Ground-adjustable composite UAV propeller family

The Sensenich ground-adjustable composite propellers are a family of carbon fibre UAV propellers whose blade pitch can be changed on the ground, made by the Sensenich Propeller Company of Plant City, Florida. Blades and hubs are offered in several configurations to match the power, performance and noise targets of a propulsion installation.

Ground adjustability lets an operator change the propeller pitch between flights without replacing the propeller. This allows quick testing and adaptation of an aircraft to a range of operating conditions, for example when a different engine, airframe or payload configuration is being tuned. Sensenich also offers fixed-pitch propellers in wood, composite or aluminium and variable-pitch electric composite propellers for 40 to 70 hp with a redrive, for cases where in-flight pitch control is required.

The maker gives the following range for its UAV propellers: power from 5 to 200 horsepower, from piston, rotary, heavy-fuel and electric engines, direct drive or redrive; aircraft speeds of 30 to 300 knots; diameters from 15 to 98 inches (380 cm to 2.48 m); and 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 blades. Rotation can be clockwise or counterclockwise, in pusher or tractor layout.

For integration, many standard flange patterns are available, and custom flange patterns can be supplied. Protective options are a urethane leading edge, a special erosion coating and a metal erosion shield. Build-to-print and custom designs are available on request, and the page offers colour options of grey or clear. The company manufactures UAV propellers to aircraft propeller standards and inspects each propeller for conformity of airfoil and hub dimensions to the drawing.

Typical applications are fixed-wing and rotary-engine UAVs, tactical and large-engine unmanned aircraft with petrol, heavy-fuel or electric power, where the propeller must be tuned to the engine and mission. An application guide for UAV propellers is available from the maker.