3 ms·
I don't know about wire shields, but circular guards acting as ducts should theoretically increase efficiency for quads due to the relatively slow propeller spe
by bicubic 12y ago
I don't know about wire shields, but circular guards acting as ducts should theoretically increase efficiency for quads due to the relatively slow propeller speeds. The downside is they add mass and I've yet to see a compact folding design that incorporates guards.
I think we'll see guards become a very common thing as designers find clever ways to fold them in the near future. I also think that that FAA regulations for low altitude drones in the future may very well mandate guards because they go a long way towards preventing injury.
- NickNameNick 12y agoDucts around the fans might be prohibitive from a drag in forward-flight point of view, even if they are desirable from a static hovering efficiency point of view. I don't actually have the numbers on that, but it's probably something to look out for.
- bicubic 12y agoIt depends on how you're flying but drag is generally ignored for hobby use at this stage. Increased drag will affect top speed and range, but endurance won't suffer much because the vast majority of energy is used for altitude control. If you reduced drag by 99%, the improvement in endurance would be modest for the same reason. Its a much bigger consideration for point to point missions like cargo transport though.