products - variable pitch /
constant speed propeller
NWUAV's Vari-Prop® constant speed propeller system, has been under continuous development since 1988. Originally designed for the small, light aircraft industry (engines from 80 – 300 hp), the propeller has been adapted for use with smaller engines, such as those for the UAV industry.
Constant speed propeller systems have been available for larger aircraft for years, and now small UAVs can benefit from this technology. The Vari-Prop® system can be bolted onto any engine that is strong enough to turn it and utilize the benefits of variable pitch. It can be mounted on direct drive engines with heavy torsional vibration pulses without wear or damage. The Vari-prop® system has the ability to custom design the proper propeller blades for the customer's application. This ensures that the customer gets the proper blades with the required length and twist.
The system is designed to meet or exceed applicable FAA and ASTM construction and safety standards and for safety, high performance, reliable and maintenance free operation. Categorically the Vari-Prop® system is the lightest weight unit on the market and one of the first systems designed for use on UAVs.
NW UAV has begun research and development for propeller blade design and variable pitch propeller systems for Small Unmanned Vehicles that will:
- expand on-station duration for small UAV’s
- optimize engine performance by enabling lower RPM engine speeds
- increase thrust for launch
- decrease acoustic signature with improved blade design
These improvements will add capability to the war fighter in the theater of operation by increasing the time on station for small UAVs and in decreasing the acoustic signature of these aircraft so that detection is reduced and these aircraft can fly closer to their target.
