r&d - uav muffler

The NW UAV muffler was designed to solve two technical problems inherent in current muffler designs: excessive noise, and air flow blockages within the structure of the muffler.

Referring to past successful uses of fiberglass as a sound deadener, NW UAV technicians have developed a muffler that suppresses noise by using fiberglass packing material. The muffler, due to its unique internal design of air flow passages, does not block air flow. The internal air is not sent through the packing as in other designs, but rather around the packing.

The advantage to this design is that if the packing becomes contaminated with fuel/oil residue it does not impede air flow. The only effect is a slight increase in noise. And the packing material and locations can easily be reached for replacement.

Research is continuing on this design. The picture shows the first model that has been tested successfully on gas engines. Decibel levels have been significantly reduced compared to other mufflers.