Fixed props vs Foldable props | DJI Mavic, Air & Mini Drone ...

Greetings fellow Pilots, I do apologize as I would guess this has been discussed but my searches reveal nothing relevant.
Some history, been a P3P pilot since . Has been my only aircraft until now.
I just received my Mavic 3 Classic and it's the first time I've flown foldable props.
I notice a very significant handling difference between a Phantom and a Mavic. Yes I realize they are completely different air frames but I'm really wondering if it's mostly the prop difference. Those foldable blades surely must bend at the hinges and flex when maneuvering and that has to have an effect on flight.
Are there fixed props available for the Mavic series and has anyone tried them??

Greetings fellow Pilots, I do apologize as I would guess this has been discussed but my searches reveal nothing relevant.
Some history, been a P3P pilot since . Has been my only aircraft until now.
I just received my Mavic 3 Classic and it's the first time I've flown foldable props.
I notice a very significant handling difference between a Phantom and a Mavic. Yes I realize they are completely different air frames but I'm really wondering if it's mostly the prop difference. Those foldable blades surely must bend at the hinges and flex when maneuvering and that has to have an effect on flight.
Are there fixed props available for the Mavic series and has anyone tried them??

The biggest difference in landing is ground effect the blades are much closer to the ground than the P3P.

I doubt that we will see fixed blades because we would have to remove them to fold the drone.

You may have also noticed how much quieter your M3 is that has a lot to do with the blades tips and design.
When you set your M3 on a flat surface notice the angle of the blades they are not parallel to the ground they are angled. I have a P4P and it is much like your P3P in many ways. I also have a lot of Mavic series aircraft as well. I find that Mavic series aircraft are a lot quieter to work with. I also find that that they compact down a lot smaller than the phantom does as well. The Air2S that I have is about equal in size to the Mavic 3 Classic you have. I know the case that I have for the Phantom is huge because I keep the blades on it. The blades on the Phantom in order to keep the noise down I have put Low noise props on it, while I know the Air2s has it on it already. So there is a lot of advantage to the Mavic series over the Phantom line. But I still love my Phantom 4 Pro, I will always fly it.

I have a P4P and it is much like your P3P in many ways. I also have a lot of Mavic series aircraft as well. I find that Mavic series aircraft are a lot quieter to work with. I also find that that they compact down a lot smaller than the phantom does as well. The Air2S that I have is about equal in size to the Mavic 3 Classic you have. I know the case that I have for the Phantom is huge because I keep the blades on it. The blades on the Phantom in order to keep the noise down I have put Low noise props on it, while I know the Air2s has it on it already. So there is a lot of advantage to the Mavic series over the Phantom line. But I still love my Phantom 4 Pro, I will always fly it.

Great response, my Phantom 3 will stay in my "available to fly" list as long as it can be, my first love and fully trusted aircraft in any temp.
My first Mavic is a learning in progress, which i must say, being an experienced Phantom Pilot, and knowing how to fly, the Mavic is a different bird entirely. I'm going slow....

Great response, my Phantom 3 will stay in my "available to fly" list as long as it can be, my first love and fully trusted aircraft in any temp.
My first Mavic is a learning in progress, which i must say, being an experienced Phantom Pilot, and knowing how to fly, the Mavic is a different bird entirely. I'm going slow....

Awesome, Yeah my Phantom is always my baby. Nothing quite flys like her. One thought would be that the props that came with the Mavic3 are designed and intended for use on that specific aircraft. If there was some significant advantage to non-foldable props for that aircraft, I would think some aftermarket product would be made available. I’ve not hunted for them myself, so if they exist, I’m not aware.
There we’re certainly many non-foldable props available for all my old home built quads that are now collecting some dust on a shelf, but that’s been some time ago.
Foldable arms and foldable props seem to be the norm anymore.
Progress I guess. I don’t think foldable vs fixed will make much of a noticeable difference in terms of flight characteristics. I have none foldable MAS props for my Spark and other than some difference in tone, there is no discernible difference in performance. Plus I would not be using fixed props from questionable suppliers who have not tested their product extensively on such an expensive drone.

Further, the handling differences you may be experiencing could be due to the coordinated turns that the Mavic 3 does. A coordinated turn is when the AC banks to compliment its rate of turn similar to a real airplane. It took me awhile to adjust to this behaviour as well as the abrupt braking which you can adjust a bit.

Chris

My question is, when sudden motor speed changes occur what happens to blade position (due to the hinges on the prop mounts) under stress?

Think about what happens when the drone's motors stop. They are actively braked as far as I can see.
For me the props of the m2p/z stay in or very, very close to, flight position.
If they are folded when the motors are started, they are thrown outwards within 2 or 3 shakes of the drone .... which I take to correspond to 2 or 3 complete motor revolutions.

