An unmanned aerial vehicle with deployable components (UAVDC) is disclosed. The UAVDC may comprise a
fuselage, at least one wing, and at least one control surface. In some embodiments, the UAVDC may further comprise a propulsion means and / or a modular
payload. The UAVDC may be configured in a plurality of arrangements. For example, in a compact arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing stowed against the
fuselage and the at least one control surface stowed against the
fuselage. In a deployed arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing deployed from the fuselage and the least one control surface deployed from the fuselage. In an expanded arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing telescoped to increase a
wingspan of the deployed arrangement. The UAVDC may also comprise a foldable
propeller blade with a
locking mechanism. Foldable
propeller blades may have a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, and the foldable
propeller blades may pivot about a hinge to move between configurations. A foldable propeller blade in a deployed configuration may experience forward folding motion due to forces acting upon it. A
locking mechanism—for example, a
ratchet and pawl—may lock a foldable propeller blade into a configuration. In a locked arrangement, a UAVDC may comprise at least one foldable propeller that locks into place to prevent forward folding tendency.