Acoustic Signature Reduction

Audible noise generated from propeller driven aircraft has been extensively studied by aero acoustic scientists and engineers. Manned aircraft and Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems are being fielded by SOCOM for unique missions. Detrimental noise inherent to propeller driven aircraft signals approach and location, which then compromises personnel, payload, the aircraft, and mission success. Our novel bio-inspired propeller design will be employed to actively eliminate noise signature of SOCOM assets. Our novel designs will be incorporated into propellers through a commercial molding technique used to make high-performance composites. The new design will also improve thrust, payload capacity, range and flight duration through improved propeller aerodynamics. An advanced material identified by the US Air Force and other DoD agencies for its superior high strain rate performance will be used in the construction of our novel propeller design. Prototype propellers will be evaluated on a bench level test stand for noise reduction and thrust improvements, and at tier one universities by faculty members with experience in sound measurement. Flight tests on remote control scale airplanes will also be conducted. Noise measurements and test protocol described in peer reviewed aero acoustic journals will be followed to prove the feasibility of the bio-inspired design.