Propellers may not be the “sexy” part of an aircraft, but the team at Athule Aero is proving they’re the key to unlocking the future of advanced air mobility. In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Tony Bacarella, CEO of Athule, to explore how their patented “Double Break” propeller technology is cutting noise by up to 75% and improving efficiency by up to 15%. From custom AI-designed blades for drones to game-changing applications in manned VTOLs, general aviation and even naval uses, Tony explains why the humble propeller is the next big catalyst for aerospace innovation.
️ Episode Highlights
- How Athule’s “Double Break” design reshapes the tip of a propeller to slash noise and redistribute thrust
- AI/ML-powered design tools that create custom propellers in days, not months
- Why noise reduction is critical for urban air mobility adoption
- The growing market for U.S.-made drone and propeller components
- Opportunities in manned VTOL, hybrid-electric regional aircraft and beyond
⏱️ Key Points with Timestamps
- [00:00:00] Welcome to Hangar X Studios & John’s introduction of the vertical economy
- [00:01:00] Why propellers are the overlooked “missing link” in EVTOL and drone adoption
- [00:02:29] Meet Tony Bacarella – Athule’s breakthrough in propeller technology
- [00:04:01] Why propellers are usually an afterthought & how Athule customizes them
- [00:04:49] The “aha moment”: validating the tech through an Air Force/AFWERX program
- [00:05:52] Explaining Athule’s patented “Double Break” blade and how it deloads the tip
- [00:08:36] AI/ML tool redistributes thrust and shapes noise profiles for each aircraft
- [00:10:20] Majority of Athule’s work is custom; mass-production also possible
- [00:11:17] Noise, FAA rules, and community acceptance for vertiports and urban c...
