US Patent 12071228 Drone with propeller guard configured as an airfoil

A flight-capable drone that can optionally comprise: a body; a plurality of propellers each coupled to and having a fixed rotational axis relative to the body, and a plurality of propeller guards. The plurality of propellers operably configured to enable flight along a flight path. During the flight path the plurality of propellers are pitched forward at an angle relative to the flight path. The plurality of propeller guards are fixedly coupled to the body and have a least a part-annular extent. Each one of the plurality of propeller guards positioned radially adjacent a tip of a corresponding one of the plurality of propellers to protect the corresponding propeller from contact. The plurality of propeller guards are configured as an airfoil along at least a portion of the part-annular extent thereof to generate lift during flight along the flight path.