Accession Number:

ADA370541

Title:

Cycloidal Propulsion for UAV VTOL Applications

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Corporate Author:

BOSCH AEROSPACE INC HUNTSVILLE AL

Personal Author(s):

• Boschma, James H.

Report Date:

1998-11-15

Pagination or Media Count:

60.0

Abstract:

BOSCH Aerospace, Inc., BOSCH Aerospace and subcontractor MSU RASPET Flight Research Laboratory RASPET accomplished successful development and testing of a prototype Curtate Cycloidal Propeller during the SBIR Phase 1 effort which concluded on October 31, 1998. This propulsion concept holds significant promise for adaptation to UAV VTOL operations. Thrust levels demonstrated were substantially higher than achievable by the best screw type propellers, and approximately equal to those of high end helicopters. Vectoring of thrust through a 3600 arc, and low noise characteristics throughout the RPM range were demonstrated. Also accomplished was identification of efficiency gain techniques that may increase the overall thrust by approximately 30.

Descriptors:

• *HELICOPTERS
• *REMOTELY PILOTED VEHICLES
• *VERTICAL TAKEOFF AIRCRAFT
• *CYCLOIDAL PROPELLERS
• FLIGHT TESTING
• THRUST CONTROL
• LOW NOISE
• AERIAL PROPELLERS
• AIRCRAFT DESIGN

Subject Categories:

• Helicopters
• VSTOL
• Pilotless Aircraft

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE