monopromotors

Monopromotors are a term used to describe a class of propulsion devices that are self-contained in a single motor module capable of producing directed thrust. In a monopromotor, the motor, energy source, power electronics, and the thrust-producing element are housed within one enclosure. This integration aims to reduce installation complexity, weight, and potential failure points by minimizing external connections and alignment needs. The concept is applied mainly to very small platforms where compactness and rapid thrust response are essential, such as miniature aerial vehicles and compact underwater robots.

Most monopromotors are electric and use a direct-drive or lightly geared motor connected to a propeller, impeller, or jet nozzle. The energy source is a compact battery or supercapacitor integrated into the housing, with onboard control electronics regulating speed, torque, and, if needed, thrust direction. Some designs implement thrust vectoring through a gimbaled mount or by using movable nozzle geometry, enabling orientation control without separate actuators.

Variants may emphasize different energy systems, including solid-state batteries, liquid electrolytes, or hybrid configurations, but all share the principle of single-module propulsion. Performance is described by thrust, specific thrust, power density, and overall efficiency, all constrained by thermal management and size. Scalability remains a challenge, with gains in miniature size often limiting available thrust and endurance.

Applications include micro aerial vehicles, inspection robots, and educational kits. The monopromotor concept has roots in the broader trend toward integrated, compact propulsion, with ongoing research focusing on materials, cooling, and control algorithms to improve reliability and flight time.