How to make the quietest quadcopter?

Hi there,

  I'm interested in making a really quiet quad copter, with modest payload requirements.

Requirements are:

Flight time:  maybe 10-15 minutes.

Payload capacity:  about 100 to 200g (not thought out completely yet)

Performance:  geared towards stability over speed or maneuverability.

Here are my initial thoughts:

1) Use the lowest KV motors possible combined with the largest props (to minimize RPM).  My assumption is that lower RPM = lower noise.  But now that I think about it, larger prop means higher tip speed, so it's not obvious to me how to get the lowest noise.  Perhaps there is some optimal point.

2) Raise the motors & props up well above the supporting arms:  This will minimize the noise of the prop washing over the support arm.

3) Make supporting arms small and aerodynamic (with the airfoil 'flying' up at the propeller.

I'd love to hear any thoughts anybody has on the subject!

Thanks,

 -Caleb

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  • I found some more information on this:  

    Looks like perhaps a ducted fan, with carefully designed, multiple, unevenly spaced blades might be a good starting point...

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fenestron

    Fenestron
    A Fenestron (sometimes alternatively referred to as a fantail or a "fan-in-fin" arrangement) is a protected tail rotor of a helicopter operating lik…
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