Re:Army computer models unveil secret to quieter small drones
by kbenson on Friday December 04, 2020 @04:26PM
(#25308256)
> A picture of a propeller craft while talking about rotors, check.
Propellers are rotors. Rotor is the generic term for something that rotates, while a propeller implies movement along the axis it is providing thrust.
In other words, a propeller is a specific type of rotor.
Re:Army computer models unveil secret to quieter small drones
by alistairSH on Friday December 04, 2020 @04:31PM
(#25308347)
The article specifically discusses rotorcraft, but with a photo of a prop-driven airplane. Rotorcraft generate their lift using rotors. Prop-driven airplanes are not rotorcraft - they generate their lift with wings (and the rotor provides propulsion only).
Re:Army computer models unveil secret to quieter small drones
by kbenson on Friday December 04, 2020 @05:53PM
(#25309405)
The article mentions rotorcraft, but I would imagine the technology works for propellers just as well, wouldn't it? And many drones in the army are exactly as pictured, propeller driven fixed wing aircraft.
I agree it does seem to be confusing as to exactly what this applies to though. The wording says one thing, but the picture and common sense seem to indicate it may not be as specific as that? /shrug
I can't imagine it'd be much more than tweaking helicopter designs to suit miniature versions. Designs they've had for decades. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if they already have rotor drones using what they're talking about.