The mini 1 & 2 are the only drones that I have were the inertia of the blades drives the blades forward on motor stop, the Mini 1 & 2 blade pivots are very nearly frictionless.
In flight I think you would find that the 'centrifugal' force is sufficient to keep the blades thrown out in the flight position.

With regards to stiffness and flight response, I have a set of pattern M2P props which flex more easily than do DJI props, the response of the drone is IMO smoother with the pattern props than the DJI props. I don't use the pattern props because I have greater confidence in the DJI props.

A drone propeller is a key component that converts rotational energy from a drone's motor into thrust, enabling it to lift, hover, and maneuver. These mechanical parts, typically designed in an airfoil shape, generate lift by creating a pressure difference between their upper and lower surfaces. Propellers are essential for determining a drone's performance, stability, and efficiency, with their design impacting factors such as flight time and maneuverability. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of drone propellers, their main parameters, and the factors to consider when selecting the right propeller for your drone's specific application.

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What Is a Drone Propeller?

A drone propeller is a mechanical component that converts rotational energy from the drone's motor into thrust, enabling the drone to lift, hover, and maneuver. Typically shaped like an airfoil, propellers achieve this by creating a pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the blades, resulting in airflow that generates lift. Propellers are pivotal in determining a drone's efficiency, stability, and performance. For drones, especially multirotors, achieving balanced thrust across all propellers is essential for maintaining stable flight.

Types of Drone Propellers

Drone propellers are classified based on material, form, and the number of blades. Each type offers specific benefits and trade-offs that cater to different drone applications.

1. By Material

Plastic Propellers：

  ●Characteristics: Lightweight, inexpensive, and widely available.

  ●Advantages: Cost-effective, easy to replace, and suitable for beginner drones.

  ●Disadvantages: Less durable and prone to deformation under stress or heat.

Carbon Fiber Propellers:

  ●Characteristics: High-strength and lightweight material.

  ●Advantages: Greater durability, reduced vibration, and improved aerodynamic performance.

  ●Disadvantages: Higher cost and more brittle compared to plastic.

Polymer Composite Propellers:

  ●Characteristics: Made from advanced composite materials.

  ●Advantages: Balanced performance, combining strength, flexibility, and affordability.

  ●Disadvantages: Less common and may not be as durable as pure carbon fiber.

2. By Form

Straight Propellers:

  ●Description: Fixed in shape and configuration.

  ●Applications: Common in most drones due to their simplicity and reliability.

  ●Advantages: Efficient thrust generation and easy maintenance.

Folding Propellers:

  ●Description: Collapsible blades that fold against the drone body during storage or transport.

  ●Applications: Ideal for portable drones.

  ●Advantages: Space-saving design, reduced risk of damage during transport.

Polish Propeller:

  ●Description: A propeller with curved, scimitar-like blades designed to improve aerodynamics by reducing drag and noise.

  ●Applications: Often used in model aircraft and fixed-wing drones, especially in cases where smooth operation, efficiency, and reduced vibration are desired.

  ●Advantages: This design improves aerodynamic efficiency by reducing drag and noise while enhancing thrust.

3. By Number of Blades

Two-Blade Propellers:

  ●Characteristics: Simplest design, offering high efficiency and low drag.

  ●Applications: Commonly used in lightweight drones.

Three-Blade Propellers:

  ●Characteristics: Enhanced stability and thrust at the cost of slightly reduced efficiency.

  ●Applications: Popular for FPV (First-Person View) drones due to better maneuverability.

Four-Blade (or More) Propellers:

  ●Characteristics: Increased thrust and control at the cost of reduced flight time.

  ●Applications: Suitable for high-performance or heavy-lifting drones.

Main Parameters of Drone Propellers

Drone propellers are characterized by several key parameters that influence their performance, efficiency, and suitability for different applications. These parameters include:

  ●Diameter: The diameter determines the amount of air displaced by the propeller. Larger diameters generally produce more thrust but may also increase drag.

  ●Pitch: This refers to the theoretical distance a propeller would move forward in one complete revolution if there were no resistance. Higher pitch values can increase thrust but also require more power.

  ●Blade Configuration: The arrangement of blades affects lift and stability. More blades can enhance lift but may require more power to maintain speed.The shape of the blade's cross-section, influencing lift and drag. Rounded, pointed, or swept tips reduce noise and improve efficiency.

  ●Weight: Heavier propellers require more motor power but can provide greater momentum, while lighter ones improve responsiveness.

Interaction between propellers and Thrust/RPM

The interaction between propellers and thrust/RPM is fundamental to propulsion, as thrust depends on the speed (RPM), size, shape, and pitch of the propeller blades. As RPM increases, the propeller moves more air, generating thrust roughly proportional to the square of RPM, but at the cost of power demand rising with the cube of RPM. Larger propellers and higher pitch generate more thrust but require more torque and power, while efficiency peaks at specific RPM ranges depending on the design. Matching the right propeller to a motor ensures optimal performance, balancing thrust, efficiency, and power consumption for the intended application.

