Research and Development on Cycloidal Propellers for Airships

Cycloidal propellers are known to be high thrust propulsors. They generate thrusts by controlling cyclically attack angles of rotating blades. In addition, they have characteristics of omni-directional and instantaneous control capabilities to yield high thrusts from small input power. We have been working to analyze their performances for several years. Experimental tests on thrust and power consumption measurements were performed with a three bladed propulsor, and indoor flight tests were carried out on an airship of 20 meters in length with a pair of these thrusters, and its flight performances were evaluated.