QD-15 a leader in its class.

Mohsin Afridi