How to Choose the Right Propellers for Your Drone?

Drones are categorized into Multi-Rotor Drones, VTOL Drones, Fixed-Wing Drones, Fixed-Wing Model Aircraft, and FPV Drones, each designed for specific application scenarios and featuring distinct operational characteristics. Multi-rotor drones excel in hovering, stability, and precise control, making them ideal for photography, inspection, and delivery tasks. VTOL drones combine vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with efficient forward flight, suitable for mapping and surveying. Fixed-wing drones prioritize long-distance and endurance flights, focusing on speed and energy efficiency, while fixed-wing model aircraft are tailored for recreational or competitive flying, balancing speed, agility, or aerobatic performance. FPV drones, optimized for speed and maneuverability, are used in racing and freestyle flying, requiring responsive and durable designs. These differences shape the choice of propellers, motors, and materials, ensuring each type meets its unique functional and environmental demands.

General Factors Across All Drone Types

Regardless of the drone type, several universal factors should be considered when selecting propellers:

  ●Material: The choice between plastic, carbon fiber, or polymer composites affects durability, weight, and performance.

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  ●Motor Compatibility: Ensure that the propeller matches the motor’s KV rating; higher KV motors pair well with lower pitch props, while lower KV motors benefit from higher pitch options.

  ●Flight Efficiency: Consider how the propeller design will impact overall flight time; lower pitch props tend to be more efficient at lower throttle settings but may not provide enough thrust at higher speeds.

Unique Requirements Of Each Use Case

When choosing propellers for different drone applications, it is essential to consider the unique requirements of each use case. These requirements influence the design, size, and performance of the propellers. Below are the key differences to consider:

1. Thrust vs. Speed

Heavy-Lifting or Payload-Carrying (e.g., delivery drones):

  ●Requirement: High thrust to lift heavy loads.

  ●Propellers: Larger diameter and lower pitch to maximize lift and efficiency at lower RPMs.

Speed-Centric Applications (e.g., racing drones):

  ●Requirement: High speed and acceleration.

  ●Propellers: Smaller diameter with higher pitch for greater forward velocity and rapid RPM changes.

2. Flight Stability vs. Agility

Aerial Photography and Videography:

  ●Requirement: Smooth, stable flight with minimal vibrations.

  ●Propellers: Balanced, low-noise propellers with moderate pitch and 2-3 blades for stability.

Freestyle and Racing (FPV Drones):

  ●Requirement: High agility and precise control for sharp maneuvers.

  ●Propellers: High-pitch, multi-blade propellers (e.g., 3 or 4 blades) for better grip and responsiveness.

3. Efficiency vs. Performance

Long-Endurance Drones (e.g., surveying, mapping):

  ●Requirement: Maximizing flight time and range.

  ●Propellers: Large-diameter, low-pitch, and lightweight materials for optimal efficiency at cruising speeds.

High-Performance Drones (e.g., VTOL or military applications):

  ●Requirement: Balancing vertical lift and forward flight efficiency.

  ●Propellers: Mixed designs (e.g., folding forward-flight props or large hovering props).

4. Propeller Noise

Commercial or Urban Applications (e.g., delivery, inspection):

  ●Requirement: Low noise levels to minimize disturbance.

  ●Propellers: Noise-reducing designs with optimized tip shapes and lower RPM operation.

Racing or Industrial Drones:

  ●Requirement: Noise is less critical compared to performance.

  ●Propellers: Higher-pitch and stiffer materials to prioritize power and control.

5. Durability and Safety

Recreational Drones:

  ●Requirement: Safety and cost-effectiveness for beginners.

  ●Propellers: Flexible plastic materials that are less likely to break during crashes.

Industrial or Harsh-Environment Drones:

  ●Requirement: High durability and reliability.

  ●Propellers: Stiff carbon fiber materials to withstand stress, wear, and environmental conditions.

Conclusion

Drone propellers play a critical role in flight dynamics, directly influencing performance and efficiency. Whether you're piloting a professional-grade VTOL drone or a nimble FPV racer, selecting the right propeller involves understanding the interplay of material, form, blade count, and parameters like pitch and diameter. By aligning these features with your drone's requirements, you can achieve optimal performance for your specific application. Always remember that testing different configurations can lead to optimal results tailored to your specific needs. Grepow offers UAV batteries and semi-solid state batteries ranging from 4S (14.8V) to 18S (68.4V) with capacities up to 84Ah, designed to support a wide variety of applications and compatible with drones equipped with diverse propellers setups. If you have any questions or needs, please feel free to contact us at .

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