UAVOS develops main rotor blade
UAVOS has developed a new main rotor blade for unmanned helicopters with a take-off weight of 77lbs and rotor diameter of 102.36in, the company announced on 29 May.
The new solution uses the technology of hot forming of a composite 'prepreg' material, which involves the manufacture of a blade airfoil in a single step moulding. The process eliminates the delamination of the lower and upper planes as there is no glue seam.
The design also implements warping and narrowing of the blade, which increases rigidity and strength. The technology allows the creation of blades with high aerodynamic characteristics, improving performance as well as making flights more reliable under high operating temperature conditions.
Aliaksei Stratsilatau, lead developer at UAVOS, said: ‘We had to develop and manufacture the main rotor blade on our own after having encountered a number of serious problems when buying this product. Firstly, during the bench tests it came out that the blades have a rather low efficiency. Secondly, the purchased products were not accompanied by any documentation confirming their reliability and quality.
‘During the project development, our team used calculations and the experience of testing the blade for high-altitude HAPS Apus aircraft. Bench tests confirmed our calculations to be correct and demonstrated that the efficiency of the UAVOS blade is higher by 20%.’
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Fire Scout has a role to play in Indo-Pacific]()
Fire Scout has a role to play in Indo-Pacific
The MQ-8C Fire Scout rotary-wing UAV has been deployed to the Indo-Pacific region for the first time.
-
![Anka flies the flag for Turkey in Kazakhstan]()
Anka flies the flag for Turkey in Kazakhstan
A recent agreement to produce Anka UAVs holds deep geopolitical significance for Turkey.
-
![Caution tempers Japanese interest in shipborne TB3]()
Caution tempers Japanese interest in shipborne TB3
Baykar Defense aims to sell its TB3 strike UAV to Japan — but there are obstacles in its path.
-
![UK picks Skydio X2D as platform for new nano-UAS capabilities]()
UK picks Skydio X2D as platform for new nano-UAS capabilities
X2D drones from US-based Skydio with AI algorithms and a 3D scanning capability will be provided under Spiral 4 of the UK MoD Future Capabilities Group nano-UAS framework programme.
-
![DGA missile test unit puts surveillance on a tether]()
DGA missile test unit puts surveillance on a tether
The Orion 2 tethered UAV will be used to enhance observation and security at two French missile test sites.
-
![AeroVironment calls on US Army to scrap FTUAS Increment 2]()
AeroVironment calls on US Army to scrap FTUAS Increment 2
A leading competitor involved in the US Army's Future Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (FTUAS) programme wants to see a forthcoming phase in the project axed.
