Optimized Silent SUAS Propeller Design

ABSTRACT: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation (Aurora) asserts that small unmanned aerial system (SUAS) propellers can be made significantly harder to detect with improved aerodynamic performance using proven aerodynamic and acoustic propeller design codes. Aurora will improve the fidelity of the aero-acoustic propeller design optimization code developed in Phase I by implementing metamodels in the tool based on aero-acoustic CFD analysis. Aurora will then design, wind tunnel test, and flight test SUAS propellers to validate the tool. Commercialization of this technology will be further developed. BENEFIT: The benefits that will be achieved by this SBIR are 1) the development of a true propeller aero-acoustic design optimization tool that will provide much greater stealth, protection, and safety for US DoD small UASs and 2) creation of a new technology-based business to serve not only the US military market but also the commercial market as well as the international aircraft commercial industry. We believe that the primary customers for this technology will include SUAV users as well as UAV manufacturers. This business also offers dual-use opportunities, including the radio controlled and ultralight aircraft markets both domestically and internationally.