In the proposed STTR study, Catto Propellers, Inc. (Catto) and the University of North Dakota (UND) will create an efficient new propeller design utilizing advanced composite materials for use on small unmanned x systems. During Phase I, a comprehensive study will be conducted to develop a new propeller design in order to increase propeller efficiency, reduce aerodynamic noise and utilize innovative materials compatible with the operational requirements of these unmanned aerial systems. Lastly, UND will conduct a thorough material testing program necessary to analyze a of variety of composite materials to meet the structural requirements of this project. Catto Propellers goal is to develop a quiet and highly efficient propeller design for use in unmanned x systems coupled with the use of advanced composite materials to meet the stated goals and objectives of this STTR. During Phase I, the team will characterize a performance baseline using the existing propeller data and perform a comparative analysis to show gains in propeller efficiency, reduction in noise and the respective changes in performance as a result of those gains in a case study.
Benefit: Catto Propellers has been at the forefront of propeller design and manufacturing for the past 40 years. We have an established supply chain and platform in order to successfully transition into commercialization of the developed product. Catto Propellers has been producing propellers for the unmanned aerial market since 2017 and has manufactured propellers/rotors and prop-rotors for a variety of applications including, rotors, folding blades, drones, quadcopters.etc. Catto Propellers has been providing aerodynamic design and manufacturing in a 10,000sqft facility in Northern California that is capable of manufacturing in a variety of manufacturing methods for both prototype and production product lines. Catto Propellers anticipates incorporating the technology developed in this STTR into providing propeller, rotor and prop-rotor solutions for a variety of emerging unmanned aerial systems such as drones or quadcopters. After successfully providing prop-rotor solutions for the first prototypes in industry, Catto Propellers is looking to expand its capabilities to providing propellers for the military unmanned x systems: drones, helicopters and aircraft. Another commercial industry that will benefit from Catto Propellers developing this technology is Urban Air Mobility (UAM). UAM provides unmanned air cargo and passenger-carrying air transport in the private sector. Currently the Urban Air Mobility market size was $660million in 2018 and is anticipated to see 15.3% growth in 2019-2025.
Keywords: Propeller, Propeller, VTOL, advanced composites, UAV, Ceramic Composites, Rotor, Unmanned X Systems
