Back in 2008, it was decided to look at using software to optimize a system. One of the first things to come to mind was looking at optimizing the propulsion system of a Small UAV. Optimizing a propulsion system would provide things like.
To perform this study, off the shelf products were chosen as much as possible. This include many R/C hobby products such as Motor, Speed Controller, Variable Pitch Propeller Hub. To avoid using a flat plate propeller, an actual helical airfoil shaped propeller was fabricated. The electronics select at the time were a product called Phigets that would control the speed controller, measure voltage, amperage and thrust.
Below is a picture of the hardward tested
