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What is a 'toroidal propeller' and could it change the future of drones? An expert explains
(theconversation.com)
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The places I see them gaining traction are areas with manatees and wildlife that can be harmed by conventional propellers. If the local government enacts legislation that requires the use of them to protect wildlife for instance.
For now, they are prohibitively expensive due to the monopoly that Sharrow has with their patent. But there are other ways, such as jet ducts, to protect wildlife. But it's not so easy to retrofit a jet into an existing boat.