Cycloidal Propulsion for UAV VTOL Applications

摘要

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%.