NASA's Next Mars Helicopter to Feature Supersonic Rotor Blades (heise.de)

• Ingenuity proved feasibility but had low payload capacity
• New rotor blades designed for supersonic speed
• Enables transport of heavy scientific instruments

"NASA is developing supersonic rotor blades for the successor to the Ingenuity Mars helicopter. Ingenuity proved powered flight on Mars is possible, but its lifting capacity was limited. The new blades are designed to operate at supersonic speeds to generate more lift in the thin Martian atmosphere, enabling the helicopter to carry heavier scientific payloads. Ground tests on Earth have shown promising results, but a mission timeline has not been announced."