Boxprop, a forward-swept joined-blade propeller

Paper in proceeding, 2013

This article describes the Boxprop, a new high-speed propeller concept with forward swept joined-blade for future transport aircraft applications. Both numerical and experimental investigations of the joined-blade propeller were carried out at GKN Aerospace and Chalmers University in order to answer some of the fundamental questions relating to aerodynamic performance and mechanical integrity. The results show that the Boxprop concept works as intended and in particular that rapid prototyping methods using polymeric materials are suitable for early product development, even for functional testing of high speed propellers. Furthermore, based on the positive outcome of the experimental work described in this article, the next development step can be started by initiating the design of the counter-rotating Boxprop and wind tunnel test stand to proof the concept at TRL 3.