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Prandtl Propeller: Design Process, Verification and Testing

Completed TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)

Description

Evaluate and improve the Prandtl propeller and fan blade technology. Work so far has focused on the design process and understanding benefits and applications to propellers and fans. Going forward, efforts will transition to building testing designs.

Benefits

Increased payload and range of eVTOL vehicles and a reduced acoustic signature of propellers and prop-rotors.

Details

Technology areaFlight Vehicle Systems
ProgramCenter Innovation Fund: AFRC CIF (AFRC CIF)
Lead organizationArmstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA
Start date2022-10-01
End date2023-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.