The propulsive mode of propeller has the characteristics of high efficiency and universal applicability, and is widely utilized in modern UAVs design. The aerodynamic interaction between propellers and UAVs has a great impact on the aerodynamic characteristics, flight stability and controllability of UAVs, and the effect of slipstream is supposed to be considered in the design of UAVs. Firstly, the engineering research of the technical development, the basic theory and the analysis method of propellers are summarized in this paper. Secondly, the propulsive configurations are classified into 4 categories, and the research progress in aerodynamic characteristics of propellers and UAVs is investigated. Finally, the research status of the aerodynamic characteristics on different components is studied, and the future development trend of rotor-propelled UAVs is forecasted, which effected by the propeller slipstream. References for the selection of propulsive configurations and the optimizing design of aerodynamic interaction on can be provided by this paper.