McCauley Propeller Systems has won a contract from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. for test and production of a new four-blade, metal propeller for the Predator B Unmanned Aircraft System.

The contract covers engineering testing and data analysis to support certification of the propeller system, together with the rate production of an undisclosed quantity of four-blade propeller systems for delivery in 2011. McCauley has supplied a three-blade prop for the Predator B aircraft since 2006, delivering the 200th in 2010. The four-blade propeller will provide the aircraft with better performance in certain operating environments.

Predator B is a medium-to-high-altitude, long-endurance UAS used as a multi-mission Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance and strike system by a variety of U.S. and allied customers.

The propeller systems will be produced in McCauley's Columbus, Ga., manufacturing plant and the engineering work accomplished in McCauley's headquarters in Wichita, Kan. Following deployment, McCauley will manage the propeller system overhaul program using its McCauley Service Station partners.