McCauley Propeller Systems announced today that its newest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) propeller for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), has successfully achieved certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

McCauley Propeller Systems is a division of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company.

“This exciting milestone and the success of our UAV propeller program are the result of a decades-long relationship and collaboration between the McCauley and GA-ASI teams,” said John Dandurand, vice president and general manager, McCauley Propeller Systems. “Together, we worked on the design and development to ensure the highest quality propeller.”

Specially-designed propeller supports multi-mission possibilities

GA-ASI's MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian, equipped with McCauley's 4-blade propeller, are designed to deliver Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) around the globe. MQ-9B is part of a family of GA-ASI systems that has achieved more than seven million flight hours over 30 years, supporting operations worldwide, from the battlefield to environmental and humanitarian efforts. SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian are designed to fly over the horizon via satellite communications for up to 40 hours (depending on configuration) in all types of weather and safely integrate into civil airspace, enabling joint forces and civil authorities to deliver real-time situational awareness anywhere.

In addition to the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian, McCauley has worked closely with GA-ASI on customized propeller design, production and support for GA-ASI's MQ-9A Reaper.

“Through investments in the latest technologies and engineering, we are propelling the next generation of McCauley products and aftermarket solutions,” said Dandurand. “This is a continuation of our commitment to innovation in the general aviation, special missions and UAV markets, in addition to new emerging technologies, including both hybrid-electric and electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL).”