Highly Efficient Low Noise Propellers and Rotors for Unmanned Systems

Small Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) are critical to deploying sensors, communications and other mission payloads, however, UAS noise, most notably propeller noise, can jeopardize mission success because vehicles can be detected beyond the range of payload effectiveness.  Continuum Dynamics, Inc. and Georgia Institute of Technology propose to develop a new class of highly efficient ultra-quiet propellers that can be retrofitted onto existing Navy UAS, or incorporated into the design of future vehicles, to enhance mission suitability, effectiveness and extend viable operational life.  The proposed effort directly builds upon prior work for the Navy, Air Force and NASA to demonstrate designs that can exceed the desired 10-12db noise reduction and 90% efficiency goals.  In Phase I, emphasis will be on designing a propeller for a fixed-wing UAS to confirm that the desired performance is attainable when applied to an operational aircraft.  Phase II would continue the propeller development a testing, and would broaden the scope of effort to include rotors/proprotors for small unmanned vertical takeoff and landing aerial vehicles.