Hi All.
I was looking on a certain auction site to check out Carbon Fibre Props for my Phantom 3, I noticed that they do Triple bladed props as well as Double bladed, Can anybody please tell me if there is any difference in flight characteristics with a 3 bladed prop set. Thank You
If it was me, I would be very careful. The propellers are a critical element of the aircraft and Maintenance should be carried out as per the manufactures guidelines. On completion of maintenance details of all actions should be recorded in the Aircraft System Log for the aircraft. Changing from a twin blade to triple is not in the manufacturers guidelines Pre-Certificated Aircraft Classifications to Commission Implementing Regulation EU2019/947
Compliance with the strict UAS classification system of the above EU Delegated Regulation means that operator /pilot modifications to aircraft are not permitted for flight in the Open Category since aircraft are supplied pre-certificated ‘out of the box’.
Any proposals to modify classified and certificated aircraft will require a safety assessment and an flight Operating Authorisation as required for operations under the Specific Category.
I personally would check with DJI to see if they as the manufacturer are in agreement with you fitting a triple bladed propellers
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Hi Fairtrax,
I am not going to put th etriple props on, I am going to go with double props but I want the Carbon Fibre props, I was just wondering if three bladed props would alter the flight characteristics of the drone, when you look at a double prop towards a triple prop, the double prop is a lot longer, so I wasthinking the triple prop doesnt really add anything because the blades are shorter and slimmer than the double prop.
How does changing props on a legacy aircraft (I.e. non classified) make it a breach of EU2019/947 and thus non-compliant with the Open Category? Genuinely interested as it could effect some of my operations …
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It is not legacy until end of 2022 and can still be flown in the A2 open category with A2CofC . As of 1st January 2023 it would fall into A3 category or A2 specific category with GVC even there afterwards you would still have to comply with manufacture maintenance instructions even for legacy
There are changes a foot with the new Statutory instrument going through parliament which will incorporate both 2019/947 and 2019/945
Playing with eCalc and a 1280gram aircraft with 4500mAh battery, 9450 props 2312 DJI engines and 20A ESCs. Maximum 35 degree tilt angle
Standard 2 blades
3 blades - slightly increased payload but a 20A ESC is overloaded. Slightly reduced flight time
I think overall there will be little difference especially as maximum climb and descent speeds (and.I believe, max. speed) are set by the flight controller.
I would stick with DJI branded props rather than trust my aircraft to an unknown vendor on eBay. Even if I wasn’t too worried about losing my drone I wouldn’t enjoy the hassle if it fell on someone or their property. At least if it’s to manufacturer’s spec you have a reasonable defence in court.
BTW IANAL
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Thank you Mate. Thats all i wanted to know, out of interest, I didnt think there would be much difference in flight characteristics, .
Tri-blades are also quieter!
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There has been an update on sky wise with regards to props on Drones
https://www.caa.co.uk/Consumers/Unmanned-aircraft/Our-role/Updates-about-drones/
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