Unmanned Systems Technology 012 | AutoNaut USV | Connectors | Unmanned Ground Vehicles | Cobra Aero A33i | Intel Falcon 8+ UAV | Propellers | CES Show report

74 Focus | Propellers Conclusion The development of new systems for unmanned vehicles has extended to considerable design, research and choice in propeller types for manufacturers. A variety of shapes are available for fixed- pitch propellers, in addition to a wide range of materials to allow system developers to select the ideal shape and profile for their vehicle’s profile and mission. Customised designs can also be produced using simulation and analysis by a swathe of programs and techniques, from wind tunnels to advanced CFD software, to further benefit aerodynamics, efficiency or acoustics. While electric rim-driven thrusters offer UUV and USV propellers greater efficiency and durability than ever before, VPPs offer fixed-wing UAVs of almost all sizes and designs the chance to achieve and maintain desired efficiency levels, with innovations in actuation technology helping to widen the accessibility of VPPs. While metals, wood and plastics continue to find widespread use among different unmanned vehicles, composites continue to make the greatest gains. As moulding and construction techniques grow in adoption, stronger and lighter propellers can be made. These advances, as well as AM, also allow innovative propeller designs with longer chords and thinner tips to be tested, to push the energy and endurance constraints of UAV engines. Acknowledgements The author would like to thank Dr Willem Anemaat at DARcorporation, Steve Boser at Sensenich Propeller, Robby Rucker at McCauley Propeller Systems, Katerina Szombath at Mejzlik Modellbau, Aleks Dubas at TSL Technology, Felix Schill at Hydromea, Andrew Kondor at Aerovate, Robert Holik at APC Propellers and Mark Crouchen at Rockwood Composites for their help with researching this article. February/March 2017 | Unmanned Systems Technology CANADA Aerovate +1 807 474 1641 www.aerovate.ca CZECH REPUBLIC Fiala Prop +420 732 682 554 www.vrtule-fiala.cz Mejzlik Modellbau +420 54321 8888 www.mejzlik.eu VZLU +420 225 115 222 www.vzlu.cz FRANCE Helices E-Props +33 4 92 34 00 00 www.e-props.fr INDIA Albatross Flying Systems +91 80 28 44 44 66 www.albatrossflyingsystems.com ITALY FP Propeller +39 0532 732470 www.fp-propeller.com GT Propellers +39 0541 693399 www.gt-propellers.com SPAIN Helices Aerobat Propellers +34 617 772273 www.aerobat.es SWITZERLAND Hydromea - www.hydromea.com UK Rockwood Composites +44 (0)1626 240026 www.rockwoodcomposites.com TSL Technology +44 (0)1962 772020 www.tsltechnology.com USA APC Propellers +1 530 661 0399 www.apcprop.com DARcorporation +1 785 832 0434 www.darcorp.com Hartzell Propeller +1 937 778 4200 www.hartzellprop.com McCauley Propeller Systems +1 706 569 2300 www.mccauley.textron.com NorthWest UAV +1 503 434 6845 www.nwuav.com Sensenich +1 717 569 0435 www.sensenich.com Whirlwind Propellers +1 619 562 3725 www.whirlwindpropellers.com Xoar International +1 626 679 1158 www.xoarintl.com Examples of propeller manufacturers & suppliers