The Research Institute of Modern Telecommunication Technologies (NII STT) has developed a variable pitch propeller for power plants of small-class aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles. The device is intended for drones with internal combustion piston engines.
The propeller consists of blades that can rotate around their axis, and a mechanism that controls this. The blades are fixed in the hub on bearings. A special servo drive, through a system of rods, changes the angle of inclination of the blades depending on the flight mode – so the engine always operates with maximum efficiency.
According to the developers, the technical solution increases the efficiency of drones across a wide range of altitudes and speeds, extending flight duration and range. This is especially important for small aircraft-type UAVs, where every percentage of fuel savings translates into increased airtime. The design allows for maintaining optimal engine operation at all stages of flight, including ascent and cruise flight.