Quiet, Efficient Propulsors for Next-Generation Air Force Aircraft

Cornerstone Research Group (CRG) is combining its design approach for state-of-the-art aeroacoustic performance demonstrated on the AFRL/IARPA GHO Program with a university partner’s 3D optimization and distortion tolerance design techniques to maximize efficiency of quiet propulsors for UAM and ISR markets. In Phase I, CRG successfully designed a quiet propulsor within a power class that is compatible with eVTOL, SSTOL, and DoD ISR aircraft. During Phase II, CRG will refine the Phase I design for the Air Force customer, build a prototype, and perform static thrust and acoustic testing. Commercialization plans will be developed to scale up and transition the propulsion technology into DoD applications such as ISR platforms as well as commercial applications such as eVTOL, SSTOL, and UAM platforms.